I was going to tell you all about our holiday in New York (it was really good, thanks) and then war started in my house.

Child 3 went back to school on Thursday and despite needing some trousers the day before all went well. Child 3 loves his class. There is a grand total of 23 children in his class. His teacher, same as last year, is very happy to have a small class for once. Child 3 will be cruising this year as he was already in the same class and was doing very well.

One thing puzzled me about child 3. That child is growing ever so slowly. Child 3 is smaller than any other 10 years old I know. In fact child 3 on a good day is the size of a 6/7 years old. So why the day before school started did child 3 suddenly need trousers size 7. In his drawers were some size 6 trousers that child 3 had been wearing for the last 2 years that were still fine in July. How dare he grow without warning? It could have been the heat and humidity of New York. Child 3 looked very smart in his uniform. No new shoes as his feet had not grown, no new jumpers or polo shirts either as those will fit until next July.

Child 1 and 2 went back to school today. They were ready early and looking forward seeing their friends. They looked pretty good with their shirts untucked in ties in their pockets. Somethign to do with street cred.

As long as that by the time they get to school the shirts are tucked in and the ties are on I am not too bothered.

The day was lovely and all was well until 3.20pm then they were back home and while they were telling me about their new form, the new people and their new timetable I could hear an edge in their voices. As it happens after having had 2 years without being in the same class at all, they now will be sharing 5 subjects. Child 1 and 2 have been streamed to the same set and are in the same house and as a result have the same class for the follwoign subject: French, Spanish, PE, Science and English. Chidl 1 is very happy to be with her sister. The split was difficult for her. Child 2 is very unhappy. Child 2 requested at the end of year 6 at the first visit to the High School not to be with child 1. Child 2 need her own space, at home and at school. Child 2 hates being compared to child 1. They are alike in looks, alike in abilities. Some teachers cannot see pass their look and abilities and see them as a unit.

First day back and child 1 is in her room, child 2 is also in her room and child 3 is monopolising the tv. I am purposely ignoring them until tea time which is ....now. I can cope with unhappy teenagers but not hungry teenagers. better go and serve tea.

Later on tonight or tomorrow: New York