Christmas 2008 ...

Well, this has been the busiest December on record (so far!). With Callum now at Pre-School, there was his school nativity play and party to incorporate into the plan as well. All good fun and I think Callum must have seen Santa at least 6 times this year!!

The mum's took the kids off to Beale Park to see Santa (again!) and the animals on the Christmas week Monday and had a great time. Most of the animals were out (apart from the Meerkats who found it a little chilly!).

Callum also decided he didn't like pantos. Tears BEFORE the panto had even started and cries that he wanted to go home. Me foolishly thinks he'll get distracted when the panto started, but he sobbed through the first 15 mins and when the actors on stage noticed that not everyone in the audience were happy, I decided it was time for us to leave. Real shame as I was quite looking forward to it ... and his nephew Dan LOVED it!

The immediate run-up to Christmas saw Jon going down with some norovirus type bug (and was off food for about a week and lost 3/4 stone!!). This Christmas must also have been the first on record without Brussel Sprouts! Not a major loss for some of our guests (especially Nic who was on veggie peeling duty!). Tesco's was by far the worst. The only veg they had in were pototoes, carrots and celery!! Just as well Waitrose and the Co-op had a better selection! There was plenty of other food to make up for it though.

This year's turkey wasn't huge, but thankfully there was just enough to make Jamie Oliver's Turkey and Sweet Leek Pie for Boxing Day Supper. It was absolutely delicious - even Jon liked it:).We had Jon's parents and sister and brother-in-law staying with us over the Christmas break. It was Aly's first traditional English Christmas (just hope he enjoyed the madness!). Needless to say Callum was spoilt rotten and you can no longer see the lounge floor from the toys, puzzles and games he's received. I was just glad we opted for the "small size" presents!!

Aly also makes a pretty good cocktail ... never tried a proper Cosmopolitan or Mohito before ... but will certainly have another sometime (wonder when they're next coming over to stay??)!!