You know what? This business of being on holiday is really hard work. I have been with the kids in the Alps for ten days, and it has been an intense affair of watching Nicco climb high on old pine trees up on the Piccolo San Bernardo, helping Caterina ‘jump’ on the trampoline for the first time in her life, and taking them both to swim in the heated pool up on a chilly plateau at the foot of Mont Blanc.

And I lived, breathed and photographed all this.

We had a great time, but I’d be dishonest if I didn’t admit I am desperately looking forward to my husband joining us and taking up his share of looking after the kids. We are off to France for twelve days and I hope to squeeze some flea-market-hopping, stamping and collageing while the children (and their father) sample the delights of Eurodisney.

See you all on August 20.