Sunday: I’m not sure if it was quite dawn when DH and I were out on the street, inadequately dressed fir the cold in our pjs, videoing the children as they attempted to cycle for the first time. Later in the day we took a walk to the beach, had lunch at the Beach Cafe before heading back to the centre of Westgate-on-Sea for the annual Christmas Fair. We went on a ride, bought candy floss and won a couple of pink dogs on Hook-a-Duck so pretty much covered all the essentials when at a fair. On the way home, to celebrate DH’s first weekend off in over a month, we stopped for supper in Chislehurst and had a really nice evening together.
Monday: Dimples and I made biscuit dough before remembering that we were supposed to be in Bluewater. So off we dashed, caught up with Mari, bought some presents for teachers and came home to finish off the Snickerdoodles. Once they were done, we ate them! Dimples got some playdough time in, and all too soon it was time to collect LBG. After school we made Santas from paper plates and they watched Barbie on YouTube- after the daily episode of The Christmas Story, which they love- until bedtime. In a shock departure from my usual standard, I remained awake until after Have I Got News For You.
Tuesday: Once my babies were safely within the walls of the school, I nipped for a quick coffee and croissant to nearby Lavender House before dashing back to school for Dimples’ stage debut in the Kindergarten Medley. She was a brilliant reindeer, and I have to say that I did a very good job of taking photographs whilst hiding from view. LBG had a playdate so I was glad of a Ferrero Rocher delivery: the hamper made an excellent Manger for our Nativity-themed-afternoon.
Wednesday: our efforts to get dressed for school came to a halt as it started snowing, and not just little flakes, but flakes the size of saucers. It made for an interesting journey to school: that kind of weather doubles the traffic on the roads. It also brings public transport to a grinding halt, thus complicating my plans to meet Brother Adam for lunch in Covent Garden. But we managed it, snaffled up our Giant Burritos at Benitos Hat and I headed back to school pick-up with a smile on my face.
Thursday: No snow but a deep, penetrating cold that froze the windscreen the moment the anti-freeze wore off. The car said it was -3C and it certainly felt it. I don’t think The Girls’ car blankets have seen as much action as they have this winter, but I’m certainly glad we have them to hand. I was tempted to bring it with me to keep me warm whilst watching Whoopsy-Daisy Angel, starring LBG as snowflake number 2. I got quite emotional watching all our babies in their first ‘big school’ performance. But I had little time to dwell on it: blood tests, blogging, recipes, crafts and a bathroom clean courtesy of Viakal all had to be fitted in before home time and then I jumped in the shower, whilst Granny took the reins and- with full outfit approval from LBG- headed to Chelsea for the Annual Christmas Drinks with DH and his company. I may have enjoyed a Kir Royale too many.
Friday: after waving goodbye to LBG in the playground, Dimples and I went to the school coffee morning, learned some things we didn’t know about Christmas in the Festive Quiz and scored lots of chocolate in the accompanying raffle. Then at 1 o’clock I handed her over to the teacher’s at the Churchill Theatre, where the entire school went to watch the Pantomime. I stayed nearby in case it got too much for Dimples but needn’t have bothered: she was rooted to the seat. I did sort out Teacher’s Gifts and enjoy a quiet hour reading a book though. But then it was a quick dash back home to change before I went to a friend’s 40th party and DH took the Girls to the coast. I simply hopped the train down to the coast with my Burger King when I was finished.
Saturday: by some miracle, the Dimples One didn’t wake until after 7.30am. After first watching Barbie: A Christmas Carol, I grabbed both girls and we took a spin around our local shops, picking up provisions and ordering our all-important Christmas Tree. Friends arrived in time for lunch and the poor baby was practically whipped out of her mother’s arms by LBG and Dimples before she knew what to do. Once lunch was over we took all the kids to run around on the beach and burn off the endless enthusiasm for puddles. Only then could we head home for Hot Chocolate and a Christmas Movie. Once all the children were in bed, the adults at last had a chance to catch up, eat pork belly and watch the Bourne Legacy.
Go on! You know you want to tell me what you think!