• Watching all four grandchildren playing on the beach. The two youngest had taken everything off whilst the older ones were wearing their swimming costumes. They were soon all covered in sand and busy trying to bury each other’s legs.
• Walking all grandkids along the promenade. All had little or no clothes on except Granddaughter E who insisted on wearing her princess toy tiara and earrings. They were all holding hands and talking non-stop whilst heading for the pier shop where Grandma was to buy them two buckets and spades.
• Taking them all to the local Farm Park. Grandson A saw some miniature ponies and insisted on calling them ‘Nana’s orsees’. We tried unsuccessfully to correct him, as it seemed not to make sense. Then his mother realised what he was talking about. In Ireland his Nana and Pops live on a small farm and they have a couple of miniature ponies. So he was right. They were ‘Nana’s orsees’.
• Letting them all play with the earth in the back garden. The ground is so dry under the Yew tree that they all had a great time using the buckets and spades to transport the earth into the wooden summerhouse that I let them use as a Wendy house. Grandson P and Granddaughter E really do play well and can entertain themselves for ages. The two younger ones just love to be in the midst of it all. Yes, it was a mess but very easily swept up and it was a joy seeing them all play together.
• Feeding time is not one of my favourite times of the day, but the grandchildren eating together was great. A little bit of healthy competition chivvied them on until all was eaten. Mind you I did let them watch ‘Ben and Holly during meal times. Something I would never have encouraged with my own daughters.
• Finally being asked by Grandson P if they could all come and stay again sometime. Of course they can. But Grandpa and I need a little break first.
