Le Château des Aventuriers (1)

We took Alfie & Betty out to our local château, its real name le Château de la Guignardière. The grounds have been made into a children’s adventure park, a good place to get rid of excess energy!

We didn’t visit the château itself this time but it is well worthwhile

The views in the park are wonderful…

…I’m sure the deer agreed.

Shhhh, Betty made a friend!

Si finally gets to La Tranche

After the quarantine problems of 2020 and a change of rules in 2021 son-in-law Simon finally made it to La Tranche after a long absence, this time driving down for a fortnight’s stay and to collect the family for their return.

We kept Si’s arrival a secret from Alfie & Betty…

…these photos/video say it all!

Simon in action, or not…

…I bet that was really comfortable!

Another day and it’s back to the beach by La Cabin de Marie, but this time with Young Immy…

…Auntie Vanna & Nadine having sneaky drinks.

Cynthia & Betty had fun there too!

We think this was post-market drinks at La Villa, Mamie & Alfie looking very happy

Pool or sea?

It’s almost a daily decision: sea or pool? Often both happen but Papy insists the youngsters rinse the sand off their legs first!

Mamie joins Alfie, Nadine & Betty…

…before things get a bit rougher with Sacha!

Betty is happy on her own with armbands…

…but better still with Papy to cuddle.

After a dip cousinly play with a very popular charity-shop purchase!

We’re not sure why Sacha was so animated by these two stones…

…he probably doesn’t remember either!

Evidence of Alfie’s increasing confidence in the sea!

Finally a look at two creatures

Mr Toad on his nightly stroll (hop) in the garden…

…and Alfie’s wonderful rainy-day painting of a magpie flying over the sea. We were all very impressed!

Rock-pooling +

Alfie is a great rock-pooler, but Betty is happier playing in the sand.

Oops, chronology has gone wrong again: Philippe’s still here…

…searching with Nadine & Alfie.

It’s a good spot near le Pavillon

But who’s that in the shallows?

Why, it’s Mr Egret awaiting his snack!

Meanwhile Mamie & Betty are being creative in the sand…

…or just playing in the water.

More fun with the family

 Philippe is always up for a bit of beach-time…

…even with these two miscreants…

…but especially when a cheeky drink can be bought from La Cabane de Marie.

Phil returned to Sheffield but we enjoyed a meal out at Fafa’s…

…everyone in fine fettle.

What are those sheets lying around for?

Oh no, there’s a Betty Boo hiding there!

Fun in the ballpark, nicely in the shade of the full sun…

…third attempt at getting the penguin walk right!

Lots of long hair

No, sadly it’s not mine: Philippe & Alfie put me to shame!

It could be an advert for shampoo…

…or the ever-changing weather of La Tranche.

One thing’s for sure: these two are great buddies

La Terrière beach is deserted…

…but you’ve got to keep your eye on those pesky waves!

Mainly Betty Boo (2)

Saturday might be market day in La Tranche but the best bit is that the Starfish opens earlier 

It looks like Betty has hijacked Philippe’s phone…

…until Matt says he needs a new barmaid.

Meanwhile Alfie’s learning how to pull a pint…

…whilst poor old Papy is home alone preparing lunch, but not missing out on the apéritifs as you can see.

Back from the market and Alfie seems very pleased with his ‘catch’

Another day Nadine took Betty on what became a fashion shoot!

On the jetty,

…by the skatepark…

…or showing off her skills in the play park.

Back to the play park another day…

…and a piggy-back ride with Maman.