I'm supposed to be filling in my tax return

Today Matthew migrates from his cot to a big boy's bed.  He's rather hesitant but Sophie's keen to help him settle in.  Check out the photo from October 2008 when this bed was called a big girl's bed.  Now back to the Inland Revenue.

Our Christmas Morning

Sophie was the first to wake up on Christmas morning.  After convincing her that it wasn't a good idea to get up at 2.30 am we managed to keep her in bed until 7.00 am.  Here she is shortly after discovering her presents.

The Beast has been a bit run down recently.   Still, the new batteries we got for her seem to have done the trick. Sophie peers into her big present to check that it's what she put on her list.

It's a much anticipated bike.

Matthew rolls up an hour later at 8.00am.  He really gets Christmas this time although was rather shy of his big present.  He stood reluctantly behind the poof for some time before realising that if he didn't open it, his sister would. 

Careful unwrapping ...

... to reveal a large extension to his already significant Thomas the Tank Engine collection.

The Fat Controller in stripy pyjamas.

I'm a fierce fashionista with a confident no-nonense attitude. Read more about me here.

A couple of hours, several chocolates and about 4 coffees and 2 sherries later the template has been set for the rest of the day.

Matthew's 2nd Birthday

Matthew and the helicopter

Matthew squeals with delight at a helicopter.

All change

Last photograph taken in Norway (Stavanger June 22)

First photograph taken in The Netherlands (Schiphol June 23)

Getting used to Santa

 Whilst Sophie chats happily about her expectations, Matthew hopes the moment will soon pass.

 Still not sure.

Present!  Sophie and Matthew love Santa!

Identity cards

Just for the record ...

Sophie lost her first tooth on 12th November

Christmas 2011

After the travel chaos of last year, this time around we decided to stay in Norway for Christmas.  We filled the fridge and cupboards with food and drink (... first ever 600 quid shop!) to supplement the festive chocs, puddings, cakes and other treats already sent over from the UK from Jo's mum (... thanks Nana!) and settled in for a restful few days.  Needless to say Sophie and Matthew had a great time unwrapping their teetering piles of pressies as these pics show.

Sophie and Morph

Inside a ball thing

Hair glitter

Rug time

Cool Cards!  Number 1 on Sophie's Santa list

Matthew acquaints himself with Thomas and Friends

What do you have for breakfast on Christmas day?

Can't go wrong with these

Scooter boy

Sophie gets a new belt

Sophie was very proud to get her first belt for Taekwondo.