11-12.08 - Days 209-210 - Chelmsford

Sunday (Day 209, 11th Aug) is Grandma’s birthday for which we bask in the sunshine (or hide in the shade) in their back garden while demolishing some takeaway and a giant three tiered spectacular looking Victoria Sponge Cake made by Sonia. 

Kate gets a rare moment to herself joining some of the girls (Vicky, Elaine, Hannah and Michelle) in Chelmsford town centre for drinks and dinner. Kate insert: starting off at The Woolpack in the garden, Elaine is only 15 minutes behind everyone - clearly it’s a special night. 

We then saunter through town to The Cosy Club for dinner, an upstairs venue near our old drinking haunts (some of which have survived although changed hands and names several times). The night is still young and we head to Boom Battle Bar (a new addition to Chelmsford - well at least new in the last 2 yrs being home) where we play augmented reality darts. 

The skill level of each of us is like a roller coaster in the hour we play due to experience or lack of, competitiveness or lack of and alcohol or lack of. I think everyone manages to win at least one game. 

It was an incredibly fun night and we all easily slipped back into laughter and good memories as if I still lived round the corner and we go out every Friday and Saturday night like in our early 20’s.

Monday 12th August (Day 210) and it’s Kate’s turn to have a birthday. 

She and I escape out without the kids for lunch at the Riverside Inn. It’s another hot day and we enjoy eating outdoors by the river without the kids - sounds like all we want to do is get rid of the kids, but travelling in each other's pockets for the last 8 months means some alone time is welcomed. 

By the time we return to Gwyn and Grahams, the paddling pools are out and filled, the sprinkler is aimed at the trampoline and water balloons are filled. The kids love jumping and sliding around all afternoon. Another day another cake this time made by Gwyn, Ethan and Sienna.