I had a fantastic time away with the girls Friday night and Saturday. But, coming home to find the house and garden a mess of children's toys and unwashed dishes, there is only one question on my mind.

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Is it worth it?

The mess was, of course, predictable after leaving three boys (of 2,4 and 32!) alone in the house for more than 10 minutes! I also knew I'd have to clear it up before our friends come round tomorrow. This prospect seemed okay, viewed from before the mess, with 24 hours of intelligent, adult chat, Italian food, wine and cocktails to look forward. Now it's viewed from the actaul chaos, things look rather different!

Of course the only real answer is probably for me to realise what a pettifogging (my new word of the week from Legend Press's blog) detail this is in the grand scheme of things. My mother-in-law's plans for my father-in-law's birthday may help. She has hired an adult bouncy castle for today. His grandsons will certainly be impressed, even if no one else is!