So it was that we arrived in England during the hottest week since records began. It was still cooler than Texas, of course, but when air conditioning is waving a copy of The Times in your face, and you still can't get out of the habit of wearing socks to bed, it was certainly more uncomfortable.
We did our usual zip around the kingdom, popping in to say hello to Goddaughter Charity in Durham before speeding down the M1 - followed by sitting stationary on the M25 - for lunch with Ellen and Megan. Thankfully the car had air con, and cricket was on the radio, so it wasn't that different from what I'd be doing in the US.
The majority of the trip was spent in the south, seeing all the family there, including a sojourn in God's Own Country of Wales (currently ranked #1 at rugby, lest we forget). As usual we were treated to endless hospitality and fabulous meals, even if my nieces, nephews and Godchildren didn't show me quite the respect I deserve, but that's been a long-term problem. They can remedy that when we're back at Christmas, when hopefully the weather will have returned to something more respectable too.
Full English breakfast on our first morning.
Taking Granny to the cleaners in a game of Exploding Kittens.
This is the hottest/nicest day that has ever happened in Durham in history!
Introducing Charity, David and Pete to where they'll be coming to university.
And now Durham has a theme park! Adventure Valley.
The highlight being the world's fastest tortoise.
Picnic in Woking on a warm day.
Sun's out! Time to barbecue with Grandad.
A short but fiery sermon in St John's Church, Frome.
Digging up potatoes with Grandpa.
Siblings' night out at Frome cinema (that still lets you drink a cider while watching a film). Tonight's showing - Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw. Fantastic.
Aunty Katharine looks at the sea from Nothe Fort, Weymouth.
And then we got in.
Along with every other person in Dorset.
How strange that everyone in this family likes computer games...
Post-beach fish and chips.
A quad bike ride with Uncle Bill and cousin Pippa.
The newest member of the family, Uncle Mark's pedigree Sealyham terrier. Just don't ask him how much she cost...
