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Tuesday 30 December 2014

Cousins in the snow


We had some snow on Boxing Day and it has been so cold it just hasn't really gone anywhere. It meant that we were able to enjoy a quick walk in the snow with my sister and nephew before they headed back to Bristol with my Mum and Dad, who were also leaving the same day.

Rowan wasn't quite sure what to make of the snow, but Lily managed to get him to touch some by the end of the walk. Lily was absolutely brilliant with Rowan and he really seemed to take to her. Lily is brilliant with little children, which is why it is so funny that she is adamant that she won't be having any of her own! We loved getting to spend time with Elaine and Rowan. Here's hoping we can manage to see more of each other in 2015!

My adorable nephew, Rowan! Love him!



Emma throwing a snowball at me. Bless!





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Monday 29 December 2014

A Milestone Birthday


My Dad's birthday is three days after Christmas and since my parents spent Christmas with us this year, that meant we would be celebrating it together. As it was his 60th birthday we wanted it to be special, so Mum and Dad went to Bristol to fetch my sister and nephew so we could celebrate together. Unfortunately my brother-in-law had to work, so was unable to come.

Whilst my parents were travelling, we set out a little party for Dad and decorated with banners and balloons ready for his return. His birthday 'cake' was a croquembouche of 60 profiteroles topped with  '60' in sparklers. It was fun to put together and looked pretty impressive! We all enjoyed eating it!

My sister and two year old nephew spent the night, which was lovely as we rarely have a chance to spend time together. The Podlings enjoyed playing with their cousin and spending some time together as a family was a wonderful way of celebrating Dad's 60th birthday. 

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!
We love you!


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Saturday 27 December 2014

Christmas Day




Alex enjoying Christmas dinner. He likes real food does my boy!


We couldn't all fit around our dining room table, so I decorated the conservatory and Tom, Lily and Emma enjoyed their Christmas dinner there instead. 

Friday 26 December 2014

Christmas morning

 A magical first Christmas morning with Alexander.

Sleepy Emma!

Discovering the joys of pretty paper


A flurry of paper and the chaos begins! Very excited little Podlings!

Spot the baby!

Now you see me, now you don't!
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Wednesday 24 December 2014

Christmas Eve



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Christmas is coming


December flies past in a flurry of school plays, carousel rides, Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, festive decorations and pretty lights. We slow it down with Christmas crafts, a carol service by candlelight, lots of Christmas stories and the church nativity service. I love December!







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Friday 19 December 2014

Teacher gifts


It's that time of year again! Homemade Christmas fairy cakes for the Podlings teachers. I snapped these photos on my iPad (if you follow my Instagram feed you will already have seen them), so they aren't great pictures, but they are all I have. They looked rather nicer 'in the flesh'.

All boxed up and ready for delivery
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Thursday 18 December 2014

Sanctuary


I love how cosy our bedroom looks with our Christmas lights in the window (I can't bring myself to put the Moses basket away yet!)
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Wednesday 17 December 2014

Baby Loves Biscotti!


I can't believe we are on finger foods already!
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Little moments


Lily: Mummy, when Emma learns to read will you still read to us?
Me: Yes, of course! I'll read to you as long as you want me to.
Lily: Will you still read to me when I'm twenty?
Me: I'll still read to you when you are twenty if you want me to.

It's these little conversations that I don't want to forget.

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Emma's Snowy day Picture


Emma is really hoping for a snowy day this year!
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Monday 15 December 2014

Santa Special


On Sunday we took the Podlings to see Father Christmas, but we decided to do something a bit different this year. Our children aren't getting any younger and we are fortunate that we still have a full party of believers. We are aware that we don't have many years left of that, so wanted to do something a bit special this year whilst all the Podlings can fully enjoy the magic.

After a brief investigation, we came across the Santa Special at Amerton Railway near Stone, Staffordshire. We have visited the adjacent farm before, but had never taken the children on the narrow gauge railway next door. The Santa Special sounded like the perfect way to make our visit to Father Christmas something to remember. I rang them up on the day and we were lucky that they still had spaces available on their afternoon trains.

We told Tom in advance as he doesn't handle surprises very well, but we didn't tell the girls about the train until we got there. All they knew was that we were going to see Father Christmas. When we told them they were so excited. Emma has never been on a train before and she couldn't wait to get on it!

The train set off and then stopped at a little siding where Santa's train was waiting. Father Christmas then came over to our train and spoke with each child in the train whilst his elf helper fetched a gift. The adults got to enjoy a mince pie (and a sherry if you wanted it, which I didn't). After Father Christmas had seen every child, the train's whistle blew and we set off again back to the little station.

The Podlings loved it! Even Alex was rather fascinated at the goings on. Mark loves steam trains (courtesy of a childhood reading the Rev. W. Awdry's Railway Stories), so certainly enjoyed it at least as much as the Podlings! It was certainly a very special way of seeing Father Christmas and we would certainly consider going again. I'd love to do it again when Alex is old enough to know what it is all about.

Waiting to board









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