New Years Eve

We drove up to Cala and Andy's new home in Lindfield today for our last lunch of 2011. After a show round the new pad, a delicious lunch cooked by Cala we wrapped up warm and went for a stroll. 3.5 hrs and about 7 miles later we arrived back in the pitch black.

We left the warmth of their little cottage and turned left and walked through the country lanes to Lindfield, stopped off at Lindfield Cricket Club as this is the place that Tim and I met for the first time, the little people had a play in the park (well and so did the boys), we then had a little miranda around the village before our trek home which ended up us walking the length of Haywards Heath high street to get back to their place. We had a lovely time and it was just the walk we needed and the little people were fantastic little walkers as always.

After a snack of Pizza and mugs of tea and chocolate we headed home to celebrate the new year coming in. The little people were put to bed, Tim and I cooked a lovely peppered steak dinner and sat on the sofa watching a film and NYE TV with no interruptions of texts, phones or using a computer - pure bliss.

PJ day

Today was the first day over the Christmas holiday's where we did not have to be anywhere or see anyone so we stayed in out PJ's all day and whilst the children spent time in their bedrooms reading or just unpacking/playing with all their new toys Tim and I just chilled and pottered round the house.... pure bliss

Home alone

Tim and I woke up to a quiet house this morning and for the first few minutes it was lovely but then we both really missed the little people. We spent a really lazy morning at home before heading into town for me to go on an 'Intro to iMac' course at the Apple store which wasn't that great, we did managed to pick up a few bits though in town including a new 'best' dinner service as my Christmas present which I was very pleased with.

The little people had a lovely time with their grandparents at the pant!

Day after boxing day

Had a nice chilled out morning at home before heading over to Nanny Anne's and Grandad's for another Christmas dinner. Tim and I left late afternoon and Daisy and Samuel stayed as they were having a sleep over as they are all going to see Robin Hood tomorrow, the panto in Eastbourne.

Tim and I had grand plans to go out for dinner and then to the cinema but we decided as we haven't spent much time at home recently to cook a nice curry and then we watched all of series 2 of 'Made in America'

Boxing day

This morning was spent at the pre-January sales, unfortunately no great bargains were to be had (well there was if you needed things) but the only thing we needed was new school shoes for the little people and could we get the sizes we wanted in the sale, no! So they ended up with some new clothes instead.

We then popped home for lunch before heading up to London to John and Elaine for our traditional Boxing Day visit for a turkey curry lunch and then carrying on consuming lots of food and drink whilst chatting late into the night.

Christmas Day - part 2

After breakfast we got ourselves ready for part 2 of our Christmas day, we loaded up the car, picked Nanny Maureen up from work and drove over to Aunty Jo and Uncle Murphy's to spend the day with them. There was more present opening, lots of eating, drinking, chatting, laughing and of course there was dancing. Great day, thank you guys. xx

Christmas Day - Part 1

For the first time ever I had to wake up the little people at 7.30am to open their stockings. I hardly slept with excitement and I was also worried that Tim and I would over sleep and miss them opening their stockings. There was lots of squills of excitement and that was before we even got downstairs to the main presents.

After a manic present opening session thankfully everyone was really happy with their presents including Daddy we hung out playing with our new toys/lap top/books/crafts before Grandad and Nanny Anne came over for breakfast and another session of present opening.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS 2011

Wishing all our wonderful friends, family and readers a very Merry Christmas and we hope you have a fantastic day.

Preparing for the big visit!

Christmas Eve 2011

New family tradition....

Ice skating at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton on Christmas Eve.

This was our first time skating as a family and for the first 15 mins it wasn't the idillic acitivy I thought it would be more bambies on ice. Thankfully Daisy got to grip with it quite quickly but gees Samuel suddenly developed the ability not being able to stand and I felt every muscle in my body as I held him up to skate round. Finally we got hold of a penguin to assist him (and save my muscles). By the end Daisy and Daddy were managing to go round on their own.

Afterwards we went to Aunty Debby's and Uncle Keith's for a visit from Father Christmas.

Calm before the storm

Today was Daddy's last day at work, the little people got taken off to the Santa express at Bluebell Railway by Grandad and Nanny Anne whilst I stayed home and did housework and the last minute prep for Christmas.

Whilst the little people were out they received a parcel from our lovely friend Sylvia who lives in America. I can confirm there were screams of delight when this parcel was opened. Daisy received a very sparkly pair of pink trainers which she loved and went straight on to her feet and she announced 'Mum, look they are a perfect fit, these are the best present ever' and Samuel recieved a very grown up present of a station masters watch on a chain, he nearly fell over when he saw what it was and anyone that goes near it 'Be careful that is a very precious train watch' - thank you so much Sylvia you could not have picked more perfect presents for them both.

Our friends Emma and Mark then came over for a curry and catch up as we haven't seen them for ages.

Nice chilled and productive day!

Baking in the Parker household

Today we made Gingerbread cookies and Samuel made his mince pies for the boy's Christmas day competition. I measure out the ingrediants and I am proud to say he did all the rest himself, unfortunately the pastry was very crumbly and I think more of the mince meat went in his mouth than the actual pies.

The gingerbread cookies were really fun to make as I could just let them get on with it and cut out their own cookies although the mess it created took longer to clean up than the actual activity.

The Nutcracker

This evening I took Daisy to her first ballet The Nutcracker at The Dome, Brighton. It was a modern version not quite what we were expecting but she enjoyed it.

Burning the Clocks

Burning the Clocks was created in 1995 as a way to celebrate the festive season by Samesky. The winter solstice offered an alternative to Christmas, and a theme of time that forms the parade each year. The event has quickly became a much-loved part of the Brighton winter calendar and this year http://www.teacupsandtiaras.co.uk/ was a supporter of the event. As part of this the little people got to wear costumes and help lead the parade through Brighton. I have never seen crowds so deep (not even for the children's parade) and so many people were taking photos - I wish I had done my hair and make up!