The cousins meet their Great Aunt

 Great-Aunty Mags with Jago and Eve

Like the Fergusson side of the family, the Bates/Lenton/Swire/Reed side of the family are very spread out, meaning that we don't get to meet each other very often.

My Aunt had planned to travel through Bristol on the train as part of a trip, so we arranged a little family get-together.

The picture is a bit dark, but from left to right: Claire, Niamh, Sanchia, Mags, Jago and Eve

My cousin Sanchia (Mag's oldest daughter) drove up from Taunton with her eldest daughter Niamh. Her other daughter Niobe was studying at home for exams. Mags Lenton is my mother's younger sister and lives in Staffordshire. When we were small the Lenton family lived by Wiveliscombe in Somerset. I remember long drives from Cornwall up to Somerset with my sister and my mum. The Lenton's are big animal lovers, and Claire and I used to enjoy being taken out for rides on horses, or pulled along on a trap by a pony. We missed Sanchia's younger sister Jennie, who was working and couldn't make it.

We had lunch near to Temple Meads Station for ease; lunch logistics with the kids is always bit of a thing. However, it turned out well and Eve and Jago were very well behaved whilst we were in the restaurant.

Sanchia was born 9 months before my older brother Jon, and Jago was born 9 months after Eve. I found it so interesting that our mother's had their first babies 9 months apart, and now Claire and I have done the same thing. Though, our mother's were in their early twenties when they had their first children and we are in our early to mid thirties. Think it says something about the current times.

After a couple of hours together we went our separate ways. It was so nice to see everyone looking so happy. Claire and I took Jago and Eve to Queen's Square which was just around the corner, and the perfect place to chill out for an hour in the sunshine.

Eve having fun in the park

I used to take our picnic blanket everywhere with us last summer. It got so much use. I now realise that this is no longer needed, well not by Eve at least, who was constantly dashing off somewhere to look at something. 

Eve, Claire and Jago

I am just loving having my sister nearby. It's so great being able to hang out with our children. I feel truly thankful for the times we get to share together.

Mummy and Eve

Eve having a good old laugh

Cousin's Selfie!