More cousinly fun

It's great that the three cousins get on so well even if Betty can be a bit pushy sometimes.

After the catamaran lesson there was often chance for a dip in the campsite pool.

Betty showing off her diving skills (!)

Catamaran lessons done, Alfie & Sacha were both awarded Olympic-style medals.

Chez Mehdi & Élodie, Selim, Betty & Alfie don't realise they're recreating the Beatles 'Please please me' album cover!

At Cynthia's Matt, Alfie & Sacha pretend to be the three wise monkeys...

...before Betty joining them for a pose by the pool...

...and inside.

Back chez nous who do you think the boys' favourite footballer is?!

Catamaran

We bought Alfie & Sacha a week of catamaran lessons.

The small class ready to go

A couple of video clips to show their new-found skills.

Another lesson under their belts!

Beach time

The pool's oviously a draw when the grandchildren come but the beach is only ten minutes away.

As you can see, Alfie & Betty are hating every single moment!

Jellyfish...

...or tiny starfish?

There's always time for a beach cuddle though.

The monsters return

Nadine arrived with Alfie (10) and Betty (6) a bit earlier this year.

Posing on the steps to the plane at Stansted Airport...

...and already to go!

Do you reckon they were happy to see Tonton Matt?

In our little pool we practised our circus skills.

Betty showing off her jumping skills (you might just spot Sacha too).

Mehdi & Selim came to share the fun one hot day (with Alfie photo-bombing)

Great, Simon's arrived and there's a very happy AlfnBets.

Having watched some of the synchro-swim at the recent Olympic Games, Nadine decided to do her own routine.

Walk near l'Embarcadère de la Maison du Marais

Whilst Ann was stopping with us we took her on a walk near Longeville, about 15 minutes from chez nous.

Evidence that around us was once marshland...

...there is now a network of waterways, a popular destination in summer to hire a rowing boat.

You have to mind your head going under low bridges though!

This swan was oblivious to the tourists...

...these cows too.

We spotted sweetcorn cobs beginning to form on the maize crops.

And finally, proof that Ann DID visit, here on the walls at La Rochelle with the Tour de la Lanterne behind.

La Fête Nationale aka Bastille Day

A day early in La Tranche as 14th July fell on a Sunday this year, but as usual we had a beautiful firework display, and we had a different view this time from the Côté Plage beach bar/restaurant. 

Not much commentary needed really!

A few videos to get you into the atmosphere...

...and the finale!

Le Puy du Fou (2)

Warning: these are many videos again! 

All these years on I think the Vikings is still my favourite show

We were late getting into the arena for Le Signe du Triomphe...

...but were rewarded with excellent seats very near to the action (sorry about the finger/thumb!)...

...complete with new effects centre 'stage'.

Sacha had to join in with the costume too!