We had a great time with both our girls and their families, and enjoyed chatting, playing games, reading stories, going to playgrounds and generally having fun together.
All the meals worked out better than I could have hoped - including the Panettone Baked Alaska. Rosie was intrigued by the idea of putting ice cream in the oven - but understood that the cake insulated the frozen centre while the meringue cooked on the outside.
On New Year's Day, the Manchester family returned home. One last brief opportunity for the cousins to play together. Then Bob and I looked after Ro and Jess for a while, while their Mum and Dad went for a walk. Bob and Rosie built some electric circuits, and Jess did some crafting with crayons, paper and glue. Then both girls decorated biscuits. We all had great fun. Liz and Jon returned, and after lunch we did much tidying up together. I'm very grateful to both my daughters for their practical help this week [so lovely to get back from church and find Steph had cleaned the kitchen floor] with meal prep and clearing up etc.
Thank you for all the kind words in your comments. I hope 2023 ended well for you, and especially that those annoying and debilitating viruses and bouts of covid which afflicted so many through the Christmas season are behind us...
Lovely to see the cousins having fun together! Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. Hope you have a happy and healthy 2024!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bless
DeleteWishing you & Bob much happiness & health in 2024. This year we get a bonus day! How lovely to have help in the kitchen, it is one of my things I get most grateful for, is when Mr Man clears up after our evening meal. ... Mary-Lou =^..^=
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and yours, Marylou
DeleteYour Christmas sounds like it was wonderful. Have a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYou too Terri
DeleteHeartwarming photos x
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
👍❤️
DeleteWhat a lovely time you had despite all the viruses. It’s lovely to see pictures of the cousins together and Rosie looks very interested the circuits with Bob. Well done to Bob for making another trolley-it’s funny how most children seem to like a wheeled vehicle for transporting their treasures around. Hope you can relax for a little while now and it will soon be time to start your gardening again. Catriona
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely throwing it down with rain today. Gardening plans on hold....
DeleteIt sounds like you had a wonderful family Christmas. All the best for the new year. xx
ReplyDeleteWe did - all the best to you too
DeleteWhat joy and delight these charming grands have brought to you and Bob and all love your crafting skills in making their lives brighter and more fun!
ReplyDeleteJoy to the world, all the boys and girls, Joy to thee fishes in the deep blue sea; joy to you and me!
and PEAACE, please and than you.
Hugs!
Joy, peace...and hugs!
ReplyDeleteLet me guess, you are enjoying a breather after all the busy and happy time with the family! So many happy memories to look back on. I think our Christmas was one of the best, too.
ReplyDelete