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Wednesday, 31 December 2003
Christmas type photos...
Here is our Christmas 2003 photo collection. I've just realised - I didn't take any photos during our unfeasibly brief afternoon pre-Christmas in Bexhill, especially annoying since almost the whole family was down there. It was a bit crazy, with lots of comings and goings, but I'm sure we'll have another opportunity.
In a kind of chronological order, then...
| Christopher's pre-school performance took place on the 10th December - I wouldn't have missed it, especially considering how quickly our little ones are growing up. The older and younger groups took part, and we were also treated to some carols by the local secondary school band (on the left of the picture). |  |
 | The Pre-school performance this year (as, I recall, it was last year, too) was a nativity play, with some Christmassy bits added on the end (such as Frosty being a Snowman and Santa getting stuck up the chimney). Christopher was chosen to be Joseph, which gave us one of those "parental pride" moments, and sat, distractedly, at the front centre of the stage throughout the performance, occasionally coming out of his dream world to sing or poke things with his staff. |
| Here's the traditional photo of the children in front of the Christmas tree. It was taken shortly after the tree was put up, and before some of the decorations and tree lights were chopped off by small hands in conjunction with unwisely placed scissors. |  |
 | Ella, wearing her Father Christmas costume. The hat didn't stay on for very long. |
| On the Sunday before Christmas, we took Christopher for a special trip to Gulliver's Land where they had a seasonal theme day. This included a small meal, and a visit to Father Christmas, and unlimited rides. The weather was chilly, but at least it stayed dry. Christopher appeared to have a good time, and brought home a "hungry hippos" type game as his gift - a good choice. |  |
 | Christopher (or Chris, as he prefers to be known now!) and Eleanor (or Ella, as we prefer to call her) on Christmas Day. |
| Here's a picture of Beth and Chris, taken on Christmas Day. It's something of a rarity to see him stationary like this - when there are presents to be ripped apart, he certainly resembles the Taz on his waistcoat. |  |
 | Ella on Christmas Day. She can pull herself up to standing now, and climbs between the furniture. She can also crawl at an astonishing rate when the need arises (she can spot something she shouldn't have before we can!) |
| Chris and his second cousin Sammy played very well together. He's about 14 months older, and a little bossy, but they get on excellently. It's a shame they don't get to see each other very often - Sammy's family live in deepest Surrey. |  |
 | Penny, Sammy's sister, was born a couple of days before Eleanor, and they're both tiny for their ages because of illness during their early infancy. It's amazing to see two babies interact, as there are no prejudices, and they are completely natural. |
| This is one of those "I wish there were toys like this about when I was younger" presents - from Christopher's grandparents, who are also custodians of the rest of his rather impressive miniature Transformer (Mini-Con) collection. It's the flagship Optimus Prime which does some clever electric tricks, converting into a robot almost automatically! |  |
So there they are... I'm hoping to keep this more up-to-date as we go into 2004. No promises, mind!
Posted by james at December 31, 2003 6:46 PM
Comments
You have a gorgeous family James.
Cherish them, time goes so quickly and these times once lived cannot be revisited except in memory
Posted by: Barry at January 2, 2004 9:06 PM
Thank you for your note, Barry. It's a shame I have to go back to work after two weeks off with my family... they are indeed cherished.
Happy 2004 to you.
j
Posted by: Anonymous at January 3, 2004 2:16 PM
What great pictures! It's great to be able to see the progress of my niece and nephew
Aunty Cath in NZ!
Posted by: Cath at January 3, 2004 10:00 PM
Well...these photos were worth the wait! Thanks James! I feel as though I know your children, especially after seeing holiday and Christmas play pictures! Aren't they just the BEST fun?!
Posted by: Annie at January 5, 2004 4:23 PM
At long last I've found the time. Wonderful pictures to share, James. The one of Beth and Chris was special and those including Ella reveal a dynamic young lady, I think, despite her size. How blessed you and Beth are in your children and they in you. Love to you all, Mx
Posted by: Mother at January 10, 2004 1:12 PM
You probably won't remember me. I'm an old friend of your mother's. It was lovely to see your photos.
Posted by: Margaret Hothi at January 16, 2004 6:57 PM
Hi, Margaret.
Thank you for your note - it's great to hear from you. Is it too late to wish you a happy 2004?
Cheers
j
Posted by: james at January 18, 2004 1:43 AM
Thank you for the note, Mother. It's always great to read your comments.
jX
Posted by: james at January 18, 2004 1:44 AM
I love you Christopher.
from God mummy Joanne
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Posted by: Joanne Stuckey at April 8, 2004 1:05 PM
