26-27.07 - Days 193-194 - Chelmsford incl London

Friday (Day 193, 26th Jul) we are all in recovery after too much chocolate cake and have a quieter day at Gwynneth and Graham’s and also a visit to Grandma and Grandad’s house; close enough it can be seen from the upstairs bathroom window (and hear Willow greeting anyone brave enough to ring their doorbell).

As ever, the kids are happy to play with Willow and Bertie and spend time with family.

Early evening I drive west 30 minutes to Bishop Stortford, home to Krish, Erin, Ravi and Amari. I lived with Krish for 2 years at uni in 49 Muriel Road and also travelled with him for 7 weeks on the South American leg of his gap year in 2011.

Ravi and I have a good frisbee session in the back garden and after the kids are down the adults enjoy a Greek takeaway whilst we reminisce about people and events in UEA.

Meanwhile Kate, Sienna and Seb head over to Pete and Sonia’s house for a family takeaway (Maccas for the kids and Wagamamas for the adults), whilst checking out Tobias’ new home (Pete and Sonia adopted Turbo - Charlie’s tortoise). With the Switch entertaining the kids the adults were able to enjoy a calm evening in the garden.

Another warm summer’s day (Day 194, Sat 27th Jul) - our weather luck continuing to hold out - we drive to Ickenham, north-west London to visit Kat and Campo and their trio of kids Seb, Ed and Izzy. Rich / Campo like Dave in Annapolis was part of the hockey team at uni and a Whatsapp group keeps us in touch.

We’re also joined by Teen / Martin and Hels and their two kids - again Teen part of the illustrious gang.

Kat and Campo have cooked up a feast on the BBQ and in the large garden the 3 dads take on the 4 boys at football. Father Time getting closer as the boys win out 11-9.

Great to spend a whole afternoon catching up and to see all the kids instantly just playing together. Extracting Seb is easier said than done.