Cass, wise words from your DH. And I remember similar moving-based angst every time you've been anywhere, and yet you attract friends everywhere you go.

Arte - LOL at your painful return home. I don't think there's a mother alive who hasn't thought that at some point about the summer holidays. They are so darn long here, and we spend a lot of that cooped up inside because it's sunburn/heatstroke conditions outside. I wish they would just shorten it and give us an extra week during spring and autumn when the weather is perfect and you *really* need a break!!! I would even take an extra week in winter, if I had to. Christmas here was pretty awesome as well. Kids (and adults) behaved beautifully and enjoyed the anticipation as well as the actual happenings. BTW - Go, Team Erin!!

Yes, back to school with molluscum, no exclusions at all. Which makes sense because it tends to hang around for a long time (ie months+++). But I'm stocking up on some navy bike shorts so they'll all be covered by clothing (which is presumably more consideration than shown by whichever kid she caught it off at school)! Anyway, we did a recount last night and about 20% of them have disappeared completely and most of the others look well on the way to healing so hopefully we'll be on top of it completely in a few weeks' time.

ETA - re the salicylate - I tried the liquid bandage stuff (apparently that is effective too) but she screamed blue murder and the shredding effect on my nerves was not worth it. The baths-betadine-hypafix seems to be getting results without discomfort or drama. However, I do have a suspicious itchy spot on my finger so if it develops in that direction I will turn to the salicylate.

Now I just have to marshall my wits about me for the school supplies shopping - I forgot to put the orders in before Christmas, not sure if it's too late to get them now. I'm glad now that I bought the re-usable book covers because they've all come home in lovely condition, just need to re-label them.