Our Family – October 2020

Last Updated on 15 April 2023 by Colette

As I sat down to write this post, I said to Ben, “Tell me what you’ve loved this month – let me look at the calendar to remind you what you’ve done. Oh, nothing.” And that about sums it up really.

October has been a funny month in that we saw a brief relaxation of restrictions in our area – not because there had actually been any improvement in the figures, but because we were bring brought into line with the rest of Greater Manchester ahead of being moved into Tier 3 this weekend.

That brief respite allowed me to spend some much needed time with some of my best friends over the course of last weekend, and for Amy to finally get to spend some proper time with Erin. Of course we knew it would be short lived and the move to Tier 3 came as no shock. In many ways Tier 3 is actually not really that different to what we’ve been living for months in our area – in fact we actually have slightly more freedom in that we are allowed to meet in groups of six in a public, outdoor setting – which at least means the odd play date in the park for the kids or a dog walk for me.

And so of course, it has been another month spent almost entirely in our own company, with probably several more months to go – it’s a good job we like each other but we are all really missing our friends and wider family.

Dave is loving

* A fancy tasting menu and wine pairing at The Man Behind The Curtain
* A fancy new (to him) road bike that actually fits his giant frame properly!
* Stretching out his cycling season out way beyond it’s usual end (which is typically June if we’re being honest)
* The anticipation of his swish new car finally being delivered (it was meant to be here mid May but is due this afternoon!)
* Taking time off with the kids for half term

Colette is loving

* Making it to half term in one piece
* Precious time with friends thanks to a brief relaxation of restrictions
* The poshest bush tucker trial I’ll ever experience
* Bothering to blow dry my hair and wear it down for a change
* The cosiest new winter coat (it’s practically a sleeping bag)

Ben is loving

* Getting some miles in with Grandad & Aunty Nic (even though it was wet!)
* His new overshoes to keep his feet warm and dry
* New gears on his bike thanks to his Dad’s tinkering
* An end of half term McDonald’s trip
* Reaching half term without having to isolate
* Playing Minecraft with his new school friends

Chloe is loving

* A girlie shopping day
* Learning about the Victorians
* Whatsapp chats with Aunty M
* Learning about her ancestors thanks to her Great Aunty & Uncle sharing their family tree research with her
* New pjs
* A resurgence in her love of Harry Potter

Amy is loving

* Wearing her sisters hand me down Doc Martens
* A surprise day out with her bestie thanks to a brief change in restrictions
* A sunny family walk in Heaton Park
* Denim skirts
* Moving up a reading level

Poppy is loving

* Her enormous fluffy new bed from ALDI
* Her coffee stick
* Lots of off lead time and adventures in Heaton Park
* Chasing leaves
* Stealing things from the kids’ room (especially socks or head bands)