The Dixon/Morris Christmas Party

Steve and Patricia invited us round to their house for Christmas eats and drinks last night.  Patricia had done a fantastic buffet and there was plenty of booze on offer.  Unfortunately, I'm not drinking and have no appetite because I'm still ill - bummer.  I did partake of a snowball because I'd never had one before - very nice, might have to invest in a bottle of advocaat.

Clint & Emma, George & Andy and Martin & Charlotte were also there although M&C went quite early as M was at work today.  As well as the usual banter and laughing we watched the DVD from when we were all in Munich and we also did a couple of quizzes and discussed appropriate (and some inappropriate) names for ladies furry gardens.  Merry Christmas and God bless us every one!

Christmas day with the Family

It's been three days since either of us left the house but we've made it out for Christmas Day.  K & I started at home with our presents but we didn't get through them all before we had to get ready to go round to the Hickertons for more presents and then lunch.  Penny had put on a fine spread for all (seven) of us - and Pete was the only one who didn't have a cold!

After lunch Martin and Philip went for a walk, the girls watched "Noel's Christmas Presents" and I did anything but watch "Noel's Christmas Presents"!  Luckily I had plenty of new books to occupy me.

At around five, K and I went round to my Mum's for the evening.  Lou, Pat, Olli and Grandad were all there and relaxing after their big lunch.  Olli was passed around and even sat on my knee despite my worries about giving him my cold.  Dad gave Grandad a lift home and then we did yet more presents!

I've had so many presents, I must have been a very good boy this year.

Oh no! Laid up for Christmas!

No sooner was the nativity play out of the way than K's back decided to give up on her.  It's always the same when she's been stressed and unable to exercise because she's busy.  We went to Paul and Suzie's yesterday afternoon and she tried all sorts of positions but it just got steadily worse by the end of the day she could hardly get back in the car and this morning she can't walk unaided.  I'm guiding her along for toilet trips etc but she walks like Mrs Overall.  To cap it all, I've picked up a bug from somewhere and have a temperature in the 100s.  It's like the blind leading the blind.  Roll on Christmas!

All Saints' Nativity - Youth Group and Seekers

It was All Saints' Church family service today and Keren and Pete had organised a performance of a nativity play - with added comedy.  The children from the Youth Group, ably assisted by some Seekers stars, performed in front of a packed church and did a great job.

As well as the play, Charlotte and Martin had organised the singing of festive songs and it was a really nice way to welcome in the festive period.

Well done to all the kids and the adults too!

The A-Z Book Club

Martin's idea - to read 26 books alphabetically by author, each author must be new to the reader.  It's a great way to try new stuff or to catch up on some that have slipped through the net.

Christmas in Amersham

The Hickertons all headed down to Amersham over the weekend for the annual party with the Chases.  K & I were very kindly put up by Emma, Tariq and Leila and we enjoyed a curry with them on Saturday night.

Sunday proved to be somewhat different to what was planned.  Max had had an accident and broken his jaw so S & Q were back and forth to the hospital and couldn't really be expected to host a houseful of people for lunch at the same time.  So, instead, we joined them for presents and a drink before going to the pub for lunch with Carla and Gary.  It wasn't what was planned but it was still good fun and I hear that Max is on the mend.  We'll have to arrange a replacement date in early 2010.

Ling Moor KS2 Christmas Production

I was very honoured to be representing the Governing Body this afternoon at Ling Moor's production of 'An Out Of This World Christmas'.

It was the first time I'd been to a school play since I'd been in one and I thought it was brilliant!  The kids, teachers, TAs and parents had obviously worked really hard and gave a very polished and funny performance in front of a packed hall.

As well as the expected references to the traditional nativity, we had appearances from Bruce Forsyth, Simon Cowell and Jedward!  It was great.