Another sunny but blowy day. Emily and I went over to Sawbridgeworth to visit Julia and meet the twins, Gracie and Charlie, who are now 6 months old. Emily was a bit shy at first, especially of Ray and Julia's brother, but warmed up when she found that the twins had a set of Thomas books, and more so when the custard creams came out. They are having extensive work done to enlarge the house so were in a state of disarray, but it will be fantastic when it is done. I just couldn't get over the amazement of Julia having not one but two children, after so many years of trying.
.JPG)
.JPG)
We could not stay long and soon had to say our goodbyes. Hopefully it will not be 3 years before we meet again.
With Emily asleep in the car again, we went back to Braintree where we collected Grandma and Mum and had lunch at Marks Hall, the large country estate over near Coggeshall. Emily did not eat very well but enjoyed feeding the ducks and picking up tiny windfall apples. It would have been nice to linger there but we needed to get back to the nursing home for Grandma's birthday party at 3pm.
With Emily asleep in the car again, we went back to Braintree where we collected Grandma and Mum and had lunch at Marks Hall, the large country estate over near Coggeshall. Emily did not eat very well but enjoyed feeding the ducks and picking up tiny windfall apples. It would have been nice to linger there but we needed to get back to the nursing home for Grandma's birthday party at 3pm.
The whole immediate family came along, plus Auntie Sheila, Auntie Una and Uncle Stan. Fiona and family came for the afternoon, and Sarah, Tim and Tom arrived after a tiresome journey from Sussex.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Emily had a whale of a time with the other kids, including Andrew's two who were really good with the toddlers. Charlie got lots of cuddles too. I made a faux pas when I asked Sarah if there was something that she wanted to tell me; it turned out that her dress was just puffy at the waist but I felt mortified for making such a gaff. Grandma was rather tearful, as she had predicted she would be, but who could blame her? Trudie's friend had made a wonderful cake and Ann and Trudie had put on a good spread, though there was so much that a lot ended up being passed around the staff and residents later. I think we all dreaded the moment we had to leave Grandma on her own, so we all left together while the staff settled her in the lounge.
Though stuffed we all sat down to a Chinese takeaway in the evening. Emily only picked and was desperate to carry on playing with Fern and the boys. Again, as she had had a nap, it was quite a late night for her, and I wasn't far behind.
Though stuffed we all sat down to a Chinese takeaway in the evening. Emily only picked and was desperate to carry on playing with Fern and the boys. Again, as she had had a nap, it was quite a late night for her, and I wasn't far behind.
1 comment:
it is really nice to read about your family coming together for the 90th party, and the 4 generations assembling.I felt quite tearful thinking about it. I think these events are vital even if we don't know how much the oldest and the youngest will recall; it is lovely that you record it like this for posterity.
Post a Comment