It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

Blogging has certainly taken a back seat lately and work, work and more work has been at the wheel. I finally have a wondrously free Saturday to catch my breath and catch up with my blog. So, what has been happening? Well, Peter came back from Boston a week ago, armed with gifts. Anni got these amazing Converse with her name on, firmly cementing Peter's position in the "coolest Dad on the planet" stakes. He just about got over his jet lag in time to swan off down to London again.

Meanwhile Tom has been growing some ridiculous facial hair. He seems to be going for the look of Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Hmmm! I attempted to cojole him into shaving but apparently Alex will buy him a pizza if he doesn't shave for 5 weeks. I offered to buy him two if he shaved now, but sadly that didn't work.

Last night I finally got to have some fun and went to a family celebration at Ann & Jon's, where it was lovely to catch up with my bils and sils and nieces and nephews. 

This morning we awoke to a slightly marshmallow world outside, made even better by the arrival of my newly enagaged sil and bil to be, Judith and Dan, who came bearing pancakes and maple syrup from MacDonalds for breakfast. I got to watch Tom on the tills and shop in my fave supermarket, enjoy the benefits my discount card and even got a free coffee while they rescanned our shopping. I'm now looking forward to eating some of their Moroccan lamb with Peter, Anni and Julie whilst watching X Factor and what will hopefully by Wagner's last performance.

What's more, the wonderful illuminated nativity scene has gone up across the road; a sure sign that Christmas is truly on its way. :)