House Guests

We may not be the best hosts (not being a tea drinker, I REALLY struggle to remember that I've switched the kettle on - guests usually do get their drink, but it may be hours after they asked), and we may not have the best set up (usually one of the guests ends up on the floor!) but we LOVE having people to stay.

So we were thrilled when Laura and Jim said they were coming to stay.

The weather forecast told us that the best day would be Monday so we decided to go to Southend. There are nicer beaches around, but Jim's Grandma lived in Dagenham and they used to catch the train to Southend when they visited her. I love Southend, as do my kids (although that's mostly to do with Adventureland!) so we were pleased to go.

Since we only moved here last September, I'm just starting to experience the summer during peak times and I could really see how much busier it is now. In recent trips, we were able to park near the pier, but today, we were down next to the casino. Doesn't matter though - its just a quick walk down to the three shells beach where we settled ourselves.

I think it took about 1 whole minute for all children to strip off and put costumes on...except Phoebe who refused a costume! Is great to see kids playing on a beach - I love it.

Frances suits the beach - we couldn't take enough photos of her!

The grownups relaxed on a blanket with a picnic...
...and took a few pictures!

Laura and I were impressed with Jim's builders bum until we realised it was his undies! Its a great impression of a builders bum - I think I'm seeing an "Occupations" theme for the next Meersbrook party!
Phoebe, Frances and Leah (and Jim!) were happy to tiptoe in the shallow waves...

...but Megan and Sam were both straight in, up to their necks!
And others on the beach couldn't resist getting into the sea - the water was so warm and inviting, although I don't envy them having to drip dry for the rest of the day. These two were literally upto their necks eventually, fully clothed!

There's a viewing tower at the head of the pier that is great to get a good view of the sea front - we didn't realise how windy it was until we saw some of the huge hair photos! I don't know why we decided to do the posing photos in the billowing wind!

Here's a before the gust of wind photo...

...and then the wind blew!

There were calmer moments, and of course it didn't matter to Jim what the wind did!

Jim had to coax Frances to come and look out from the top of the tower after I scared her to death. When we got out of the lift, Frances ran up to me, excited to be at the top and I reached down to pick her up to show her the view. She couldn't back away quick enough! I think she thought I was going to toss her off the top! I'll have to work on our trust a bit more, although maybe the top of a tall tower isn't the right place to do that! After a bit of counselling from her dad, she was brave enough to run around with the others!

The Hastings:

The Stringers:

A Stringer and a Hastings:

What better way to end the day than with a Rossi's icecream - my favorite!