We had a very good night in our accommodations, the mobile home on the vacation place. James woke up early and went for a walk as always. This is the entrance to it.
We went early to Kate and Dave's house which is a very short walk away. I sat outside to do the previous day's blog.
The boys from Spain were already playing.
Preparations are on the way.
When Kerry arrived from London she brought the decorations.
The blog was done and Jim is reading it.
More arrived. The children play table football.
Tuffy was very well behaved. She just tried to stay out of the way and in the shade.
Dave is doing his great job. Everybody felt sorry because it was sooooooo hot.
You went to this table and selected from these delicious sides and then went to David who had prepared the meat. Everything was so delicious.
Finally even the cook gets to eat.
Kate asked me whether I took photos (smile). I am doing my job!
Speeches! Francis is the oldest and first.
Nick is the youngest and second.
Catherine (the middle child) is presenting the book with the photos provided by all the guests ... from years past.
Oh, oh, a wet-paper-napkin-fight at the young people's table.
The Golden Couple!
Oh yes, desserts.
Rhubarb Fool from Simon
Lemon, Ginger and White Chocolate Cheesecake from Bec
Cherry Flan from Jane
Tiramisu from Kate
and Fruit salad from Tricia
Everybody had an eye on the watch because at 3 pm England played in the World Cup (football/soccer) against Sweden. James had brought his t-shirt from a previous World Cup game when England had played (and lost) against Germany. Everybody thought it was funny.
Since the shirt had not brought luck previous he was a bit worried but it did bring luck this time. So much excitement when England won ... at the last minute!
Socializing didn't suffer though.
Afterwards the "official" part. This is the cake homemade by Kerry.
The first ones to leave: Jo (Kate and David's daughter), husband Simon and Catherine, Olivia and Edward (in birth order) who live close.
I took more "staged" photos since I was at it. Catherine and Trevor who live in Australia.
Mark and Bec (Kate and David's daughter)
Robert and Tricia with all of their children:
Nick and Wife Kerry (officers in the Salvation Army in London) with Henry and Penny, Francis with wife Maite (living in Gerona, Spain) with Sam and Paul and the "Australians".
The couple of honor with their hosts!
Robert's cousin Chris with dog Katie.
Some where gone but the party went on. Bec made G & T's with their homemade gin for those who wanted it. What a treat! She also made a batch of nibbles. Something with goat cheese. I forgot to take a photo. It looked good and everybody liked it ... and then she had to make a second batch.
Time to look at the "book".
Supper. Only one photo: the "spanish" boys having baked beans on toast which they said was a treat.
It was already dark when James and I walked "home". We all had concluded that this was a day to remember ... with the World Cup game in the middle.
What a wonderful reunion and celebration! A lot of effort on everyone's part to get there, obviously and worth it!
ReplyDeleteThe food looks fantastic. I love beans on toast, too!