SING along with me: 'School's ... out ... for ... summer!' Yay. and here I am clapping my hands with joy that I won't be packing up a lunch box, assembling uniforms, unearthing PE kit and negotiating the Hillingdon school run for the rest of the summer.
Poor Alex has had to put up with two weeks of extremely uncomfortable school shoes that pinch his toes.
Call me mean, but there was no way I was going to fork out on new school shoes for a fortnight, which he no doubt would have outgrown before September.
I know I will face polite nodding from the lovely Mr Radia, who runs Beekay shoes in Crescent Parade in Hillingdon, where we always buy Alex's school shoes.
Alex will live in flipflops and trainers all summer. These will be fit for the bin come September, when I'll be more than happy to replace said school shoes.
Mr Radia will look shocked when he sees that Alex has gone up a whole size and a half since we last visited, and I'll try my hardest to feign surprise. I blame him for selling great quality shoes that really last the daily kicking they get in the playground.
We've gone to this unpretentious shoe shop since Alex's very first pair, and I wouldn't go anywhere else. The quality of the shoes is fantastic, they are professionally fitted and you just know that they'll last and last.
I WAS so delighted to hear from Sarah Mustoe, the Hillingdon 'supermum' who raised the money for a Peter Pan theme playground to be built in the grounds of Hillingdon Hospital.
Digging started on the ground last week, and they hope to have the playground completed before the summer is out, so that children on the Peter Pan and Wendy wards at the hospital can enjoy the playground before the weather turns.
After many a day sat in the hospital looking out at the grassy area behind Wendy Ward, when Alex was attending the allergy clinic at the hospital, I know it will be welcomed by all the families there.
I can't wait to go and see how work is coming along, and seeing Sarah's amazing plans finally coming to fruition.
IF YOU are looking for a good event to kick off the school holidays, I can recommend the annual Teddy Bears' Picnic, a big, free occasion for families with young children living in the borough.
Co-ordinated by the Families' Information Service, the picnic takes place on Tuesday between 12.30pm and 4pm at Manor Farm in Ruislip. All you need are a teddy and a picnic, and you can enjoy lots of free activities.
Amanda's Action Kids will be there running their unique fun and fitness classes, there will be dance displays and ballet and High School Musical workshops, run by talented local company Futunity, as well as storytelling, shows, face painting and an entertainer. For more information call 01895 678 800.
