Grandpa turns 60

Although he looks much younger, this weekend we celebrated Grandpa reaching the big 60. Nanah had rented out a lovely house in Somerset and the Basfords, Howletts and Duerdoths descended en masse.

It was lovely to spend the weekend together, Jarom and Eden particularly appreciated running around together being the only boys in their respective families.

I love this photo of me and my beloved, darling daddy. I'm so proud to be his daughter.

The men on Sunday morning, (Daddy's birthday) just before we left for church.

Nanah did a sterling job of picking a house right by the beach and when we saw horses, well, we did what anyone would do and took the children for a ride on the beach.

The cousins messed around taking photos.

We rode horses again (after the kids had had lunch and played in the park).

We ran around and splashed our wellies in the sea.

The house has it's very own park which proved very popular with the children. 

The weekend's sporting endeavours included touch rugby (for Jordan and Jason) quick cricket (for Chas) and kite flying for Elisabet and Nanah.

During the evening we all wore our leis and enjoyed a spot of ukulele playing and singing together.

As with any Howlett gathering, there was lots and lots of food involved. The Basfords, Duerdoths and Howletts each did a stint in the kitchen. Special shout out to Clare and Jordan for their superb fry up and to Cissy and Chas for the amazing roast.

Of course, a birthday isn't a birthday without presents. Here is a picture of grandpa being helped in the present opening process by his progeny.

My daddy is an incredible man who doesn't realise how much he is admired and loved, so for his birthday I wanted to do something extra special. I compiled a book for him with messages from friends  new and old. It was such a lovely experience doing this, and even lovelier to see his reaction, he was truly blown away.

I love my family so much. I am so grateful to have had a mother and father who created a strong, family unit and who have set such marvelous examples of parenthood.