M&D 50th anniversary

This was at Moonfleet Manor near Weymouth over the bank holiday. It's a hotel in the Luxury Family Hotels chain. I'd quibble slightly with the luxury tag, just because the rooms were a bit small, but the facilities for kids were brilliant - indoor swimming pool and huge playroom included. Ours loved it. The trouble was, they were all in one room, which was so tremendously exciting for Jim that he didn't go to sleep until about 10 the first evening, after being allowed to stay up late watching Harry Potter. C had gone up relatively early as she was feeling rather coldy, and a little while later I had a request via reception to go upstairs. As soon as I got there they fell asleep, of course.

We went for a big family walk to Abbotsbury the next day, in unaccustomed sunshine and mucho complaining (initially) from Amy and Minnie. However, they settled in to it and all did extremely well - the longest walk they had ever done at about 5 miles. The only problem Jim had was with th very soggy cow field, where he wailed upon getting water in his shoes "but this is mostly COW WEE!" Very welcome pub at the end, then a swim at the hotel. Another nice meal, and children inevitably fell asleep much earlier. They slept until 8!!! Said goodbye to everyone and came home via the FAA museum at Yeovilton. It was good, especially the Ark Royal "carrier experience" but they really need a big carrier and some F35s to talk about.

Was good to be home. At Fleet services we all crammed into a photo booth and took a stupid snap. Felt like a proper family.