Jinbei on the beach

Simon and Lloyd arrived safely last night - actually impressed by the efficiency of the train and the civilised nature of the of the passengers (no rowdy drunks)! Mind you, they did feel they had travelled through several climate zones arriving here in blustery coolness instead of blistering heat! Poor Lloyd says it’s been hellish teaching in his Islington primary school over the past weeks. 

This morning they are joined by the Meols contingent and Lili meeting her uncles having not seen them since February. She’s all smiles despite her lack of a nap - operating on full energy mode. 

It’s down to the beach after lunch; first ice creams - a delicious cherry and amaretto for me which melts so fast I end up covered in crimson looking as if I’ve committed a murder! Fortunately, Solveig is ready with the baby wipes! 

Then it’s onto the beach proper, and for the first time Lili is happy to leave mum and dad sitting on the sand relaxing while she holds my hand for the long walk down to the low-tide sea. The feel of that tiny hand on mine is so beautiful - but of course she soon just wants to run down on her own and we just try to keep up with this little bundle of energy. 

She’s wearing the little ‘kimono’ suit or ‘Jinbei’ we bought her in Takayama and she looks so cute - particularly as she now waves at everyone she sees! There’s a brief paddle, but mostly it’s just running around the huge expense of sand, occasionally stopping to feel the sand between her toes. Eventually, we return to Daniel and Solveig who have been relishing their quiet off-duty time. 

We’ve thought of having a BBQ, but uncertainty with the weather means we decide to have a tapas-style meal - eating outside as it’s warm enough with the chiminea lit. So lovely to have all six of us together (Lili is now in bed of course!) 

It’s another one of those rather self indulgent sets, I’m afraid - mostly of Lili, but one with Uncle Simon and Lloyd.