When a thank you is not enough

I always know I'm going to have a good time when my parents and aunt turn up...

They arrive with a car load of goodies from Spain and literally from the moment they step out of the car they do not stop. Between the three of them they keep the house ship shape. I'm sure Husband wonders why I have not inherited my parents obsession with cleaning and their love of cooking. My mum has cooked every meal since she arrived and bought most of her ingredients over from Spain. My aunt has cleaned and reorganised the kitchen and every cupboard in the house, not to mention her constant tidying up. My dad loves to shop, buys the bread and croissants most days, takes out the rubbish, does all the recycling and mops the floors every day. He also prepares breakfast every morning for all of us. On top of this they give Amaia all the love and attention she needs, feed her, bathe her, dress her, change nappies, take her for walks and generally provide a five star plus child care service. And as if that wasn't enough they also provide good company especially for me who is so used to spending most of her day alone.

I am definitely the weakest link in this whole set up. Husband has been busy all week doing jobs around the house, fixing things, building things and generally getting things done. Not exactly sure what I have done other than eat a lot and occasionally load the dish washer, oh and throw a few strops.

I do tell them to take it easy or easier and that they haven't come all this way to do endless chores but they don't take the hint and if we are honest if it was left up to me the standard of the cooking, cleaning and general hosting would be a lot lower!

As my return to Monaco edges closer and my reality approaches I just want to say thank you papas and Tia for everything... Xxxx