We attempted to get the kids up early, as it was Chloe’s birthday and we wanted to go to the beach at Puerto Banus.

As usual it was a bit of an adventure, as I wasn’t 100% sure how to get there, but I remember managing it before so how hard can it be? Roger said to avoid San Pedro turnoff, so we went as far as Marbella, before we turned off the E15 Autopista, then followed the coast roads till I saw signs for Istan, then Puerto Banus. We came down the main avenue, parked in a convenient multi-story, then headed for the beach where we found the most FANTASTIC waves! Like surfing waves, so the boys started asking for boogie boards.

After a reviving drink for all, Sarah and I headed off to look for some, plus a sun umbrella which we urgently need too. Second shop in, found exactly what we wanted, plus a lilo for the girls but neither my Visa or Mastercard worked. I suspected it was his machine, as I know both cards are fine, so a short trip to the cashpoint later and we are sorted with both cash and boogie boards.

Hours of fun, jumping waves, being knocked over by waves, being submerged by waves, being nearly drowned by waves……….fabulous. Quite a workout too, as when you came out of the water, your heart was pounding and your legs trembling.

We were a bit shocked about the carpark charges – 20 euros per car for the afternoon but for the convence of parking right opposite the beach, I didn’t mind too much, especially now we have a lot of kit to carry! We also paid around 80 euros for snacks – fried squid and chips for eight, plus drinks, but when you break it down, it’s only 10 euros a head and in that location…..

The most stressful part of the whole day, was to get the kids out of the water, back into the car, home and showered in time for dinner on the terrace of the restaurant overlooking the square in Casares “La Bodeguita de en medio” as they do a great “bread chicken” that the kids will love.

Essentially it’s a chicken breast, bashed flat, covered in breadcrumbs and fried fast. Here’s a lovely one of the Birthday Girl Chloe Cairncross-Wood, with Sarah and Spencer. Sarah should frame that one!

Puddings all round then the kids headed off, leaving the English, Spanish and South African diners to enjoy the rest of their meal – and another amzing sunset – in peace.

Then an early night for me, as I was exhausted! But I had to get up at 2.30am to boot the kids off the computers where Farmville on Facebook has taken over the world.