17-20.07 - Days 184-187 - Chelmsford to Buckingham
Wednesday 17th July - Chelmsford - Buckingham
Following the drive from Chelmsford back to Buckingham (Day 184) we visit Corinne and Chris late afternoon to wish Lucy a happy 4th birthday where she seems thrilled by her new presents from the day from Playdoh all the way through to an electric sit-in car.
Thursday (Day 185, 18th Jul) is Hilltop Daycare so Lily and Sophie join us for breakfast before we walk en masse, dogs included to the Maids Morton playpark seemingly a fixture in the weekly schedule. Sienna especially enjoys playing with and looking after the girls. Seb does too, but he also can’t resist the urge to kick a football about.
After lunch people start falling asleep, first the twins, then mum and dad, then Kate on the sofa. As the kids are watching some TV I take one of the bikes back out through Maids Moreton on the narrow country roads to Foscote Manor back around to the 12th century church.
Once everyone is awake the paddling pool comes out which doesn’t quite fit Lily, Sophie and Seb but they splash around all the same.
A quieter Friday (Day 186, 19th Jul) on this hot sunny day, so after popping to the shops in Milton Keynes, I drag Kate and we drag the kids to a nearby canal for a walk to an aqueduct.
It’s part of the Grand Union Canal stretching from London to Birmingham and beyond and thankfully by chance there’s a festival tomorrow so canal boats are lined up setting up trinkets to sell, BBQ-ing or walking the dogs.
Kate ends up with a necklace, the kids get to pat dogs and then help open a lock as we try and convey the 200 year old history. And I get a beer so everyone is happy with this most English of things.
Saturday (Day 187, 20th Jul) and the sun is out for the joint party for Lucy, Lily and Sophie. At this age it’s more of a party for adults - no class parties yet - so there are some of Corinne’s school friends and family friends in attendance.
The gaggle of kids are happy running or toddling about. Chris mans the BBQ while Seb makes some football friends and Sienna keeps an eye on the youngsters keen interest in the tortoises.
Seb shares his birthday on the upcoming 25th July, so the candles are re-lit on the huge castle of a cake for him to have a go at blowing out the candles.
After the successful party, with tired kids we pack up and drive to Chelmsford for another birthday tomorrow.