It's been a long school term so we've been fired up about the start of the summer holidays for weeks, but I didn't expect them to start literally with a fire...

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Yes, I kid you not, Friday night our tumble drier caught light! Fortunately, there were no flames - just lots of smoke, and it was before we went to bed (I won't leave it on at night or if we're out). But it turned our already busy weekend into an even busier one, tidying up and replacing the now defunct drying machine!

Both my boys are well in need of the school break, as am I. Though we're all naturally early risers, it's still a struggle to get us all ready and out on time every morning. The holidays look to be busy too though, just on our own timescale!

We started the holidays with a birthday party my elder son had been invited too on Saturday. They had great fun, as did we. Even his old teacher and teaching assistant seem to enjoy it as one of the kids persuaded them to try out the bouncy slide!

Today was more sedate with a barbecue down at my parents. It also gave me a good chance to play with my new camera and I was flattered when my Dad asked if he could read some of my work as part of a playathon he's taking part in to raise funds for the local drama society. Definitely a better start to the hols than Friday night. I hope it's not tempting fate to wonder what's next?