September: Camping

Straight after moving into the caravan it was time for our annual Home Ed camp and this year it couldn't have been wetter. After over a week of sleeping on blow up mattress already the smalls, Thea and I gave up and went back to the caravan beds the first night but surrounded by friends Orion stayed the course and we were back each morning. 

This year seemed to be the camp of clay for Gabe and he spent hours making things. 

The teens played large amounts of giant chess.

These two cemented their friendship.

And as always, the best part of all... night fires with marshmallows for the kids and a bottle of wine for the adults. 

I love the way they sleep. 

We emptied the whole tent around her without her so much as fluttering an eyelid... 

Centre Parcs Family Holiday

 Centre Parcs is easily one of our favourite places, and visiting it again with all of us present was a wonderful gift that we will all treasure. 

2021 December & Thea's Birthday

 

The annual trip to visit Father Christmas!

The only picture I captured of the utter excitement of this little Rainbow after her Christmas party as she left with TWO party bags. 

Gabe's first ever sleep over. 

All four making paper snowflakes. 

A yule log made by Gabe at his cooking class. 

Tree decorating time.

This year's 'debate' over whose turn it was to do the angel was won by the biggest and littlest ganging up together. 

It's impossible to get a good picture of all four at the same time!

It's the first year when I completely give up re-decorating the tree. They've done it their way and it's perfect. 

My annual madness of taking 140 home educators to the panto.

Ayla's first time on the ice!

My lovely cosied up children watching Christmas movies together. 

Teens at it once again. 

The happy trio with the most amazing hot chocolates ever.

The moment Ayla stood up in front of the Rainbows and all their parents to take her Rainbow promise. She's the youngest by a lot and she was so brave!

Our Christmas london road trip to see the Phantom!

Making salt dough tree decorations.

Sharing day at Embers. Gabe had made so many things and gotten involved in so many projects. 

He even took part in the play which was a big deal for my super shy boy who has never before wanted to be in front of an audience. 

My amazing Thea turned 13!!

And the trio went to an escape room... so much fun!

And because their still kids at heart, straight to the playground afterwards!