I simply cannot believe that it is over already… On Tuesday the 17th Ellis and I were driven by Dave to Marseille airport to begin the journey to Australia.

We landed in Stanstead where Sue very kindly collected us.  Dave arrived to Stoke-Holy-Cross the following evening in Gruber with all our Gaply belongings.  A very good job driving in one day (and there was still some Redbull left in the van!).

Ellis made biscuits with Granny “Sniff” and did puzzles with Grandpops and baked a lovely cake for Great Grandpa Bill.  Unfortunately, although everyone else enjoyed the Lemon Drizzle Cake, Ellis still prefers a Victoria Sponge!

On Thursday Dave headed off to Peterborough to renew his now expired passport… well it expired a few days before he left France to be precise.  Despite the expired passport he managed to persuade customs in Calais that he was not an Eastern European immigrant and was granted access.

While Dave was sorting out his passport Ellis and I headed over to Surrey to visit Nanny Caryn, Grumpsy and of course Rommel!  We celebrated being back in the UK with a lovely dinner in the White Hart where Ellis enjoyed showing the other diners her tummy.

On Friday we headed to Peppa Pig World.  Finally!  It was certainly worth the 2 hours to get there and back.  Ellis had a fabulous time on Windy Castle and all the other rides!  Dinosaurs, helicopters, cars and trains!  She even got to talk to Peppa and George and stroke them in their furry extra large forms.  Photos to follow!

On Sunday Ellis went to the Children’s club at Mum’s church which she loved! We had a pre-existing engagement to visit Louise and her brood so I had to drag her away early.  She was not impressed but once she realised that she had more children to play with she was beyond happy again!  We had a lovely time at the Ross Clan’s house – thank you for a lovely lunch, playtime and the fabulous catch up.  Their newest edition, one very cute Jasper, was a delight to cuddle!

Next stop: Cosford for some time with Aunty Natalie!