Christmas!
Well, that was fun!
Thursday and Friday saw a lot of pottering around, doing chores, reading books, and that kind of thing -- with a trip to a soft-play to let the children run around, enjoyed by all. Katy had a play-date round at her best friend's house while Dan and I did the main Christmas Food Shopping (a little on the manic side!)
On Saturday, we progressed with preparation while Katy spent the entire day in bed reading Enid Blyton stories; then in the evening we visited her best friend's house again. The children stayed for a sleepover, while the grown-ups had a huge meal accompanied by lots of wine.
On Sunday, I did some book-related stuff (see my next post), while Neuromancer took the kids to the playground, and then my dad came round for an evening meal. Some children who live down the street also came to play, which (unfortunately) led to the only major problem of the holiday so far; Dan was banished to his room, and had to miss his pizza, for being violent. He'll learn his lesson eventually. Monday saw some last-minute top-up shopping, and the Nine Lessons and Carols at the Cathedral, taking dad along; the children were good as gold, not always something to be relied on in church!
Then Christmas Day! The children loved their presents, we all loved the food (N was in charge of nibbles and puddings, I did the main meal; it all turned out splendidly, thanks to using slightly more complex recipes than we normally attempt), my dad loved being around all day, snoozing and watching the children play. In between activities (i.e. present-opening and eating!), we collapsed to watch a couple of films, read books, messed around on the Internet, played with new toys, etc etc. Then I pushed dad home in his wheelchair (only a 10-minute walk) and Neuromancer organised a disco for Danny, Katy, and of course the newest family member, "Midnight" (K's Furby). The day also included copious Buck's Fizz, two different wines, Baileys, whisky, and lots of Shloer!
Today we plan a blustery Boxing Day walk out in the countryside somewhere, and tackling the mountain of leftovers (we did washing up as we went, so the house is looking in a good state; and the kids are now well-trained that they can't open another present until the wrapping paper etc from the previous one has been cleared away!)
Thursday and Friday saw a lot of pottering around, doing chores, reading books, and that kind of thing -- with a trip to a soft-play to let the children run around, enjoyed by all. Katy had a play-date round at her best friend's house while Dan and I did the main Christmas Food Shopping (a little on the manic side!)
On Saturday, we progressed with preparation while Katy spent the entire day in bed reading Enid Blyton stories; then in the evening we visited her best friend's house again. The children stayed for a sleepover, while the grown-ups had a huge meal accompanied by lots of wine.
On Sunday, I did some book-related stuff (see my next post), while Neuromancer took the kids to the playground, and then my dad came round for an evening meal. Some children who live down the street also came to play, which (unfortunately) led to the only major problem of the holiday so far; Dan was banished to his room, and had to miss his pizza, for being violent. He'll learn his lesson eventually. Monday saw some last-minute top-up shopping, and the Nine Lessons and Carols at the Cathedral, taking dad along; the children were good as gold, not always something to be relied on in church!
Then Christmas Day! The children loved their presents, we all loved the food (N was in charge of nibbles and puddings, I did the main meal; it all turned out splendidly, thanks to using slightly more complex recipes than we normally attempt), my dad loved being around all day, snoozing and watching the children play. In between activities (i.e. present-opening and eating!), we collapsed to watch a couple of films, read books, messed around on the Internet, played with new toys, etc etc. Then I pushed dad home in his wheelchair (only a 10-minute walk) and Neuromancer organised a disco for Danny, Katy, and of course the newest family member, "Midnight" (K's Furby). The day also included copious Buck's Fizz, two different wines, Baileys, whisky, and lots of Shloer!
Today we plan a blustery Boxing Day walk out in the countryside somewhere, and tackling the mountain of leftovers (we did washing up as we went, so the house is looking in a good state; and the kids are now well-trained that they can't open another present until the wrapping paper etc from the previous one has been cleared away!)