• Waking up in Dorset. We’ve just come to the end of an incredible 12 day stay at my parents’ house in Bridport.
• Luxuriating beneath the crisp white bed covers for as long as possible.
• Heading downstairs for a mug of tea and a natter with my mum.
• Snuggling with the children on the sofa.
• Grabbing a quick shower.
• Polishing off a slice of nutella on toast for breakfast.
• Coaxing the kids into their clothes.
• Strolling to my mum’s car.
• Driving to Dorchester.
• Visiting The Dinosaur Museum. Isabel and Jesse loved it, especially the interactive exhibits on the first floor.
• Pausing for elevenses at Potters Cafe.
• Relishing the taste of warm Dorset apple cake smothered in clotted cream.
• Making a mental note to try baking some myself. Can anyone recommend a recipe?
• Pottering to the shops.
• Swooning over kitchenalia in Steamer Trading Cookshop.
• Making our way back to the car and setting off towards Hardy Monument.
• Exploring the adjoining heathland.
• Flashing our National Trust card and climbing to the top.
• Enjoying the breathtaking views.
• Carefully climbing back down the incredibly steep steps.
• Driving the short distance to Abbotsbury Swannery. I’ve been visiting this attraction since I was a child and it’s still a great day out.
• Hitching a ride on a trailer pulled by a tractor.
• Strolling along the narrow paths, admiring the colony and soaking up the beautiful surroundings.
• Picnicking amidst the trees.
• Snapping a few more photos of the swans.
• Perching precariously on a hay bale while the children took a turn on the go-carts.
• Getting lost in the maze.
• Enjoying the sunshine.
• Marching back to the car via the gift shop.
• Making our way home.
• Relaxing on the sofa.
• Touching up my makeup.
• Treating my parents to dinner at Montien in Bridport.
• Considering just how much I love Thai food. And red wine.
• Feeling full.
• Taking the children home to bed.
• Chatting and drinking in the kitchen.
• Collapsing into bed.
• Waking up at 6am, my head buzzing with thoughts of home.
• Reluctantly packing our cases.
• Enjoying one last breakfast in my parents’ kitchen.
• Saying our goodbyes.
• Driving to Axminster.
• Hopping on the train.
• Reading Tarka the Otter all the way to Bristol. It’s filled with stunning description of the natural world, I’m completely mesmerised.
• Arriving to brilliant sunshine and bright blue skies above the city.
• Silently commending myself for madly tidying the house before we left.
• Sorting the holiday laundry and sipping tea.
• Meal planning and ordering food.
• Deciding the last night of our holiday warrants a takeaway and lots of lounging on the sofa.
• Looking forward to a busy month ahead now that I’m feeling much more rested and refreshed.

Love Audrey xxx