rites of passage...

this week has been manic. from the 9am Monday blood tests to the traffic jam on the way to my parents house yesterday evening, it's been one of them weeks. and this is in part because I go on holiday on Saturday morning so the work/ life gods look down and punish you by multiplying your tasks and throwing in some unexpected traumas to sort.

but now I'm packed and my little boy is settled with his grandparents and the dog is settled with the grandparents too and I'm getting really really girlishly giddy and excited because today, before any holiday, one of my best friends gets married.

i've been to a good number of weddings over my 20s and I've been a bridesmaid 4 times in that time too, but I've never been to a childhood/ teen hood friend's wedding. and it got me to thinking about the rites of passage you experience with your friends, as a girl, along your lifetime. the first kisses, the discos, the fights, the first try of a cigarette, the heartbreak, the first drink. that night with a waiter on holiday, that affair... they might break us but our friends re build us. and we live to love and fight and drink and make mistakes some more with our friends by our side to watch and help where needed.

i jumped ahead of all my friends by getting married first and I've already had my first baby, so I'm super excited to watch them take the steps. another of my best friends, who I met in adulthood though, married at a similar time to me but since then everyone has steadied off, no life changes. it's all really new for me to be on the observation deck and I love it. i am expecting shed loads of tears on my part because a) I love weddings and b) because she's one of my girls. i know I can handle married life and babies because I'm here and I've survived 3 years of one and almost 2 of the other. but now she's going to do it all too and it's not always easy and sometimes it hurts. with babies it really hurts.

but above all I'm just so excited to start the journey again. to be there when a friend takes that leap of faith. so cheers to love, friendship and holidays.

bolshy babies, beautiful views and lots of wine...

yes its extended family holiday time. eight reasonably sane adults, two toddlers and one feisty eight month old depart Yorkshire for the equally beautiful, if not more breathtaking, Lake District.

we do an annual jaunt away with Did's family, often the Lakes, usually in Spring, and its a few days of quality time with the family with lots of laughs and plenty of fresh air. in years gone by, before babies came along, it was daily walks and activities and late nightly drunkenness. we're still trying to walk a few miles and put away as many units as we used to but nap times and sheer tiredness are creeping in and interrupting.

what we all love about a week away, and it can be anywhere to be honest, is the pure fact its away. its away from day to day chores, work and stresses. as i write this i am sat in the large bay window of the front sitting room of our holiday home with views across farmland and fields towards Penrith. at home there would always be something else to do that would take presidence over just sitting and enjoying the art of writing.

so far we have spent a few gorgeous hours walking along the banks of Ullswater, skimming stones and taking photos. the boys have climbed Blencathra via Sharp Edge (apparently Wordsworth described this as the most treacherous part of the Lake District), the girls and babies have visited Keswick for a Sunday wander and suffered the diners of Abraham Cafe the most chaotic lunch. We've played in the park and sampled the offerings of the village pub.

ive also taken this holiday as the first opportunity to really give photography a go. my dad has passed me down one of his vintage cameras to get started with while i save up to buy myself a digital slr. ive not got the most technical brain but ive really enjoyed studying the manual, circa 1987, and getting tips and hints online. its frustrating knowing im restricted to 24 photographs but im choosing my subjects carefully and im looking forward to seeing the results.

im still not quite used to searching for 'family activities' when we're away but its quite exciting seeing familiar places through the eyes of a child. over the next couple of days we're hoping to take a boat trip (photograph opportunity for me) and visit a wildlife sanctuary. right now i need to make another cup of coffee before the boy wakes up (that will put the kiss of death on his nap...) and continue with my holiday.

goodbye UK, hello Africa...

last night was one of those really good sleeps, where you close your eyes and fall excitedly asleep so tomorrow comes quicker. the sleep you have before Christmas Day (unless you're drunk), your birthday and the sleep before you go on holiday.

we're setting off leisurely in a few hours to Manchester airport (don't get me started how how exciting I find airports and the shopping) on our first break since last May that's just Dave and myself. we've done weekends away all over the Uk and centre parcs with family, but some lulu and did- bob time is well needed.

a holiday is even more welcome when it's a baby-moon. we've spent so much time together over the last few months, planning and prepping but not really stopping to just enjoy each other.

so Marrakech here we come. we're doing it the middle class tourist way and staying just outside in an all inclusive hotel, but to be honest, I need that right now. we'll take some trips into the red city during the day and when the sun sets but 6 months pregnant is not the time to back- pack it and ride a camel. we're seeing this as a taster of Marrakech, then we can come back one day soon with lentil.

so expect many photographs (one thing I love taking photographs of is markets and food) and holiday outfits on twitter and I'm looking forward to posting when I get home.