We woke up to a quiet, empty house. What a treat! The kids had slept at Grandma Lindsey and Grandad Lawrie’s overnight and were there for a day of fun. We took advantage and had a slow, leisurely start to the day.
On the other hand, the kids had a whale of a time during the day!
The following was kindly written by Grandad Lawrie.
The sleepover had gone really well; with both Genevieve and James sleeping all night, although they were both wide awake and full of beans at 6.30am. But that was not a problem as Grandma Lindsey was awake and ready for action at the same time. Grandad Lawrie turned over and had another half an hour in bed!
After breakfast the new Mega Bloks pirate structures and large Lego base plates were unveiled for the first time to Genevieve. However, both of the structures that Grandma Lindsey had lovingly built for her two grandchildren were soon well played with and in pieces on the carpet.
Grandad Lawrie came to the rescue by using some of the old Lego cowboy fort to build a couple of impressive pirate hideaways. The whole process proved to be a huge success with Genevieve and James; with both insisting that they played with them all day. A package was delivered by the postman that contained even more Mega Bloks pieces purchased on eBay, with the many different ladders, swing-bridge and spare skeleton heads being instant hits and used immediately to good effect.
But, after lunch, it was agreed that some fresh air and sunshine would be best. James immediately agreed and wanted Grandma Lindsey to organise a bear hunt. Genevieve was very reluctant to go in the garden unless she was allowed to take some of the Lego mermaids with her.
With negotiations completed, James proceeded to hide a tiger, lion, monkey, dinosaur, penguin and enormous caterpillar for the ‘bear’ hunt; Genevieve was happy to continue playing with the mermaids!
James then wanted to play golf and raided the shed for the clubs and balls. He also found a number of hula-hoops that seemed to form the holes that he was putting into; making a hole in one more likely!
Genevieve then decided that she’d join in the fun, resulting in a difference of opinion about which colour balls each should play with. Following some delicate and tactful negotiations, diplomacy seemed to have won with James deciding that he’d prefer to play Pétanque instead. Typically, he spent ten minutes explaining his rules to everyone and just a couple of minutes playing the game – but his explanation kept us all amused.
James was less amused when he was told it was time for home, although this was turned into delight when it was explained to him that the next time we would see him would be on a car ferry heading for the Isle of Wight.
With the kids away, we finally had a chance to sort out lots for our holiday next week. With things changing daily due to COVID, it proved to be a real challenge working out what was going to be open, what was shut, and what might be partly open. All the big attractions needed pre-booking too, so we were having to plan every day ahead of time much more than normal. Nightmare!
But we got Blackgang Chine and Tapnell Farm booked, and we have a plan of attack for the week, so it was a very productive bit of sorting. Hurrah!
It was also a chance to discuss, prepare and review the check-list to ensure we take everything we’ll need. We’ve learned over the years that it’s better to check and double check rather than forgetting something important. Bohemian free spirits who travel when their whim takes them? Not us thank you – we prefer a list and a clear itinerary!
I had a special delivery in the afternoon. I received a pack of supplements that were recommended by my friend Seb. They’re called “ZMA” which stands for zinc and magnesium, but Seb wasn’t sure what the “A” is meant to refer to. Apparently they’re really good for recovery (which I absolutely need at the moment) as well as helping you sleep (which I’m also struggling with). So I’ll give them a whirl and will see what happens!
The children arrived home and were keen to tell us all about their day. They had certainly had a lot of fun! We then shovelled some dinner into their mouths and got them ready for bed – they were both knackered after a busy day of grandparental entertainment.
While I settled the kids and tried to get them to sleep, Megan headed out for a walk with our friend Bethan. On the way she wandered past our friends Kirsty and Jim’s house that is currently mid-extension. It’s looking good (albeit a bit breezy)!
She then had a lovely time chatting away on a green with Bethan and her friend Lucy. What a nice way to spend a warm, sunny evening. And it was all outside so very much COVID friendly!
With Megan back home again, we tucked into pasta and salad for dinner, and then went to bed nice and early with both kids sleeping really well. What a productive and lovely day!
The Smiths Family Blog 
A woderful set of bloggs from the last week – great photos. Keep it up
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