Day 42/366

Woke up at usual time and we got ready to go meet one of my aunt's who lives about an and half hour's drive from where we stay. The girls don't do quite well in car for long drives so we avoide feeding them before we leave instead stop in between and take a break to just run around and eat something. They had already told us they wanted cheese bacon sandwiches so Appu made them in the morning while I got the girls ready. This was the first family visit we made since we got to England. I was definitely excited to see family after so long. The drive to her house wasn't too bad. We saw sheeps, cows and horses as we passed the country side. The never ending stretch of green meadows and the lovely flowers and trees were breathtaking sights on our way. On the highways, they have pitstops that have small coffee outlets and mini supermarkets to get some basic necessities for the travel or just to rest and break between your long journeys. These spots are called services. We stopped at one mid way to our drive. Appu got himself a coffee and the girls got a drink and had their sandwiches that Appu had packed for them. After a nice and relaxed break, we continued our journey. We reached my aunt's place at 11.30 am. I was so happy and excited to see her. She is a very warm and kind lady and very welcoming and loving. Her husband, though he doesn't talk much is very kind too. He is a very good cook and I remember is particular interest in moroccan cuisine. I have had the opportunity to try some of his dishes when Appu and I lived here 8 years back and was highly impressed. We spend some time at their home and then went out for lunch at a nearby pub.

It must be their love and warmth, both my girls, though they were meeting them for the first time, absolutely loved both my aunt and her husband. They both held hands and wanted to sit next to the while having lunch. I guess they were missing their grandparents and probably felt the warmth in my aunt and uncle. The girls definitely had a great time. Though the girls were a bit tired, we decided to go to the nearby beach side to just a look before we drive back home. The weather was quite pleasant but the water was very cold indeed. The girls spend some time picking up shells and store by the shore of the beach. They filled their coat pockets and yet kept collecting. Well it was time for us to drive back home and both my girls hugged and said they would definitely come back soon to my aunt and uncle. Was such a special site. A very nice day spend with family indeed. On our drive back home, the girls slept off in the car.

After getting home, I made dinner while the girls watched some television. We had dinner a bit later than usual as the girls had their glass of milk and some snack after getting back home. A bit later but after dinner, we did our bedtime routine (family prayer, brush teeth and change into night wear) and shortly after the girls went to bed, Appu and I did too.

We had a lovely day. How was yours?

Love

Ammu