On 30th December, they arrived! Family favourite Shepherds Pie for tea (or is that dinner?) was followed by a relaxing night, exchanging presents and catching up. My three were bemused by the American accents of their cousins, and James particularly loved having the now sport-mad Patrick and Richard to chat to, in spite of the 11 year age gap between the eldest two! After two bottles of red wine, we headed off to bed, having planned absolutely nothing for the next two days, just quality family time! A leisurely New Year's Eve ambled into a chilled evening at home, having dinner, playing games and sipping red wine and Shloer (kiddie wine as Patrick informs me). Much hilarity ensued with the team challenge game, along with silly alphabet voices, mathematical feats from our youngest player, and many other hysterical tasks. Patrick was determined to capture a photo of 12 midnight, so we made sure we took this as he and Richard stepped out to be our First Footers.
As the twelfth stroke arrived, our tall, dark and handsomes stepped across the threshold, bringing in the New Year. After the hugging stopped, we stepped outside with our Cava to watch the fireworks and listen to the ships on the Tyne. We then watched London's celebrations, reminding us of the Olympics we'd all watched together...yes 2012 had been one to remember! A sleepless night followed for me, as my three were out with friends, Devon on her first trip in to town, and the other two partying locally. A family lunch on New Year's Day saw proud Grandmas looking on as the 'bairns' were all together again. Just perfect!!
Happy New Year!! |