August is the heart of summer, and we had both a trip abroad and a family holiday! It was such a busy month of friends, summer sunshine, and getting to make so many memories. I really have enjoyed hanging out with Kai so much and being able to have more relaxing summer days. As a part of Project 365 I have taken a photo and written about every single day. Some people post monthly like me, some post daily, and some post weekly. You can check out some other bloggers at the end of this post.
August 1st – Busy, Busy Day!
I love months that start on a Saturday. They feel magical! Robin was up early today, so we hung out and played some video games until the rest of the house got up. Then, Dann joined in on the gaming. We just had a lazy morning, then at lunch, Dann and I headed into London for a Lantern Painting Class with Pure Social. This was a lot of fun. From there, we went to my favorite mini hot pot place, which was SO delicious. We then went over to Shoreditch to check out the Pokemon Go Summer Quest pop-up, which was cute. We stopped at Eataly to grab some dessert, putting a lovely end on our date day. Dann and I are focusing on more of these date nights / days lately, which has been a lot of fun. I then put on a movie and hung out on the couch until bed.
August 2nd – Pokemon Picnic and Reset
Today I slept in, then did a little bit of light work before heading to our town centre to set up for our Golden Lure Picnic. Amelia, Kai and Robin all came out, having some lunch, hanging out with friends, and checking out the golden lures. There was recently an in-game event, which resulted in a lot of people having lures, so it was a long one. Amelia and Robin (along with their friends) got Five Guys. One of the other families brought homemade cookies to the picnic, which was so lovely. After the picnic ended, our friend that we normally give a ride home to wanted to stop at a shop we don’t go to much, which was full of SpongeBob items! I picked up literally one of everything for Robin, who loves SpongeBob and is having SpongeBob as her school theme this year. We then got our friend home, came home ourselves, and I caught up on some work and chores until night.
August 3rd – It’s a Work Day
Today was a fairly boring work day. I woke up, did a bunch of work, and then Dann had DnD in the evening. I am mainly catching up on work as there is more travel this month and we are going on holiday too! So, I need to make sure everything is squared away. Dann’s DnD group was starting a new campaign that had something to do with what you’d spend £10 on at a gas station, so we went along to our local one to spend £10 and see what he’d get. This was fun! When we got home, I got dinner on and served, before doing more work, really. It was just a working day. I did sneak down to watch some of the DnD group’s presentations on their character and what they’d get at a gas station.
August 4th – Tabletop
Again, today was a working day of work and a lot of work. I had meetings today, which was a lot and quite tiring. Dann did take me to the LEGO Stores in London, as they are doing a Pokemon Go collab! In the evening, we had loads of our friends over for tabletop. I made a mix between shakshuka and ratatouille, which is Dann’s absolute favorite thing that I rarely ever make. It reminds him of something his dad use to eat. The majority of our group is vegetarian leaning, so that’s what we ended up with. Our dessert person cancelled last minute due to childcare, so I whipped up dirt n worms (the pudding and cake dessert) which everyone found to be very funny. We played That’s Dope until midnight, then everyone headed out and I went right to bed.
August 5th – Raid Hour, Dinner and Photographs
Today felt like yesterday – it was work! I had so much work and so many meetings. By later afternoon I was pretty done. We picked up Robin and Amelia to go to raid hour, where we got to see a bunch of our friends. Robin and Amelia got Five Guys, like usual, with their friends. Amelia got a shiny, and I spent a lot of time sending gifts and trying to get my steps in because if you walk 42km in 6 days, you get a special Pikachu. Afterwards, we dropped Robin and Amelia back off, along with one of our friends, before Dann and I went to take pictures of hay stacks. We did just miss the sun, but did get to see some deer quite close up, which is one of my favorite things to do. I grew up in a town where everyone hunted deer, and so seeing them so close and not being hunted feels so special. We then headed out to dinner, with Kai opting to have sushi at home. After dinner, we headed home and Dann and I hung out until late.
August 6th – Food Bank and Beach Day
Today I woke up early, meal prepped my lunch and Kai’s, and then remembered Kai wasn’t coming to the food bank as he had some plans with his friends! I went off to volunteer once again. It was a slower day, but a good day. We had quite a few people through at the end. Upstairs, there was a cooking class that brought us some lunch, which was very fun! Dann picked me up from the foodbank and took me out to the beach, where we had a beach picnic for dinner. This was so lovely! I got to take pictures of the birds and explore. We then went along the beach to a new area, where there were people on jetskiis and lots of people soaking up the sun! Then, I went home, did some work, and went right to bed.
August 7th – Friends
Today was a big friends day! I did a bunch of work today, which was a lot of catching up and getting stuff done. Throughout the day, Amelia and Robin had a bunch of friends over, who all came over at different times. They played in the pool, went on the trampoline, played Tomadatchi Life on the TV, and otherwise just hung out. Both Robin and Amelia were extremely happy to have had friends over. I harvest some of the tomatoes I grew in the garden, which was very fun. In the evening I was quite exhausted, so once everyone went home, Dann and I watched a movie and went to bed.
August 8th – Bristol Balloon Fiesta
A few years back, we attempted to go to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, but none of the balloons took off. This time, we decided to go back! So, in the morning, I packed up a bunch of lunches and items, did some work, and then we all went on a road trip. Everyone agreed it would be fun to go back, so we were all very much excited. When we got there, we spent a lot of time on the rides and checking out the various stands. Kai got a slushie, Amelia and Robin played a lot of games. In the evening, we got food there at the food stands and the balloons did take off! It was magical, I am so glad we all got to experience this together. It was just stunning! Dann then drove us back home, where we got back just after midnight and I went right to bed.
August 9th – Escape Room
After such a long day out yesterday, we slept in today. When we did all get up, we had a big lunch and then headed off to an escape room in the late afternoon – the Panic Room – which was at a venue we have done other escape rooms in. It was a very fun escape, we made it just in the nick of time, maybe, and then headed back home. I made dinner, everyone got ready for bed, and we did a bunch of packing for our trip tomorrow! Dann and I also watched a Netflix movie called The Last House, which was actually very good.
August 10th – Center Parcs Holiday
We woke up, had breakfast, and then finished packing before heading over to Center Parcs in Elveden Forest. This is our second time going on holiday there this year and our third time total. It is so much fun! First, we went on an electric boat which Kai drove, then went to Las Iguanas to have a big Mexican lunch. Then, we went on the petal boat where Robin is now tall enough to petal herself. It was fantastic. We then spent a lot of time playing in the water park, with Amelia and Dann in the main pool, Kai, Robin and myself going on the rapids. In the evening, we had dinner in, before going to the Glow Badminton bit, which Amelia found to be SO much fun.
August 11th – Center Parcs Day 2
Today we went straight to pottery painting in the morning, which was so much fun! Robin ended up making two bowls, Kai a plate with a map, Amelia made a pot, Dann made a spoon holder for our stove and I made a fairy house for our front garden. We then had lunch, as we spent a lot of time painting, before spending a million hours in the rapids and the main pool of the water park. We played a lot with our beach ball this time! Then, we went for dinner at the Indian food restaurant. It was very good! We set the kids up at home, and Dann and I went to the spa – where we very much enjoyed the samples and themed areas. Relaxed, we headed home and saw everyone off to bed.
August 12th – Center Parcs Day 3 and an Eclipse
We all slept in today, which was good for us all. After breakfast, we played It’s Muffin Time, which everyone agreed was the best board game they’ve played for a while. Robin and I then went roller skating, which was a lot of fun and quite tiring, before we returned home and got ready for some swimming. We played a lot with the beach ball again and went on some slides, before getting out and getting dry because of the Eclipse. We ate at Las Iguanas again, then got some desserts and went to the beach to watch the Eclipse. It was a really magical experience – we all sat on the beach and looked at the sun while not looking at the sun. Dann had made a pinhole projector, which we looked through, and we borrowed some eclipse glasses to take a really good look at it. I took some pictures with my camera as well! We then headed home after this and got ready for aqua jets, which Robin, Kai and Amelia all did very well. It was neat to do at night, as the pool was all lit up! Then we went home and everyone fell right to sleep.
August 13th – Center Parcs Day 4
We had another lazy morning today and played a bunch of Muffin Time, which everyone was very much enjoying here. We then went to the arcade as we were doing a rare, no-swim day. The arcade is on the smaller side, but both Robin and I won things from the claw machine! There were plenty of games before we did a round of bowling. Kai won! We then went on the electric boat again, where Kai actually asked to use my camera and take a bunch of pictures. It was nice to see him participating so well! We went to the shop after, to get more fun snacks, and then played more board games at home. Robin, Amelia and I went on a little walk where Robin said I was her hero and she is extremely happy to have me in her life, which was the most wonderful thing to hear. In the evening, we headed to the American Diner style place, where we had a big dinner, before going to glow ping pong which was a lot of fun. Then, exhausted, we went to bed.
August 14th – Final Day at Center Parcs
We got up as late as we could today, before packing all of our bags and then heading to the park. Robin and Amelia spent a lot of time playing! Then, we went off to collect our pottery and get brunch at Pancake House. Robin ended up getting pasta, which was SO silly. We then played digital bowls where Amelia and I had the dominated team. It was very fun! Afterwards, we went swimming for hours and hours, getting snacks here and there. Then, we drove home. When we got there, Dann and I sprung into action; I made dinner, Dann cleaned up and unpacked everything, the first and second load of laundry was done by the time it was bedtime. We then went to sleep.
August 15th – Catch-up
This morning we all slept in a bit, then I continued doing chores until everyone else was up. I made breakfasts and then Robin, Amelia and I all played Battle Flips. I started doing some writing as well. Then, we played and finished Pieced Together on the Xbox which was a fantastic, cozy puzzle game. I then spent a lot of the rest of the day writing, playing Neopets and getting ready for the week. We got completely caught up on laundry and got a lot of the house sorted. It was good to have a rest.
August 16th – Pokemon Go and Jimmy Eat World
Now, today was a bit of a weird day. Dann and I, along with a bunch of our friends, were invited to the Smoke and Fire festival, which we attended last year. This was cancelled two days before, due to the governments decision to not have any BBQs during this drought. We then weren’t really sure what to do with the day, so started off by doing some work then heading to the Pokemon Go Community Day where I got several shinies with backgrounds! Then, a friend of ours messaged me and invited me to the Palace Bowl to see Rise Against and Jimmy Eat World as they had some spare tickets, so Dann and I headed right there. It was SUCH a fantastic show. I really enjoyed the vibes of Rise Against, which was what Dann most wanted to see, and Jimmy Eat World was very good as well, interesting use of lighting. We then headed home and got some sleep.
August 17th – Today I Worked
Today was a bit of a nothing day! I got up, started work, and spend the day in and out of meetings and writing. I did feel like I got a lot done today! Dann made me some lovely lunch, Korean Beef, and I continued through meetings into the evening. I didn’t go out at all today and instead made some dinner for the DnD group. I had hot dogs with relish that my great grandmother made. She passed away a few weeks back, so I have been slowly eating it and thinking of summers at hers.
August 18th – Pokemon Donuts and Hair
Today was a day of doing things! I woke up early, went to a bunch of meetings, and then went out to grab some Pokemon Donuts as they’ve just launched. They were a lot of fun! I then went to go get my hair done, which took SO long, but came out really fun. I decided to put some blue at the ends, to go with the purple and make it sort of galaxy. It was a fun time with Sophie, and she’s so much fun to hang out with. In the evening, Matt brought over lasagne and I made a poke cake. We played Tension for tabletop night, which was simple and fun, and then I went to bed.
August 19th – Lunch and McDonalds
Today was a bit of a weird one! I was invited into London to go to the Xbox x McDonald‘s launch, which is interesting. But first, I woke up and did a bunch of work, then headed into London to meet up with Gary for lunch. We went to a place that Quang recommended and had some really fantastic food. Then we walked around, took photos and chatted before I headed off to my McDonalds event. This was interesting – lots of influencers, lots of trying out their new menu. I was interviewed by FuzzyYak on my knowledge of McDonald’s which was super silly. I got home early enough to go out to a movie, where I saw The End of Oak Street before going home and sleeping.
August 20th – Rain and work
I had a lot of work to do today so I got up early to do it, before Kai went to his appointment to get his grades. This was a quick grab an envelope. In the car, we all de-briefed on it, as Kai did about as well as expected. He knew he didn’t take it seriously and as a result, is not in the best place ever. Regardless, we then headed over to the food bank to volunteer. I think it was good that Kai kept his mind busy and it was the busiest day that we have had so far at the food bank. Dann picked us up afterwards, and then we headed home. We headed out to grab snacks, got caught in the rain which was exciting, and then headed home. I did more work, went to a meeting, and then Dann and I settled in for the evening watching some films I had missed traveling this year, after running out to grab dinner and getting caught in the lovely, lovely rain.
August 21st – Working Day
As Kai got his results yesterday, we got up early to get ready for his appointment at his college. He didn’t quite get what was needed, so he needed to be prepared to change some things! It turns out his college are working on working things out for him, he just needs to take things seriously at the start of the school year. Today felt like a very normal day otherwise – lots of work and then we got a takeaway in the evening, as I had been very busy during the day. Robin and Amelia played on their devices and hung out a lot of the day – we even started reorganising all of our art supplies.
August 22nd – Friends and Pokemon Go
Today felt like a very average Saturday for the summertime! We went out to a Pokemon Mega Raid day, with a bunch of our friends. Then, Amelia and Robin brought several of their friends home for lunch, where they played a lot of video games, hung out and did crafts. Then, we went back out for a bit more Pokemon and to get shakes at Five Guys. Robin actually leveled up on Pokemon Go, which was exciting! Friends ended up staying over until late, which was perfect, as it kept everyone busy! I did some cleaning and writing with my time until bed.
August 23rd – Thorpe Park
Today we got up on time and headed straight to Thorpe Park with a packed lunch! Amelia and Kai had previously been on school trips, but we had never been as a family. We had a lot of fun! There were tons of good rides for everyone. Kai spun off and went on a lot of the big roller coasters, while Amelia, Robin, Dann and I went on a bunch of the water rides. It was really the perfect sunny day to be all wet. We then headed home, where I had a crock pot dinner waiting, which just all felt perfect. What a lovely summer day! Everyone had showers or baths and slept well.
August 24th – Classic Monday
Today was a bit of a lazy Monday, as we did not have school. I did have work, and did all of my Monday meetings. Then, in the afternoon, we went to Geek Retreat and played a bunch of board games including Risk It and Donut Dunk. We also got our classic shakes! Then, we headed home where Amelia’s friend joined us for the evening. Amelia, Robin and their friend watched videos in Amelia’s room, while I got dinner sorted and served. It was a nice evening in as Dann had DnD with Kai in the front room. Then, everyone went home and I went right to bed.
August 25th – To Germany
In the morning, Kai, Dann and I started packing for Germany. I had a few meetings and a bit to do with work, but otherwise, it was a sort of travel mode. We did go out shopping with Amelia and Robin, to grab some stuff they wanted and to make sure Amelia had everything for her school starting soon. We then said goodbye to them and headed to the airport. Our flight was eventless, but when we landed I got a pretzel and went straight to our accommodation. It’s so neat to get to travel with Kai finally!
August 26th – Gamescom
We were in Germany for Gamescom! Dann and I go every year, and this year we got to bring Kai. We got up, went to the venue, and started playing games. The first day is the day that has no public access, so there is far less lines and it isn’t as busy at all. We spent all day there, grabbing some food at the venue, before heading back to our accommodation quite tired! We did go shopping and had dinner at our accommodation, which was fun, and I got a lot of work done in the evening for an event I am running from my PC, that takes place in Canada. This was actually a little stressful though!
August 27th – Germany Still
We woke up, went shopping for breakfast, and headed right to the venue. Dann and I had a few meetings, but first we all walked the main halls (which are primarily bigger games and companies) together, getting lots of samples. We also did the claw machine and tried free ice cream – the snacks at Gamescom were fantastic this year. We played games, ate lunch at the food trucks, then went out in the evening to dinner at Vapinos, with some people I had met in Canada. It was a lovely day!
August 28th – Meetings and Games
By the Friday, the event itself is really filling up, but we spent the day there playing more games, meeting up with more people, networking, and very much enjoying our time at Gamescom. Kai had actually started placing first place in Daytona, in the retro section, which he was proud of. He also saw a lot of characters from a video game he has played! I went off to a few meetings, which were very productive. In the evening, we went out to a very traditional dinner, where Kai got to have a little beer, which he thought was SO cool, of course.
August 29th – Tourist Stuff
Today, we were not going to Gamescom as it’s far too busy! Instead, we spent our last day doing tourist stuff. We went to the chocolate museum, which had changed so much since I took my brother all those years ago when he visited us. We had a good time walking around and tasting chocolate. Kai even made his own custom bar. We then did a chocolate tasting, which was very fun – it turns out chocolate was made smooth by mistake! – and then headed to lunch at an Asian place that smelled so nice. Afterwards, we went to Ludwig Museum, which is an art gallery that felt like a lot of fun, before walking across the Lock Bridge and checking out the high street. Then we went to the airport, where we had an uneventful flight and landed back home in time to sleep.
August 30th – Pinball and the Town Show
Obviously, we were really busy when we got back. In the morning, Dann’s birthday gift arrived. I have got him a full-sized Pinball machine – the Pokemon one. We had spent the last week or so before Germany making space, putting stuff in storage and downsizing stuff we didn’t use. It came today and we got it in and set up. Then, Kai, Dann and I went to the Harlow Town Show – which was interesting! There was some good food for lunch and lots to do. In the evening, Dann and I went to the night show, which was a lot of fun, with tons of music and a fantastic stage. Then, we went home and went right to bed.
August 31st – Classic Monday
Today, we got up and picked up Robin and Amelia. We then hung out all day, having some lunch and playing video games. In the afternoon, we went to Geek Retreat and played a couple of board games, before heading into town for Pokemon Go. It’s actually a mega raid week, so there are raids all week. The turnout was fantastic. Then, we headed home, had dinner and watched Dann’s friends react to having a pinball machine in our livingroom as they were there for DnD. Robin, Amelia and I went to the movies to see Spider-man again, as they wanted to, and then we headed home for bed.