Merry Christmas!

We had a fantastic Christmas, slightly extended, rather indulgent and very relaxed! My parents and sister Jane came to stay on Christmas Eve and we spent the day eating and drinking. We had our turkey lunch, with home-grown sprouts, and perhaps a glass or two of wine before heading to the church for the evening service. It was good to see friends and get in the (other) Christmas spirit by singing a few carols and watching local children act out the story of Christmas.

Amazingly the kids didn't get up until after half six (though they were both up multiple time in the night). They were both excited but thankfully not hysterical and just loved opening their presents. Toby had got the idea of it this year and it was lovely that they both stopped and played with some of their gifts as they went, rather than tearing through them all at one go.

After a walk and scoot to the park (the kids got a scooter each, complete with flashing lights) we had a lovely, picky brunch with a mixture of samosa, onion bhajis, savoury tarts, cheese and crackers and left over puddings from the day before. Don't worry, we did have home-grown bacon and sausage but for a quick snack breakfast (along with the chocolate!). :)

After brunch, we headed up to Steve's parents for the afternoon. It worked pretty well as the drive gave the kids time to relax and calm down a little. Of course there were lots more presents to open and play with at gran and grandad's. We also got to catch up with lots of family, a great way to finish Christmas day.

Pre-Christmas Update

Thought I'd best do a quick update before Christmas festivities take over and previous news is lost in the excitement!

December seems to be flying by - this year I thought I was organised but suddenly it's four sleeps and still lots to do. The school Christmas Faire was on December 2 where the kids met the first of many Santas for the year along with some real reindeer. There was the opportunity for them to go into the pen with the reindeer, feed them and have a photo taken but neither were that bothered. Quite good to see that their sense of self-preservation is in tack (two wild animals in a pen with small children just doesn't seem to mix!).

They did both go in to see Santa quite happily - as you'll notice from all the photos, none of the Santas were particularly cheerful this year. Toby had no hesitation jumping into his grotto and telling Santa that he lives "down the road, turn left," I guess he wanted to make sure there were no hiccups with delivery! Beth was rather more subdued and I think her conversation consisted mainly of nods. We managed to spend rather a lot and gain rather little (I guess that's the point of school faires) but Toby did buy himself a secondhand Spiderman outfit for the bargain price of 20p.

The vase of sweetpeas are stuck in there as I was impressed to still be getting them in December - the last lot of the year I think!

I got an early Christmas present on the weekend of the 10-12 with a (quick) trip over to California accompanying my flight-attendant friend on one of her shifts. Unfortunately I didn't get to see everyone I would have liked but I did get to see many good friends and it was wonderful to catch-up. I only took a few snaps while there - it was so nice to see people (and most hadn't changed) that it seemed silly to spend time taking photos!

I did of course take some of Carter and Archer, the beautiful (and very well behaved [while I was there]) children of my friend Christy. It was just lovely to meet them - I feel like I know them already so it was great to see them in the flesh! I also fitted in a bit of shopping (though not as much as you'd think) and popped into old work to see everyone and pick up a few bits and pieces to keep me busy.

Amazingly the flights were great (result of not having the kids with me!) and went really quickly. It might have been because I got upgraded and actually got to sleep. I felt like a minor celebrity as I got to mingle with the likes of Darius Campbell, Renee Zellweger and Greg Proops! Suppose I shouldn't get used to it as next time I'll be back in cattle-class with the commoners!

The day after I got back it was the toddler Christmas party where Toby got to meet another Santa. Considering there were 60 odd children, it wasn't too hectic and I managed to stay awake throughout. To wrap up our Santa visits we went to Sundown Adventureland to their special Christmas ride. The ride was nice - scenes from all the fairytales, a little Disneyish but not quite. For some reason I find this Santa particularly disturbing but I think it was probably his first year and he was a little on the young side for this job.

The kids broke up from school yesterday so we're spending the rest of the week finishing bits off (like icing the cake and wrapping) as well as making salt dough decorations and a wreath for the door.

The kittens are doing great and still love exploring the garden - Lucy has suddenly become more adventurous and takes herself off to goodness knows where. Here she is balancing on the fence.

Happy Christmas everyone - Christmas post I'm sure will follow. :)