Park, Park, Park & Park

With the snow here, kids spend a lot of time sledding down hills all winter. C got his chance today for the first time in in his short life. At a nearby school, there is a hill about 40 feet high. We borrowed a sled from a family friend, braved the cold and C went for it. 45 minutes later, he was still going for it- thrilled.

We made it! For a few days leading up to our flight, we weren't sure if we were going to get out of Heathrow due to the 3 inches of snow. Christmas was great- just enough presents to make the kids happy, Uncle Nate in attendance, and Bells cooked a big turkey. Unfortunately, we still haven't listened to the Queens Speech on youtube yet. Snow here is accepted and encouraged- we had 3 inches on the ground when we arrived, more on Christmas eve, and a few flurries during the day. C enjoys it more than D!

C and I were to meet a few ex-work colleagues for a Christmas Lunch yesterday, but the weather got in the way. So C and I enjoyed pizza for lunch in Covent Garden, and then a bit of shopping. The line of the day: C to Bella afterwards- I had a lemonade and Dad had a house red. We started the day in Hyde Park at a huge Bavarian Christmas Fair with rides! C was adventuresome on some of the higher, faster one. Posting mat be a bit light over the next 2 weeks- We all fly to the US for an American Christmas!- and I need to figure out mobile posting.

C and I journeyed by tube over to Ravenscourt Park to meet Jack today for lunch. We met at the Anglesea Arms - a really good pub (my pork shoulder with apples was perfect for a cold, snowy day). A few pints later, we wandered back out into the elements. Depending on the weather, C and I have another festive engagement tomorrow- lunch in the Big Smoke.

Bella's long-standing friend Jane and her partner Merv have just moved to France, running a B&B and outdoor touring outfit. They came through London last night, and we had an impromptu dinner party. Famous Nettie and Bella's Dad joined in the festivities. Jane and Merv came down from the loft this morning to the loud sounds of kids playing- although they graciously denied that the kids woke them up. In Jane's hand is the key to their French house- a huge skeleton key from the 1910's!

In preparation for our journey to the US for Christmas, we got Dorothy a haircut this morning. The first ever- she's nearly 2 1/2 now. Before: After:

Here's some pictures from C's Nursery Nativity Sing-a-long this afternoon. The Chorus Line of 5 year olds to the left dressed as Santa's Elves. D to right, enjoying the show with Mum. C with the lead- Rudolph (aka Alex).

On Friday, Bells and I had to run between Nursery and School to attend the kids' nativity plays. We ended up in the back rows of both of them, hence the poor picture quality. Dorothy did a fantastic acting job, while Christian sang like he was on a showboat!

We all awoke this morning to a snow covered street. Thrilling for the wee ones. Less thrilling for the runners and pram-pushers of the family. School was still on though!