The Week Inbetween

The week in-between is the one I look forward to the most. This year the dates are working against us but we still made the most of it. 

There is always time to do a Kiwi crate and make something new.

Skate park days.

And we just managed to fit in the Bryon Rd Christmas lights. I'm so glad we made the time. 

She's too cute and cool not to take a picture.

The last show of the season... Peter Pan by the youth theatre at Southampton Mayflower who theatre worked with in the summer. 

For New Year's we started another new tradition. I made them each a personalised photo book of their year. Each book is slightly different and they're not filled with the best photos but all the best memories. The people that they shared time with, their biggest achievements, and special moments. It's important for us all to remember all the good times we have even in the hardest of years. 

And then while the big two had a new year's eve sleepover with a friend, the small two and I said goodbye to 2021 with a fire and a little release of the things we don't want more of, while dreaming up all the new things we are bringing in to our lives. 

Christmas Time!

 This is the 10 day run-up to the big day, we all needed the break and time together so much.

Firstly, time for the gingerbread houses. 

And lots of much needed giggles in various playgrounds.

For Solstice this year we started a new tradition of making it a special family day. The idea is as they grow up and have friends, family, and plans of their own that might make sharing Christmas Day together feel like a bit of a chore at times, our family day will be the 21st. If they want to arrive then and stay until Christmas I'll be beyond happy but this way there is no expectation or pressure. 

Sorry for the duplicating but each one makes me smile for a different reason. 

They got one gift and matching pj's. 

This was the last London day of the year, spending some time with amazing art works before being blown away by the epic Hamilton. 

Christma Eve Hamilton dance party in the kitchen with hats!

Seriously how cute!

Games and hot chocolate, and feeling so proud and happy with my amazing not so small people.

The night before...

And the early morning stockings on my bed ritual. 

Unwrapping.

An endless game of charades to end our night.