Nothing like doing a challenge at THE VERY LAST MINUTE. At the time of writing, I have an hour to go, and I hope that 
I've chosen to share three photos I couldn't live without. Of course, I could, but I love these three photos soooo much, I'd hate to lose them! Funny, because I was sharing them with my son's girlfriend today. They are with child - early days yet and I probably shouldn't say - please cross fingers and toes for them! We were wondering what a mix of Ella - long legs, blond hair - and Jarrah - long torso, much hair - might be. Also, of course, thinking of names. There's twins in the family, so I suggested Bert and Ernie if they're boys. Actually it's probably no use asking me about names as I'll come up with something ridiculous. Anyway, back to the photos. I was going through the baby photos, many of which were just adorable. I am still so glad I had him at 25 - funnily enough, he's now 25 and about to be a Dad. Being a young parent is highly recommended. But I won't bore you with baby photos.
Here's me and Jarrah at a bar in Cesky Krumlov, circa 2001. 9/11 had not yet happened and we were free as birds. It was just me and him, backpacking around Europe. Every thought I was super brave but I didn't think I had a choice if I wanted to live a life. I didn't think being a single Mum should stop me doing anything. I thought I'd find it hard to travel with a kid but turns out it was an absolute blast. I love us laughing in this photograph. We had a LOT of fun together and I loved being a single Mum with him. We were super close and had the most amazing time. I'm only 28 here and he's about 4. He charmed everyone he met and people used to ASK to travel with us. We're in a tire going down the river out the front of the hostel. When they get older and turn into grumpy teens and leave home and get a girlfriend it can be super hard to remember how much you were the centre of their world. But this trip was the most incredible year of my life and I treasure it so much.
I know I'm only meant to have three but I have to include this one of Jarrah in Spain. He used to get annoyed at people calling him Superman yet at the same time insisted on wearing the shirt. I have photos of him dressed as a knight on that trip too. I used to make a light saber for him out of a toilet roll centre and a coloured soft drink bottle, topped and tailed, sliced down the middle and rolled. When he ACTUALLY met a knight at a castle he fairly shat himself. He couldn't even speak he felt so intimidated.
Then there's a shot of us in our backyard in Dorset having our wedding dance. I love the pirate flag in the background and me throwing my head back in laughter. Damn if that wasn't the happiest day in my life. There were about thirty people at that wedding and we spent about 1000 pounds, all told. I'm wearing Doc Martins under that dress - I threw my wedding shoes off as soon as I got home. My parents, my sister and my best friend had all flown over from Australia to celebrate with us, which was a huge deal. WE had a huge party and didn't go to sleep til 6 am. I remember swimming with my Dad in very cold English waters to get rid of our headaches
Actually
One last one. Me and my bestie, losing our shit, probably 18 or so? I'm about to go on a road trip with her and you can bet your socks we'll be laughing like this at some point. Oh hey - I'm going on an adventure. Life aint over yet, right?
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