July was such a full month. Pregnant and full of goodness.
We began the month in Sardinia, on our very first family holiday together. And we’ve ended it at Camp Bestival — more on that to come!
July also saw my boy and I host our annual family barbecue (I’ve mentioned this once before).
It all began around 8 or 9 years ago, with just the two of us and our parents; in celebration of fathers’ day.
Then the following year — as we’d invited our parents for a replay — my sister and her husband gatecrashed, as she wanted to spend time with our dad too.
(Along with my sister in law and her husband, for exactly the same reason.)
Followed by their kids, as they wanted to spend time with their dad and their grandad.
So what began as a little gathering has grown — ever so slightly — over the last few years.
Plus, with the addition of three new members of the family (my niece, followed by our twins 6 months later) — very soon to be four, with the arrival of my sister’s new baby this coming winter — this little gathering has snowballed.
A couple of weekends ago, we were 19 adults, 3 little ones and a bump.
It’s a raucous, noisy affair and — without question — one of the highlights of my year; something that we all look forward to very much.
There’s always lovely, lovely food — my boy excels himself on the BBQ each year and both my sisters-in-law make a mean cake/dessert — plus there’s enough Pimms, wine, beer and other (generally alcoholic) beverages to drown an army.
Everyone stays in the little hotel pub in our village so it means that no-one has to drive (or leave too early). It’s a lovely — and rare — opportunity to hang out with our nearest and very dearest. There’s always a lot of laughter, merriment and good cheer; come rain or shine.
All in all, it’s a blast.
And, the very best thing is, it gives the whole family chance to catch up properly in a relaxed environment.
Generally — apart from Christmas, weddings, Christenings and (perish the thought) funerals — there aren’t really occasions when the entire family gets together, en masse, but this annual event ensures that we get to spend a lovely day together.
So my Me and Mine post this month is a little bit special as it documents this golden time in our lives when we’re all together.
We’re all happy — and healthy — and life is good.
Long may it continue.
So, July, in a nutshell:
This month’s highs ~
• Going to Perdepera in Sardina, courtesy of Mark Warner.
• Working in my She-Shed for the first time!
• The annual summer barbecue — getting to hang out with our nearest and dearest.
• Camp Bestival
This month’s lows ~
• Nothing! Hurrah!!
What a lovely me and mine post! This is such a great tradition, and how lovely that it’s grown with each year and growing families. I now really fancy a glass of Pimms!! ; )
Thank you so much for linking up to #MyCapturedMoment xxx
Aah thanks H — it’s one of my fave days of the whole year! I so look forward to having the whole family together :) xx
Your annual family barbecue sounds brilliant! Such a lovely tradition!! It is always so special when the whole family gets together. For us, it’s always Christmas. We make sure we all get together for some quality family time. #MyCapturedMoment
Aaah it’s SUCH a good day!!! Always so lovely to see everyone together — it happens all too rarely these days xx