I'm as usual way behind on photos, but James has some lovely ones from our expedition to Wimpole Hall a few weeks ago.

Last week, Charles and I collected Loïs from kids club clad head-to-toe in waterproofs and somewhat shivery. Yesterday we were in shorts and tshirts and had a leisurely sunny walk round to the shops afterward. Summer is here all of a sudden.

Yesterday evening they chased each other around the garden, in comedy slapstick style, with giggles and gleeful grins, while Jonny and I sat in comfort on the sofas and watched them through the open patio door. Later we ate indulgent pancakes and watched recorded CBeebies, and Charles clambered over both me and L repeatedly.

Loïs asked, on listening to Charles's energetic babble, "Are you sure he doesn't just speak a different language and we don't understand it?"

It's a delight having her round to play - I enjoy her conversation, Charles adores her, she seems to love playing with him, and most of the time I get a bit of a break while they entertain each other.