A Seaside Day with Nana and Grandad

Do you remember, Isla, Leo and Mia, our lovely day at the seaside? We caught the early train with our buckets, spades and a very big picnic. Grandad had packed sandwiches, Nana had packed biscuits, and everyone was ready for an adventure.

And then, there it was! The SEA! It sparkled and splashed and stretched as far as you could see. You ran towards it so fast that your sandals nearly fell off. "Wait for us!" called Nana and Grandad.

We built the biggest sandcastle on the beach, with tall towers, a moat and a little door for crabs. "It's a palace!" said Grandad. "Then I'm moving in!" said Nana. But who would live inside? Perhaps a crab. Perhaps a mermaid. Perhaps both!

Next, we went exploring among the rocks. We found a starfish, a tiny shrimp and a crab who waved his claw at you. You waved right back. "Hello, Mr Crab!" you said. Then the crab scuttled sideways, as if he had somewhere very important to be.

"One, two, three... JUMP!" We jumped over the little waves, then the bigger waves, then one enormous wave that splashed us all! Water went up your noses. Nana's trousers got soaked. Grandad laughed so much he could hardly stand up. "What a splash!" we cried.

By lunchtime, everyone was hungry. We spread out our picnic blanket and opened the sandwiches. They were a little bit sandy, of course. "That's how you know they're proper seaside sandwiches," said Nana. We munched and crunched in the sunshine. But someone else had spotted our picnic, too.

Swoooop! Down came a cheeky seagull called Gulliver. SNATCH! He grabbed a sausage roll and flew away before anyone could blink. "Oi, Gulliver!" we shouted. Gulliver perched on a post and gobbled it up. He looked very pleased with himself. And then he looked at our picnic again. "Keep your eyes on that bird," said Grandad.

After the picnic, we went to the pier for ice creams. Strawberry, chocolate and mint, all topped with a chocolate flake. Some went into your mouths. Some went onto your chins. And a little bit melted down your fingers. "Best ice cream ever!" you said. Then Nana spotted a familiar pair of beady eyes watching from the railings. "Not this time, Gulliver!"

Next came the carousel! Round and round we went, up and down, waving every time we passed Nana and Grandad. "Hello again!" you called. Nana waved so enthusiastically that Grandad had to remind her to keep both feet on the ground. Round and round, faster and faster, until it was time to climb off, a little dizzy and very giggly.

As evening arrived, we found a place by the sea wall and opened our paper of fish and chips. The chips were hot. The fish was golden. The sea breeze tickled our noses. And there, at the edge of the wall, stood Gulliver. He tilted his head. We tilted ours. He took one step closer. "Don't even think about it!" said Nana. Gulliver gave a little squawk and flew away. This time, we kept every last chip!

The sky turned pink and gold as we caught the train home. Your buckets were empty, your pockets were full of shells, and your eyes grew heavier and heavier. Before long, you were fast asleep, with sandy toes and happy smiles. Grandad looked at Nana. Nana looked at Grandad. "What a lovely day," we whispered.

Do you remember our day by the sea? The sandcastles, the splashing waves, the melting ice creams and that very cheeky seagull? Some days are so special that you want to keep them forever, like a little shell tucked safely in your pocket. And wherever you go, and whatever adventures come next, we will always treasure our days with you. With all our love, today and always, Nana and Grandad.