Special guests this week were Margeaux, Nestor, Freya and Vance, who arrived late Saturday night after flying from Raleigh, NC. Next day was a lazy, hang around the cabin day, as the Walker family tried to recover from their jet lag. The weather was good and made for an enjoyable day. Freya and Vance were very excited to meet their new cousin, Charlie, and she seemed to enjoy their play together too. Margeaux had rented a wagon that made walks and trips to the park easy for the kids and at times, provided Jackson some rest.

Monday we gathered together chairs, drinks, snacks, and towels, and went to Hidden Beach where the sand was pretty warm and soft, and the water was cold and clear. Vance stayed on shore as we brought him damp sand to make a castle. Freya was brave enough to get her feet wet in the shallows.

Tuesday the adult kids gifted Paula and Tom a real surprise. They had arranged, in celebration of their 40th anniversary, for a private chef to come and make us all a gourmet three course meal. Chef Drew arrived 3 hours before the planned dinner, carrying everything he needed (including his own pans, knives, and ramekins). He was a personable and skilled and created a dinner that began with warm brie with a bacon, whiskey, onion, and brown sugar reduction served with toasted rounds of baguette. Main course was Beef Wellington, sauteed broccolini and garlic, onion mashed potatoes. Dessert was cafe latte cream brulee. We all got dressed up, and had a fun time at the table, visited now and then by Vance and Freya, who were otherwise occupied with a dragon movie. Our only regret is that we were so involved, we forgot to take any photos!

Other activities on Tuesday and Wednesday included more trips to the park with the kids. Margeaux and Nestor got to kayak (featured photo), and visited a nearby coffee shop.

It seemed like no time at all before Thursday had rolled around and we had to say goodbye. Fortunately, the flight home was fairly smooth, and they let us know when they were safe at home.