Whirling on the Waltzers

My cold isn’t progressing apart from blocking up my ears - again. I didn’t sleep well so wasn’t really in the mood for the jaunt to the Whitley Bay carnival, especially as we had to be away from 9 till after 5. But it was really good so I’m glad I went.

We picked Ella up first. En route to Whitley Bay she asked a lot about the election and the process of electing MPs and PM. She said she’d vote Green if she could or Labour if it had more chance. She also told us about an essay she’d written about her future job aspirations. (Social Worker).

#2 daughter was rushing to get ready as she and James were taking part in the parade. He was perfectly calm and told his mum he was on heart attack alert for her as she was stressing too much. He is so thoughtful and asked how we’d enjoyed Nathaniel’s play. (Later his mum said ruefully - Nathaniel has a professional role in a prestigious play - and James has been chosen to take part in a skipping challenge! Bless.

We headed off with Phil and Thomas to watch the parade which was really good. There were lots of large groups of children dressed to different themes, some giant models of horses and dogs, as well as several bands including Ken in his Storytellers Street Band. James’s class had made model horses, jockey hats and rosettes. His mum had gone in to help make them so she wore the same. Luckily it was a sunny day as it took ages for all the participants to pass. He enjoyed it.

There was a great atmosphere but so many people were out for it that the catering vans had huge queues. But eventually we managed to get the children some fries (£16) before going along to the funfair bit. The Waltzers weren’t too expensive so we let them have 2 goes. (£18)They were loving it but goodness it was loud - that didn’t help the ears.

On the way back to the house we got ice creams- another £20 left the purse. The children played on the computer while we chatted to daughter and had a coffee before driving back to Gosforth with Ella. Her dad had just got home after his 12 hour night shift but we didn’t stay to hear how Nathaniel’s matinee had gone as Mr C wanted to get home to get the grass cut before the rain - the forecast is for rain every day for a week.