Christmas started on 23rd this year as Jacob and Lola were going to Duval’s on Christmas Eve. So evening of 23rd was first family Christmas dinner, gammon. Unfortunate end to the evening involving Lola, no more to be said, but rather spoilt next morning with stockings for all.

Christmas at Mallards, with Matilda, Chris and boys, Charlie and George.

Weather so good managed an evening game of croquet.

Alos pics of our traditional Christmas Morning run, first time with a buggy though!

Have renewed, with the arrival of Mabel, traditional excursion on the Audley End Mini Railway excursion to Father Christmas and his elves in the wood.

Haven’t been for a few years as children became grown-ups (though Alice still wanted to go every year!). So first year for Mabel, and along came Jacob, Reuben and Chelsea. All lovely until we realised in our absent years the price has increased…to £10.50 per adult, £52.50 in total!…could have got a return for 2 adults to London, but heyho it is Christmas and we all got in to the spirit.

Eleves were particularly good, acted the part, smiled a lot, sang and danced. Also good to see diversity in the Elvish community with  particularly lively Gay Elf.

Happy Birthday Bear!

Quite eventful, not for all the right reasons. Alice was scheduled to do school D.I.S.C.O in the evening and I was going to the company annual meeting so we planned to delay any real celebration until later in the evening.

Good news Portable Party and Macarena expert Charlie kindly stepped in for the disco. Bad news, Lola had a melt down at school which I had to deal with, this included going AWOL and police called. So no meeting for me. Alice and Duval decided best place for Lola was in London, so she was picked up that evening. Obviously put a bit if a downer on the day.

However soiree was scheduled for the Saturday, bloody marvellous.

Beautiful Sunday morning and a too rare trip to Tate Modern. Bit trickier these days with a Baby Bear to take in to account.

First time in the new wing, first stop new members room which we pretty much had to ourselves so Mabel could have a good run around.

The went to floor 9 viewing gallery. Such a clear day.