Happy New Year to you all!

A little late I know, but hey, I'm here now!

We had a lovely Christmas, spending Christmas day at home as a four-some. Ben was more excited this year than ever about the big day but both were ever so good and gave us a lie in until 8ish before the mad rush to open presents! Boxing day was spent at P's parents with aunts and uncles and cousins and then a little break before travelling to my parents at the weekend with aunts, uncles and cousins from my side of the family.

Lots of lovely new things for both of them, a much needed footie, Lego in all shapes and sizes, a fabulous bubble wand stick (which we later tried out in strong wind - not a very good idea!), construction and science kits to name a few for Ben and some horsey goodies including books, t-shirt, model horses, soft toys in the horse and cat department, games and a pretty lilac watch for Katie. We had to pretty smashing gifts as well, including the camera of course which is getting lots of use. Thanks to everyone who gave such lovely presents - can't list them all but they are all very much appreciated and loved.

Some firsts this year: (1) we were given a chocolate fountain - it made Katie's eyes light up! First attempt wasn't too good as I think I'd added too much oil to the chocolate. It tasted fabulous though (to be expected) with the children spooning it out of the fountain bowl, but it was too thin to flow over the top of the fountain. (2) We found out that sprouts are actually rather good. Mr. P from next door has been trying to palm them off on to us since the beginning of December but I kept pushing them away saying how awful they are, but nearer to Christmas Katie said she'd like to try them (very brave for a child I thought) so we bought some and cooked them with garlic and bacon. Fabulous, we're all converted now. (3) We managed to get Katie to watch Titanic. I was chuffed to see that it was on again over Christmas, perfect for finishing off our project. Ben had seen half of it before, but we all watched it and I noticed that both showed some emotion at the end. Katie said it really brought the whole thing to life for her.

Our break from any schooling has been restful. The children have been playing together really well and the home seems peaceful and settled! Ben used his new science kit to made gloop following all the instructions himself (and wearing the required rubber gloves and mouth mask) and Katie has been drawing horses using the fabulous photos from one of her new horse books. We're continuing to read our "Nickolai of the North" which seems very good and Katie is getting her hands on any reading material available seeing as how she's read all her books (including any new ones) and her library books several times over and was desperate to get back to the library! We went today to stock up with more reading material - and she's finished two books in the last few hours!

He looks just like a dentist!

We're hoping to get back to "work" on Monday. In between typing up the new group schedule and sorting out our monthly finances (always a task and a half but it seemed a little harder this time as P has just started a new job and lost a little pay from last month due to hols over Christmas), I've put together a few bits and bobs to get us going educationally next term.

Have been enjoying late morning rises and late bed times so since Wednesday we've been trying to get to bed earlier and reading before we sleep. It's raining tonight, so I'm really looking forward to snuggling down under the covers with my new mag!

Night!