The Trip

So, we made it to England - finally!! We got there on Tuesday December 28, 6 days late, but we returned on Saturday January 8, 4 days later than planned, so it kind of balanced out. We could have moved the return back later still, but we needed to get back for Scott to work.

You might think that 11 days is a long time to fill, and if you were going somewhere new on vacation during the winter months you might be right. However, not the case when you visit family for the first time in 2 years, and you're not sure when you'll be back. Not to mention experiencing the things I miss from home (all that list is dwindling over time).

Out of necessity, for the first time, we rented a car for the duration of the stay. It was supposed to be a big sedan, but it was a slightly sportier model (usually good) but meant that we had to cram the car with our stuff - and no room to bring extra back!!

Since we missed spending Christmas Day with my parents and sisters family, we arranged a part-two, a second, simulated Christmas Day on our first full day. We had the traditional meal



and exchanged gifts with the family.




Getting the kids to sit for a picture was challenging to say the least!
Even with my Mum in the mix, it was chaotic...

(left to right: Eloise, almost 3; Mum; Toby; Caitlin, 6; and Emma)

However, if you take Toby out, things were a little better!



Even time for a little dancing later on!!

It was so much fun to be with everyone, especially all the kids together.

More to come of the rest of the trip...