We are a very close family and we all get together at my parent’s house quite a lot. But with everyone working, and throw in three dogs, it’s very hard for all of us to be able to go out together.

Bank holiday weekend was a lovely, very family orientated couple of days. On Saturday evening, we went to my parents to have a few drinks to celebrate my dad’s birthday. The kids love this – they end up being the centre of attention and they know they end up with a sneaky glass of lemonade and some late night crisps if they’re good! On Sunday, my mum did an afternoon tea for us all. There were sandwiches, salads, cheesecakes, muffins, scones – all homemade. There was so much food! I never thought I would be defeated by cake, but Sunday was a first!

On Monday, all of us – my parents, my two brothers, my sister in law, Graham, me, the kids and the three dogs all had a drive over to Cannock Chase, where we went on a good long walk, followed by lunch and beer in the pub! It was really nice that we all managed to get out together. Hopefully, in the summer, we’ll be able to do this a few more times!