Nadine's 40th & end of visit

I said we had some celebrations coming up and here we are, our second child in her forties. Very worrying!

Nadine baked her own birthday cakes with something for everyone

Philippe, Gina & a couple of friends provided the live music...

...with guest singers too.

Natalie & Emilio enjoying the live band karaoke

It was great to catch up with Nadine & Simon's 'old' friends

Methinks they enjoyed it too!

A special hug for Gez from your faithful blogger

I'm not the only one getting cuddles. Next day it's Tine's turn with Steve at the Peacock, our new favourite Bingley curry house.

I went to the Bradford City FC shop to get Sacha a new top and was very surprised to see their sponsors. Shhh, don't tell les Français!

And finally a couple of shots of Matt's mates Stephen & Sally's new home, the old 5-Rise Hotel. Sadly we couldn't nosy inside as Covid was in residence. Next time hopefully.

I've been told there's a lot of work to be done.

AlfnBets stay at the caravan (2)

Despite the poor weather we managed a few outings between nightly dance parties and games of Uno!

The River Aire was in full spate when we walked down from the caravan...

...and there wasn't much cricket going on in Roberts Park.

Betty made a new friend by the canal...

...posing very nicely on the cobbles by Salts Mill...

...and proud to show her middle name in Saltaire village.

We called to see Helen & Mo and were very happy to see Becca there too.

You can see how wary Alfie is of approaching the dogs...

...but he was very proud to overcome his fears.

Little did we know that six days later Becca & Michael's baby Owen would arrive 6-weeks early. Baby is doing very well!

AlfnBets stay at the caravan (1)

Nadine & Simon went back to work a week before the children's return to school, so Mamie & Papy to the rescue.

A very happy Alfie & Betty with their belated Christmas presents: interactive watches

I can't remember what Alfie was tickled about but he's obviously a happy chappy

Enjoy the blue skies in the next photos: they're the last we saw!

Tine took Alfie up onto Baildon Moor...

...with its excellent view of the Aire Valley and beyond.

Later in the day Nadine's friends Jodi & Mouse came to visit...

...along with daughters Phoebe & Alina.

Caravan games: great!

She might look like an angel here but Betty can be a 'proper madam'…

…and also a dancing queen!

Papa Taxi back to the UK

Although Philippe only stayed in La Tranche for a few days we were able to drive him back as we had other celebrations planned.

We even treated him to his own cabin on the overnight ferry...

...and drinks in the bar, of course.

Safely arrived in Sheffield yet another pint, but this time local ale

A pre-New Year's treat: sister-in-law Silv with my two sisters Kate & Ann, not forgetting my great-niece Rosie

It's New Year's Day at the caravan and the original Cleggy 4 are together again now that brother Pete has joined us...

...along with his lovely partner Emma.

Another surprise meeting: bumping into Matt's mate Chris in Asda

Nearing the end of 2022...

 ...and it's a 'this & that' post!

Look what we found in La Roche-sur-Yon: yes a real curry house, and delicious it was too

Loulou sent us this photo taken in the garage of my in-laws' old house. The new owners have kept the height chart on the door. Matt is still the tallest!

We had a lovely pre-Christmas evening with friends

Tine with Nick...

...me with Isabel...

...and Yves, Maryse & Guy.

A few days later it's preparation time for Phil's arrival.

Biscoff cake: vegan AND delicious!

It's Christmas morning and Phil & Tine have hit the bubbly already...

...whilst Sacha distributes Santa's deliveries.

Ready for grub!

I hadn't realised a Minion was invited!

Update chez MCS

As part of my daily walk I often go past Matt, Cynthia & Sacha's house so it would be churlish not to share photos with you!

It's the 9th November and the new terrace is marked out

A week later

28th November: the walls are going up on the main living space

3rd December and an inside view

5 days later and the roof's taking shape

15th December and the roof structure arrives

OK, it's time for the workers' Christmas break...

...but all's looking good!

Your faithful blogger will keep you updated from time to time.