Partial eclipse of the sun

Sorry, Bonnie Tyler.

There's the official poster. We didn't quite make 100% in Vendée but we weren't far off.

Mehdi & Élodie invited us to an eclipse barbecue, complete with Éclipse wine

Tine was lucky to get us plenty of special sunglasses.

Mother & daughter enjoying the spectacle...

...Élodie & Selim...

...and Martine & Mehdi.

Selim, but will he remember this day?

"It's a family affair"

The group on M&E's balcony.

This is what we all looking at...

...so impressive!

Meanwhile on the beach at La Terrière, Matt, Sacha & lovely Marie-Lou waiting for the big event...

...eyes protected courtesy of Mamie Tine.

Ok, enough talk of eclipses, let's have a bit of 'temps calme'.

Yet more fun times

This über-hot summer it's been great to make the most of the evenings.

Nadine, Betty & Alfie on the beach just before dusk.

No publicity...

...oh, ok then!

I can't remember where Tine & I were whilst Matthieu, Nadine and the three monsters were enjoying a meal at Côté Plage

Young Selim enjoying a bit of time with AlfnBets.

We sampled the delights of le Débar'c at Longeville...

...joined by Anna...

...and Matt. Séb, Alfie, Betty & Sacha were also there!

Betty posing on the beach.

Nadine's friend Karen and family called on us for lunch one day.

Alfie & William were born days apart. I reckon Alf is winning on the height stakes for now. Must be the curry-flavoured crisps!

Shrimping

One of Alfie & Betty's favourite activities when they come to stay is to go shrimping near to the jetty.

Betty with her water bottle hoping to catch lots...

...and Alfie with his net.

It looks like they've got something.

And here it is, a small sea cucumber ChatGPT tells me.

Some in-action shots now

Alfie & Nadine prospecting...

...whilst Betty waves from the jetty.

Here is normally a good spot, but not today. Better luck next time!

More beach fun & chez Fafa

It's low tide near le Pavillon...

...and Betty's slightly happy...

...but keeping her distance from one of our regular visitors.

Another day and Alfie is a little more adventurous.

What a monster!

Sacha's just taking it all in.

We love eating chez Fafa who always makes a fuss of us.

Alfie's cool dude look...

...and Betty's utter excitement.

Back at home Alfie's continuing his cool dude look...

...whilst Betty & Nadine enjoy an apéro, Surely that's not rosé wine, young lady!

AlfnBets settle in

It doesn't take long and it's always great to see how happy Alfie & Betty are in their French home.

The pool's obviously a big draw...

...but the beach just 10 minutes away is equally popular.

Burying your brother is always a good idea...

...as is building a sea wall.

Alfie with Selim

Alfie's always been fascinated by creatures...

...and to catch a baby lizard is not the easiest of activities.

Proof!

After all this excitement it's time for our evening meal on the new decking.