When we first moved into our multigenerational house, the twins were a mere twinkle in their Daddy’s eyes. They weren’t due to arrive for another two months and we were hoping to at least start on the refurbishments before they arrived home.

They arrived a couple of weeks early, unsurprisingly for twins, both a healthy weight at just under 6lb.

 

Those first few weeks and months were incredibly difficult. Two weeny babies that didn’t feed or sleep at the same time. Mum trying to eat and fit in the odd nap herself around them and the other children. We were still working and on days off, trying to knock holes in walls, build new ones and decorate, whilst trying not to wake them and help Mum with all the children.

With so many living in the house, it is and always will be an ongoing project 😬.  But in between the building work, the decorating, the constant washing, cleaning and cooking, there have been lots of relaxing, happy times too.

We have been lucky enough to be a part of all 5 siblings lives, watching them grow, seeing the elder two through their teenage years 😳, and into their adult lives, forging their own careers and embarking on their own adventures. We have been able to offer support during the battles for Li Li’s education and as he goes through his teenage years 🤯 assist in trying to guide him through to the next phase of his life (but that will be a whole other story 😬)

The twins, although very similar to look at, are not identical and have their own very unique characters. However when we look back at photos, we occasionally question which one is which, and wonder if we ever got them mixed up (but I don’t think we did )🤞

From those very early days, with their little chicken legs poking out of their rompers, always with a dummy to hand to comfort them if one was sleeping or being fed (mum only has one pair of hands) or sometimes just to shut them up 🤐

They have and I think always will have a special bond. Although they can and often do fight, they have rarely spent a night apart and miss each other when they are not together.

Most milestones were learned at the same time, sitting, walking, feeding themselves or each other and although we all want our kids to start talking, with two together there were times we wished they’d be quiet. 😂

We have been on hand to look after them if Mum needed to have some “me” time, but the boys were always awaiting her return.

There have been lots of days out together, from their first pirate day, to steam train days to a trip to the park. We have enjoyed lots of holidays, to Center Parcs with the rest of their family and camping trips, with us and Li Li, in our trusty camper van Kenneth.

Christmases have been hectic, but (and this comes from someone who is Mrs Grinch) on the whole they have been wonderful family times with our household and extended family.

In the early days we spent lots of days in the garden, out walking and taking them to the nearby school playground (before everything was locked down 🙄) so they could learn to ride their first “big” bikes.

Then poof in what seemed like an instant they were ready for their first day at school 🥲 Being August babies, they had only just turned 4 when they started school and looked so tiny as they headed off in their uniforms and with their book bags, which were almost as big as them 🤗. We were a little nervous as they were in separate classes, spending every day apart, but they embraced the challenge and thrived.

After a school eye check, shortly after they started, twin one began wearing glasses. It made it easier to quickly tell who was who, but they thought it was hilarious (and still do) trying to trick us to see if we could tell them apart.

And then there was lockdown. We went from attempting to home school by printing off maths and English work, getting them to read to us and doing projects to keep their minds active, to throwing it all in the air and using our daily walking allowance, going on bear hunts, and treasure trails, cooking and gardening. The way we looked at it they were reading treasure maps and recipes, they were learning life skills and they were being active in the outdoors. They had daily zoom catch ups with their teachers and classmates too. Thankfully they are bright kids and it doesn’t appear to have held them back. But boy were we glad when school reopened 😮‍💨

They have gone from strength to strength, participated in World Book Days, learned to ride without their stabilisers, learned to swim and generally enjoy what life has to offer. Twin 1 enjoys drawing and crafts, and is a gifted artist. Twin 2 is more of a dare devil enjoys big roller coasters and has been learning the art of sky diving in an air tunnel. Fortunately for Mums nerves he won’t be allowed to jump out of a plane for a few years yet.😮‍💨

Now I’m not sure how it happened but a month ago, they got kitted up and head off to PGL with their schoolmates and enjoyed canoeing, wall climbing and swimming to name a few activities. Their first adventure away from home and family. They absolutely loved it 🥰

On their return home, they went straight into rehearsals for their end of term play. Only two tickets per child allowed, however being two of them we were eventually, allowed four, so Nan and Granddad went to the afternoon performance and Mum and Dad enjoyed the evening. With small speaking parts they were nervous but also very excited. Rockbottom a musical, Flintstones meets modern day kind of story was absolutely brilliant. The kids were great, the story was great, the singing not bad and the hall filled with laughter and clapping.

Next stop, prom nights. Having changed schools around three years ago, they were lucky enough to be invited to their previous schools prom and the following night they enjoyed prom night at their current school. They have made some wonderful friends throughout their primary school lives

And then it happened, their final day at primary school was upon us. Mum asked to walk them in, but they are far too grown up for that and declined. She did, however, attend their final assembly and enjoyed an end of school picnic with them in the afternoon 😘

So as one chapter closes, they can chill and relax during the Summer months and look forward to embracing the next chapter when it arrives in September.

I’m certain they are going to smash it and make many more life long friends.