Unfortunately we shall not have the pleasure of welcoming our two London-based grandsons this Summer (Ollie, above).
My son Kimbo (their father) has decided to take a villa on Italy's fabulous Amalfi Coast instead.
I suppose chez nous cannot really compare to the beautiful hidden coves, the multi-coloured hill-perched villages, or even the surly Italian waiters. So, no contest.
Still, we'll have Bunny to play with, and we still have plenty of work to do, but it would have been nice for the new cousins to have met and spent a couple of weeks together. Cousins meeting each other for the first time is always special.
So, HMS Dangerous Fun will remain un-swashbuckled, the new Ping-Pong table will not Ping, and Bok will probably survive Summer without having his tail and ears pulled. How very dull.
I have now heard that they may manage a quick visit in early Autumn. I do hope so!
Lou and I aren't visiting Southend-on-Mud and the old folks this summer. There's no time and more than a smidgeon of guilt. I'm trying to make up for it by getting my guest room ready so that they can come and see us in the new home real soon.
ReplyDeleteI have visited Southend-on-Mud just once..... you have named it well.
DeleteYou packaged it well but your (understandable) disappointment is palpable.
ReplyDeleteI deleted the rest of my band aid comment in failed and far too lengthy attempt to make you feel better. Let's just say: Family dynamics are dynamite. I only took this on board fairly recently - having sailed through life in misguided belief that nothing but nothing can break sacred bonds. Bonds which, of course and as you hint, need to be given a chance to be forged in the first place.
U
Disappointed, yes; but very excited about meeting Bunny in a couple of days time. Our only problem is that their new bathroom isn't quite finished..... bloody builders are the bloody same everywhere!
DeleteWell that's disappointing for you and Lady M, and I'm sorry. Fingers crossed for an Autumn visit.
ReplyDeleteI do hope we'll see them this year; Skype is OK, but presence is better.
DeleteA beautiful picture of you both.
ReplyDeleteOf Ollie, you mean!
DeleteI commented earlier but it seems to have vanished!!
ReplyDeleteBunny and his parents must be due very soon. Are the other Ozzie cousins due this year as well?
We think they may arrive on Wednesday. The Aussie cousins are over in NZ with their dad; skiing. I don't think they'll make it to Europe for a while.
DeleteI didn't realize it was that soon - are they all packed up and finished with Oz?
DeleteYes, I knew they were in N.Z. but thought they may have been visiting you later on with their Mum.
I believe that Wills is keep his car in Oz, so he's obviously thinking of returning some time. Maybe for the next few years he'll spend the spring/summer here, then escape the cold of autumn/winter. Of course it won't be long before Bunny has to be educated, so they'll either have to stay here, or send him to Dragon.
DeleteDragon???
DeleteI'm just back from my early morning dog walk. We bumped into a big male Wild Boar; Bok chased him off. It's the first one I've seen for ages, I expect he was desperately looking for water.
ReplyDeleteHaving read your lyrical description of the pleasures in store for Kimbo and family in a villa on the Amalfi coast, we just hope they find them. We went back a couple of years ago and were very disappointed. It is vastly overpriced, overpopulated, and really quite tatty these days, unless you stay in Ravello. The coastline is actually best viewed from the sea, and the Amalfi drive is a nightmare with it's suicidal drivers, so tell them to take care.
ReplyDeleteA holiday with you and Lady M. would be a much better option.
That's EXACTLY what we've been saying. Do they listen? Here they know what they're getting, and basically; it's free.
DeleteWhat! Tradition broken!
ReplyDeleteDad will have Bunny and co so others go to Italy. Understandable, I would probably do the same.
ReplyDeleteLooks like 'pull the beret off grandpa's head' is another game which won't be played.
ReplyDeleteLovely to read of a Granpa who really enjoys the visits of his Grandsons.
ReplyDeleteOur pool water is showing 30 C..... where will it end? Too hot.
ReplyDeleteOh what a shame - I shall miss hearing about your annual antics with them.
ReplyDeleteNo T Shirts either this year!
DeleteWe miss them...so true!
ReplyDeleteHere's a big hug....
HUG
Merçi.
DeleteSo disappointing for you both ….. I know how much you love having your family with you BUT …… the Amalfi Coast is beautiful and one of our favourite places and it's good for our children and grandchildren to have new experiences, isn't it ? Here's hoping that they will get a visit in with you in the Autumn. XXXX
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you're right. New places, new experiences; always good. I expect we'll see them before Christmas, otherwise I'll go into withdrawal.
DeleteOh I am sorry to hear this. I'm sure the boys are disappointed too. But at least you can begin the process of teaching Bunny how much fun summer visits with Grumpy will be!
ReplyDeleteOur two sets of grandsons live 100 miles apart and get together at our house, in each family we have one lad who turns 5 this years, just 3 months apart, when one visits the other stays over and cries if it's suggested he goes home. Cousins becoming friends is so much fun xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the boys will like the adventure of a new place, but I also think they'll want to see their Grumpy, too.
ReplyDelete