Writing from the drivers seat - killing time with a sleepy child in the backseat

It's been a while since writing one of my life from the drivers seat posts, Opeie hasn't done much napping in the car recently and with Seth being off school we couldn't really be sitting around for hours anyhow, it wouldn't be fair on him. Today though after dropping Mrs M off at work, the plan was to pop over to nanny and grandads so they could see the boys. Opeie was exhausted and soon dropped off so when we got there Seth went in to entertain the excited grandparents and auntie Lotty, and me? well I have this quiet half an hour to blog away.

I cant believe that there's only a week or so of the summer holiday left, i don't know where the time has gone. Seth has Informed me that he doesn't feel ready to go back to school yet and also that he would prefer it if he had the weekdays off and the weekends for school. I'm not sure the government and education board would go for that but you never know it may be worth putting in writing. 

The school years go by so much quicker as a parent than I remember them going as a child. I don't remember all that much of infant and junior school, i have really hazy memory around that time apart from dressing up like a tea pot, Morris dancing in the playground, and marrying my girlfriend from age 8-11 in front of the school for our leavers assembly while parents sobbed. (it was a bizarre way to leave school at 11), that pretty much sums up my school life ages 5-11. It's no secret that I hated secondary school, I did the work but I never felt comfortable apart from when I was in my art class, it wasn't a great time for me. That being said I did have some fun friends and time outside of school was always filled with adventure.

It would be amazing being a child again and I always say how i'd love to see things through the boys eyes for just one day. I don't envy them having to go through school though and as a parent that has been through a crappy time at school i do worry that they will have a rough time too. If our situation had been different we would be home schooling the boys but sadly that's not an option.

It will be interesting to see how the boys turn out, they are having a great start and are kind well rounded children with parents that will back them up with anything they decide to do so i think they will be just fine.

"Grandparents, like heroes, are as necessary to a child's growth as vitamins."

Opeie loves everyone that gives him attention, he's a very loving boy and is happy to dish out the kisses and cuddles. The one person that is sure to get his undivided attention though is 'Grandad', Opeie adores him. We have a great relationship with Mrs M's parents (Gary and Ruth) and we always love spending time with them. Grandad really interacts well with the boys but i always knew he would after the countless times Mrs M has told us about her childhood. A few days back they came round to see us, Opeie and Seth were reading on the bed and within seconds of me saying 'Nanny and grandad are here', Opeie had leapt up, shouted Grandad and ran to the door.

We had a good chat as we hadn't seen them for a few weeks but Opeie and grandad happily sat together reading book after book and trying on super hero masks. I think that this kind of interaction is so important and really forms a great bond.

Ive recently been let down and am really disappointed by my own dads lack of effort made towards Opeie, so having such a good relationship with Mrs M's family is really important to me. It's nice to know that The boys are getting the love and affection that they deserve from their grandparents. I think that Gary also understands why its me at home as the stay at home parent and that's really important to me. Both him and Ruth are always commenting on what great parents me and Mrs M are and thats always nice to hear from someone else.

Gary and Ruth have done so much for us over the years and i like to think that we have been there for them when they have needed us. It's important to make an effort with the people that care about you and it is something i will always make sure the boys fully understand.

"Grandparents are a delightful blend of laughter, caring deeds, wonderful stories and Love."

Yesterday we had a visit from Mrs M's parents which was lovely. It's always nice to see them and I'm really greatful that we have such a good relationship. They sat down and said to Opeie "look what we've got for you". Knowing how much the boys love Batman they had brought a Batman figure and as soon as I laid eyes on it I thought 'uh oh'. It's was a figure from the DC action league range. I've seen these about since starting the super hero squad collection, their the DC equivalent and I've been itching to start a collection of them for some time. I'm not sure how Mrs M will feel about me starting another collection but at least now I can blame it on Nanny Roo and Grandad Gary.

Opeie has barely put it down since opening it yesterday and is sitting next to me as i write this clutching it. he spent most of the time while nanny and grandad were round really investigating his new toy. I love watching how interested he is in things. although presents are not important in comparison to time and effort from their grandparents it's really nice that they take an interest in the things that the boys like. The boys are so lucky to have such caring grandparents, who have so much time for Opeie and Seth.

Thank you Nanny and Grandad you've made our little prince very happy and Batman and The Riddler have become the best of friends xx