Day in the life without Maddie

USUALLY there’s some free time then for a few stories or games with the twins before heading out.

9am-9.15am

We take Sean and Amelie to Kids Club. They really enjoy it and run in. They know the staff well and the staff are all excellent. We use the Kids Club a bit like nursery at home but we think Sean and Amelie still think they are on holiday!

9.30am-12.15pm

We return to the apartments, usually for a series of meetings with our press officer, Mark Warner reps, occasionally consulate staff, lawyers and British liaison officers. During this time we catch up with family and close friends, usually by telephone and discuss ideas about how to keep Madeleine’s profile high, especially throughout continental Europe.

12.30pm

Time to pick up Sean and Amelie from Kids Club, then head back to apartment for lunch.

1.30pm–2.30pm

This is time to spend playing with the twins either in the apartment or in the play area next to Kids Club.

2.30pm-3pm

Usually we take the twins back to Kids’ Club, although Sean has had the odd afternoon in the apartment as it’s a bit cooler. They have been taking part in many different activities including painting, singing, stories, swimming, trips to the beach.

3pm-5pm

We try to get some time together alone, going for a walk to talk things over or getting some exercise. This is often the time for quiet trips to the church.

5pm-5.30pm

Meet kids for high tea with other mums and dads.

5.30pm-6.30pm

Games with kids at play area.

6.30pm-7.30pm

Bath and story time with the twins.

8pm

We put the kids to bed.

8.30pm-11pm

We try to sit down for a family meal.

11.30pm

Bed and prayer for Madeleine that she will be returned to us safely ASAP.

In addition to above, we try to attend various church services during the week.

Kate is a keen runner and in the last few days has tried to include a run in the daily routine. Yesterday at 7am we ran to the monument at the top of the steep cliff overlooking Praia de Luz. We reached it in 19 minutes.

Gerry McCann writes a daily blog on the Find Madeleine website, www.findmadeleine.com.