Wow what an amazing time to be living in London! We had the Jubilee celebrations earlier this year and the last few weeks have seen us host the Olympics. London 2012 has been in the news for almost 4 years now; will we do a good job? Will London Transport be able to cope? Where will the funding come? Is security tight enough?  So many things to worry about and my fellow journalists proved to be somewhat negative. But what we have witnessed over the past two weeks has been phenomenal. Seb, Boris and co really do deserve a pat on the back, from the fantastic opening ceremony which Danny Boyle directed to perfection …to our Queen parachuting in with James Bond …David Beckham bring the torch across the Thames in a Speed boat to sir Steve Redgrave and of course … the host nation (TeamGB) proudly kitted out in their fantastic opening and closing ceremony outfits from Next! Everyone embraced the Olympics, even Kate Middleton in her Next Official Supporter’s scarf! From small babies to old ladies, it was all everyone could talk about. Did you see Jessica Ennis and Mo on Super Saturday? Or how about Bolt, the world’s fastest man and his crazy hand gestures? And of course Andy Murray – finally wining something!

Meadow and I have caught quite a few events on the television. We didn’t apply for tickets as they were released when I was heavily pregnant and I wasn’t sure if I could manage the crowds, heat and excitement! I can only imagine that the atmosphere in the stadiums must have been electrifying. My favourite event has always been the pool activities and a former interviewee/friend Jenna Randall and the Syncro team did us proud with an amazing routine inspired by Peter Pan. I think every woman in the country enjoyed the diving and the fabulous Tom Daley bringing home a Bronze. But I also watched some events I wouldn’t normally watch – I particularly enjoyed woman’s Judo and the canoeing! The white water rafting events were held very close to where we live and it was fantastic seeing all the visitors from around the world in their supporter’s t-shirts on the streets and in local shops and generally hearing everyone having a fantastic time and seeing people from different cultures, countries and backgrounds getting on.

Meadow has an official Team GB t-shirt (it was so long she wore it as a nightie!) with the mascot Wenlock white water rafting on it. We thought it would be a great keep sake for her, as the Olympics may not come to London again in our lifetimes. I taught her to wave her union flag and let her stay up late to watch the closing ceremony although she did flake out early and missed my favourite bit – the Spice Girls – so good to see Geri and the girls perform together again and all the other great British artists performing and creating a fantastic celebratory party. As for Team GB, I can honestly say they did us proud and I’m pleased my little girl got to witness London 2012 and learn it’s not the winning but taking part that counts, how team work is so important and I hope Meadow’s generation have been truly been inspired by fantastic athletes and not talentless celebrities. She loved clapping at the victories and shrieking “ooh so close” when someone didn’t quite make it and frantically waved her flag most of the time. Bring on the Paralympics (oh and some more sun please…!) this British summer has been one to remember!