Priory Park Choir Concert

Another beautiful summer day means only one thing - over to Papermill Lock for some more canoeing and perfectly timed given that both the boys have a Beaver Scouts canoeing event over Barleylands next weekend. I don't think I have ever seen the water so stunning as it was today. It was crystal cleat, as flat as a mill pond and very refreshing on a scorching hot day. We had a lovely leisurely canoe from the usual bridge up to the lock and en route we stopped to look at loads of wild life and plants. At times it was just nice to stop rowing and listen to absolutely nothing other than the odd bird tweeting.

 

Joshua did some amazing rowing on his own today and is really starting to get some very good boat control. He was actually managing to dig an ore into the water to stop the canoe from spinning if it was going in the wrong direction. I think next time we go he needs a bit of practice rowing backwards / reversing and then he is almost there. For sure I think he will be ready for his single seater before he turns 8.

 

Joshua doing all the rowing as be and B sit as passengers.

Great control as he turns the boat around and steers into the slip.

Our leisurely cruise down the river Chelmer without a care in the world.

What a beautiful way to spend a Sunday morning.

The cafe at the Lock is quite a tourist attraction itself and when you see the range of cakes and scones that they offer you can understand why. They sell the most delicious chocolate cake and after all that exercise on the river, both boys were more than ready for a slice. Today they were extremely lucky as by the time we got to the front of the queue there was only two slices left!

 

Brandon tucking into his huge slice of chocolate cake.

Joshua ate his twice as quick and made four times as much mess. He is such a mucky pup!!!!

Both boys enjoying their canoeing interval snack.

After canoeing today we headed over to Priory Park in Southend to watch Uncle Michael performing in his choir on the Pavilion.  Holly was getting a lot of attention from all of Auntie Lea's friends and the boys were really enjoying the concert. They particularly liked Uncle Michael's wrap to "New York" which is a song they both love anyway. Brandon was using his knees as red and gold buttons like on Britain's Got Talent to rate the songs!

 

Little Holly with a beautiful smile as she has cuddles with Auntie Lea.