A Very Busy Week in Norfolk, England

We've had such fun this week. We arrived at Stanstead on Friday, to be met by Clare. On Saturday, we drove to Boston to meet Margie at the Spirit of Endeavour, and swapped David for Jessica (Jessica had been staying with Margie for a week). After an amazing lunch, David departed with Margie for New Waltham, and Clare, Jessica and I headed for Hockering.

That evening, we attended Professor Chris's retirement party. It was a party with a difference. John organised games to begin with - we played handball, football and rounders. This was followed by a wonderful curry supper, during which everyone had a chance to say good things about Chris, and we ended the evening with a lesson on Salsa dancing.

All through dinner we could watch photos from Professor Chris's scientific career.

 The assembled guests. Can you spot Clare, John and Jessica?

On Sunday, we were thrilled that Séan and Beth were able to join us for lunch at the Rivergarden in Thorpe St Andrew. It always makes me so happy that the younger generation of the Coughlan clan keep in touch with one another. We are all so blessed to have such wonderful children, they are such a joy.

 From the left, Jessica, me, John, Séan, Beth, Clare and John.

 Séan and Jessica met for the first time.

 Jessica and Séan played together.

On Monday, Jessica and I were 'ladies who lunch', before catching the train to Thetford so we could watch John's school production of Grease. The evening was a great success, and the children put everything into the songs and choreography. Well done all round!

For the rest of the week, Jessica and I have been mainly shopping, although we did manage one lovely walk in the countryside with Grandpa.

We saw this piper in Norwich.

 On our walk we came across this lovely lake...

...and these strange-looking haystacks.