Saturday 25th December 2010

Our third Christmas in England and I really can't believe it. It feels like just yesterday that the Viljoen's were taking our homesick little family into their home for the first time and today we have just spend another very special day with these very special friends, who really have become our English family.

The morning started in the dark at 7am with a new family tradition.....present opening on skype with Granny and Papa in South Africa. This 30mins really helps to close the gap and make the family feel whole again if even for a little while. My parents get to see (and hear) the chaos that ensues and celebrate in the festive season with our children, and Megs, Phil and Nick get to have familiar and much loved family voices as part of this special morning.

As Si and I have both been unwell we took the opportunity of children playing with their presents to have a much needed sleep before heading off to the Viljoens for lunch. Rob had as always out done himself with the meal and we were as ever grateful to be amongst people we have grown to love so much.

A happy Christmas's despite missing family in South Africa.....we are slowly coming to terms with the fact that Christmas will never really be the same again and are learning how to make it a special occasion non the less.

Tuesday 21st December 2010

A hugely significant day in this adventure of our.....this morning we signed all the documents for our new home and as of 4.30pm exchange of contracts was finalised and we are now home owners in the UK.

I never cease to be amazed by what we have achieved in less than 3 years here, and pray that our next 3 years will be as filled with wonder and growth as the last. My parents have been a not insignificant part of this journey and without their constant support I have no doubt that we would not be standing where we are today.

A very very special day indeed.

Monday 20th December 2010

The snow started again on Friday and it looks like we may well be in for a white Christmas. Fortunately it isn't nearly as deep on the ground as it has been so the roads have been clear and we were still able to get out over the weekend.

Sunday morning we joined Kerry et al at church to watch their Nativity which Kerry has been working hard on with the Sunday school - I always like to include this story in our holiday time as it serves as a good reminder to our children that Christmas is about more than just the presents and decorations.

Lovely lunch at The Acorn in Burgess Hill with the Viljoens and then back to church in the afternoon for roasted chestnuts and carol singing. A group of us sang carols in the street and handed out mince pies to the homeowners while the balance remained at the church cooking. Once the sun set we all went inside for a carol service while the snow fell gently outside.

Such a special memory and one I really never thought I would live to experience.....looking forward to Christmas now and a fab day with the Viljoens.

Wednesday 15th December 2010

Hilary, Romy and I took the children to meet Father Christmas in his grotto at Tulleys farm today.


The "experience" started with a ride through the wood on a tractor drawn sleigh, followed by a story from Santa before each little one was given a gift. Although Nick wasn't 100% sure about the big man with the loud voice wearing a red suit, he certainly enjoyed the rest of the experience and I was as, always very impressed with the effort put into the event. The decor was truly magical and I think I was as enthralled as my two year old by the scenes in the "Elves Barn".


Such a lovely day despite the sub zero temperature and icy rain.

Saturday 11th December 2010

While lying in the bath this morning I suddenly decided an outing to the City was in order and before long I had the whole family ready and rearing to go. The weather was crisp and clear which is always good considering the amount of walking required in London and we had a lovely time first visiting St Paul's Cathedral (complete with picnic on the steps) and then one of our old favourites, the Science Museum.

All three children are becoming more accustomed to tube and train travel and it really is remarkably easy to get around with them now. Nick was as good as gold for the entire 8.5 hours we where up there and I think loved the interactive exhibits as much as his big brother and sister.

The day was finished off with a visit to Piccadilly Circus to see the Christmas lights (always something to behold) and then a stroll down Lester Square for dinner. I never cease to be amazed by this wonderful vibrant city and I love, love, love the fact that it is literally almost on our doorstep.

Friday 3rd December 2010

Took Meg and Nick out for a long walk earlier as they were both a bit cabin feverish and we decided a trip into the village was just what the doctor ordered.


The snow has stopped now and the air is crisp and fresh, the streets are full of families out enjoying this unexpected time together and there is a really festive feeling in the air. Nick seemed to enjoy his first snow experience of the season, that was until he realised the snow was to deep for him to walk in lol.

Lindfield is like a winter wonderland and it feels a little bit like we are living in a Christmas Card at the moment.

Nick was totally worn out on his way home and soon passed out in the pram, giving Meg and I all the excuse we needed for a lovely hot chocolate and carrot cake at Eve's Tearoom on the high street.

Thursday 2nd December 2010

After watching the news for a couple of days and seeing how the rest of the country had been thrown into absolute turmoil by this very early and unexpected "big freeze" our turn finally arrived on Tuesday and by this morning there was as much as 50cm of snow on the ground in some places.

All the schools are closed and the train network has come to as standstill. Fortunately for us we are all fit and healthy, have plenty of food in the house and no need for medical attention and so we are able to sit back and enjoy the experience. Si is able to log onto work remotely and so is able to work from our bedroom while the children and I have spend hours playing in the snow and then warming up with the Wii.

Having gathered all the children in the house together this morning we decided to hit the meadow for a bit of "skimmer boarding". The walk there was very beautiful and there is something amazingly peaceful about a land covered so completely in white. I always think of it as the world gone monochrome and it is one of the most restful experiences I think I have ever had.

As the snow is still very deep it made tobogganing, sledging and skimmer boarding a bit more difficult as ideally you need well compacted snow for this to really work, but the children persevered and had an absolutely ball making snow angels and burying each other when all else failed.

It never ceased to amaze me that the UK hasn't seen snow like this for literally years and years and yet for all of our 3 winters here we have been blessed with this wonderful experience.