This morning, a pair of enthusiastic grandparents scooped Andrew and Edward up and headed to Highbridge Caravans in Somerset. Both boys had a long sleep en route and were game to explore caravans with us. A kindly lady took us to a select group that fitted our requirements. We arrived with a clear view of what we wanted layout-wise, nothing more than ten years old – both of which greatly reduced the number of vans we needed to inspect. Within minutes we had gone from about a dozen to a final three. Above is the Swift Challenger 530 Evolution.

I walked in with Andrew while Bear and Edward checked the various ‘blue’ outside ‘thingies’. Immediately we loved the neutral tones (big bed), the layout was perfect with the washroom to the right as you go in the door and the all important dinette at which we will fight over the backgammon board.

Andrew and I went in the washroom and I let out a squeal. What came the inquiring voice from outside. You have to come and see this – the sink is called Big Bear.

Bear and Edward checked out the washroom and let loose from his walking straps Edward found the vegetable cupboard behind the dinette. He opened it, pulled out the fancy basket, got in and roared with laughter. Each seat has a storage bin for single bedding when not in use, when in use the area converts in to two bunks. Perfect. Maybe we can eat our supper there ???? oh you won’t starve looking at the cooker and microwave.

The kitchen.

James had introduced himself during our second van inspection and caught up with us six vans later, just as the boys, independently, had clambered up on to the settees and settled happily – the only van in which they did......It’s all pointing to this one then. James asked us “to hold that thought” as he wanted to show us a few more. Once more we were left to explore but nothing now seemed to match the Evolution. Again, we all settled two by two on the settees and once again James returned. This was the one. By the time we got to James’ office we were absolute that we had found the right girl. “There is a brand new, untouched Evolution in the yard, she will be yours”. Eva was named there and then. The boys sat quietly and ate an apple (Edward in his pushchair, Andrew sat next to Bear). An appointment was booked for us to meet our Eva on the 8th of June to go through her bits and bobs, delivery on the 9th. Wow. Done and done. Not a wink of sleep that night and many views of her video on Youtube.

Bear loaded Edward in the car as Andrew and I looked at the awnings. Another had to be – Isabel was my mums middle name, so it was right to have an Isabella awning. Again, we already knew we would like a full length. I loaded Andrew as Bear went for a look round. All that was left to do was nip in to see Justin, “Yes, we have two, I’ll load one on to Eva the day before she leaves here”. All done in little over an hour. Now time for some beach fun, Burnham on Sea is just ten minutes away.

Andrew and grandpa settled in the shade for their picnic.