Father Christmas...

(posted by Elizma)

The words if you can't make it out:
Father Christmas
Father Christmas
He got stuck
He got stuck
Coming down the chimney
Coming down the chimney
What bad luck!
What bad luck!

Frosty the Snowman

(posted by Elizma)

Today we built our first snowman. Or more accurately, Leon built us a snowman. It was quite difficult as the snow was very dry and would not stick properly to form a ball. He did however manage it in the end.

Liam was more interested in eating the snow from the carrot that became the nose. We also showed him how to make snow angels.

Afterwards we walked to Ouma Ria and OuBill's house for a coffee.

I'm sure he will sleep VERY well tonight...

More photos here.

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

(posted by Elizma)

In the last couple of weeks we had 2 good lots of snow. Quite unusual for this far south in the UK, but nevertheless we love it! Having a house decked out in Christmas decorations, listening to Christmas Crooners and watching the snow fall outside is truly magical - and for the first time in a long time I don't envy friends and family in sunnier parts of the world.

Here are a few photos from both occasions.

The first time we played in our street with the neighbours' sledge. Today, Leon had to work so Liam and I walked to our local coffee shop to meet up with neighbours Kath and Jason and their daughter Chloe. The kids got pulled home on the sledge by Jason and I've never seen Liam so gleeful. He absolutely loved it!

More photos here.

Baking Christmas Decorations

(posted by Elizma)

This afternoon Liam and I baked some biscuits for the Christmas tree. They are not the best looking biscuits I've ever made, but they were the most fun (read: most messy).

He takes baking very serious and insisted on wearing the apron.

They're practically inedible as well - not that it's stopping him. They will serve their purpose on the tree though.

A few day trips with my parents

(posted by Elizma)

I know it's been a while since they've left, but in the last few week's of my parents visit we did a few day trips. Here is a short summary with links to more photos:

Exbury Gardens
The Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre (100 hectare) site, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs and is situated in the beautiful New Forest. We spent a lovely day there which included a steam train ride and a buggy tour. For more photos, click here.




The Thames Barrier
Another trip took us to the impressive Thames Barrier with its interesting park. Liam especially enjoyed the day out as it took us on THREE different trains: the overland, the tube and the DLR. More photos here.




The Isle of Wight
Leon surprised us with a day trip to the Isle of Wight. Though it was cold it was the first time we've been that we were able to go on the chair lift and see the Needles properly. And who doesn't enjoy going on a ferry? More photos here.