15th August fete

The time of year has come again for the sleepy hamlet of Thollet to be invaded by visitors wishing to celebrate and enjoy the activities provided by a dedicated team of people who work hard all year long organising a day not to be forgotten.  It has been some years since I have stayed for the fireworks (I think the first year we moved here Ben and I stayed to watch the band and fireworks after our shift on the sausage and chips stand).   The afternoon brightened up and we set off to celebrate and catch up with our friends.  Ruby has seen the merry go round many times but has never wanted to stay on as the ride starts, this year she was eager to get on and stay on – Rivan could not wait to get on the fire engine and ring the bell all the way round.  Our neighbour (and French grandparents) enjoyed paying for the kids to ‘go fishing’ and in turn the kids were delighted with their prizes – a miss kitty wand and a digger for Rivan.   The Thollet train took us for a ride over the river and up a steep winding path to an area that I have never been before - there was time to enjoy some family moments before Ben had to start his shift cooking chips and sausages for the hungry crowds.

 

 

The afternoon band was somewhat of a surprise, past years had bought us the local hunt band, line dancers and young and up coming stars filling the stage with their pleasant melodies.  This year - a fairly heavy rock band - you had to actually watch them rather than just listen to their music from afar - the young men put on a great performance and even if the music was not liked by all they entertained the audience and I particularly liked the mic stand!  After a while we took a walk - away from the music to protect the kids ears more than anything, up the winding path past the church and past the traditional bread oven which opens once a year for a couple of days - the bread is outstanding and this year the pizzas looked pretty good too!  Ben then had to leave and start his shift so we got some food for the kids and then found a quiet step to sit down and have our alfresco dinner.

  

 

The kids and I partied into the night (well until about 8pm), going down the huge slide - Rivan climbed all the way up to the top and then got scared about coming down so I did not think twice about climbing up and coming down with him - the perks of being a mum hey!  The kids started fading so we made our way home and with a quick snack and drink before bed they were ready for sleep.  I had a quiet evening and listened to the fireworks as I drifted off for the night.  

 

Comments

[minutepapillon]

Dad and son picture, they look so much alike!!!! Have you noticed?