Ruby wedding celebrations

Yes, we made it: forty years since our wedding on a very cold Easter weekend in Paris, when friends and family made the journey for our special day.

So how did we celebrate the anniversary, you may ask? Well, your faithful blogger arranged for Nadine, Simon & Alfie AND Philippe & Clare to fly over without letting Martine in on the secret. Cynthia asked Martine to look after Sacha as she 'had' to go to La Roche, Matt phoned me asking if I'd go to 'fetch some beer' from La Rochelle. Really we were both on the airport run! We were all in on the deception: Nad telling her Maman that she was going to visit friends for the weekend and Phil arranging to Skype her in the afternoon! I'm sure you can imagine Tine's face when Alfie walked into the house, Sacha in his Mamie's arms, followed by the rest of the family.

In the evening we all ate at Jean & Monique's, along with Jean-Pierre & Catherine and Guy & Isabelle, also in on the secret. The meal had been prepared by me in the morning whilst Tine was busy in L'Aiguillon - a two hour slot to get everything done!

Dave at home in the Masterchef kitchen

Jean & Monique set a perfect table

A glass or two of bubbly, of course

The sisters-in-law catch up!

Alfie helps Papy & Mamie to unwrap a present...

...then practises his harmonica skills!

Tine assuming her usual role of serving everybody!