The best of times...

It was the best of times and it was indeed a tale of two cities (well, towns actually - Kirkintilloch and North Berwick). But these were no Dickensian festivities, as Christmas and New Year this year was a truly wonderful time with some wonderful, wonderful family fun. And we are left feeling truly blessed.

In all senses we were catering for many different needs at Christmas, but from 4 to 84 (well, nearly 87 actually) we all accommodated each other and spent some lovely, lovely moments throughout the period. We started with 5 on the 22nd, but this rose to 9 on Christmas Eve, before peaking at 11 on the 27th, and then a slow departure back to the 3 of us by the 29th. It was a houseful, with a bellyful of laughter and a gutful of food for good measure. We ate, drank, sang, chatted, played games and generally made merry. We even ventured out in between the worst that Storm Barbara and Conor could throw at us. And the highlight? For me it was definitely Emily throwing aside my careful 'dad-planning' of Santa's descent to the garden, and whizzing round at top speed, sprinkling reindeer dust as fast as she could caper. The magic was definitely there in those precious moments, as was a tear in my eye.

 Chloe and Emily became inseparable (thanks Chloe)

 Jenny was on guitar

 Chloe on piano with the rest on voice and sleeping beauty in the corner

 And two Santa's appeared in a cardboard sleigh

 Obligatory sprout preparation

 Eyes firmly closed for full surprise effect

 This year's fashion essential

 The 'after eight' game

The 'full Christmas' 4.5 hour marathon commenced

And then barely did we catch our breath and it was off to North Berwick for the bells and another marathon in the 5 hour steak pie making - but boy was it good :-). The Gurney's had miraculously pulled their house together from their stunning house alterations just in time to allow me to go and drink John's whisky in what is now a highly salubrious environment. And it was again a time full of people, laughter, game playing and great food. From a select 5 on New Years Eve to a raucous 14 on New Year's Day, we had fun, fun, fun all the way. Thanks again to the Gurney's.

 Welcome indeed 2017

Lovely food in a new lovely living space

And now we're ready for the off again. The planning for Niomi's arrival has begun apace and within days she will be living with us. Please keep your fingers crossed for a smooth sailing over the next fortnight, but above all we hope you have a Happy New Year. 

May 2017 see the best of times come to you all...

One very excited big sister in waiting