I cannot believe that we've only been back at school for such a short time and already I'm having to delve into the lost property box at my son's Hillingdon school.
During Alex's first week at school he lost his PE kit and school fleece. Yesterday he came home without his PE shorts, with someone else's school shirt and the icing on the cake - with only one shoe!
I am obsessive about naming things, everything has an ironed in name label as well as thick black writing in indelible ink and initials everywhere so I know we'll get them back eventually, But, I ask you, how on earth do you lose a shoe?
After Alex and I had words about looking after things and how much things cost, my other half quietly pointed out to me that he's definately my son as I'm always losing things too!
One hunt that drives me mad every year is the December trawl through the loft for the Christmas decorations. Every year I promise myself that I'll put the boxes away carefully with name labels facing out so I can see what's there, but every year I fail miserably.
I know you're probably thinking 'Why on earth is she mentioning Christmas in October?' but I do have a good reason! It's that time of year when I start thinking how brilliant it would be to take a family trip to Lapland to see Father Christmas but with the credit crunch I can't justify spending that much money.
Alex is seven now and although my aim is to keep the magic alive as long as possible, I wonder how long it will be before he works out the truth about the big man red.
Whilst he still believes, now is the time for a Lapland visit but the budget just won't spread that far unfortunately.
I'm pleased to say I've found a brilliant alternative to the fullon Lapland experience and best of all you can reduce your carbon footprint as there's no need to get on a plane!
Tickets went on sale last week for Lapland UK (www.laplanduk.co.uk) where the Bewl Water Estate in Kent will be transformed into a winter wonderland from the November 10 until December 24.
The experience begins with a personalized invitation to each child from Father Christmas asking for their help to assist the elves in the toy factory.
Families then enjoy four hours of fun on the day starting with a visit to the toy factory where children train as apprentice elves, followed by a visit to help Mother Christmas in her gingerbread house.
Next up is sending a letter to Father Christmas at Lapland UK's North Pole Post Office.
Visitors will learn about the indigenous Saami people of Lapland, they'll visit their tented encampment and meet the husky dogs and reindeer.
A two-course meal and ice skating is also included in the ticket price. When you make your booking you give information about your child's interests and friends and when you get to the highlight of the day, the family audience with Father Christmas, the children will be amazed when Father Christmas knows their friends names and some of their hobbies! How clever is that?
Tickets aren't cheap starting from £55 but when you compare it to the cost of flying to Lapland it's a bargain! The price includes a meal, all activities and quality gifts for everyone.
To find out more visit www.lapland.co.uk or call 0871 221 9627.
