festive fun

It's been a busy week. After 2 weeks away from volunteering at the charity shop I returned last Wednesday and the morning there sped by. The shop was constantly full with customers and it seemed that just about everyone who came in bought something.
On Thursday S's school held what they were calling the Christmas Extravaganza. They were trying something new this year, the whole thing was outside in the playground. Thankfully it was dary but my goodness it was so cold. S's class contribution was Jingle Bells which was sung very well by one and all, though of course I may be a little biased there!
Thursday evening I went out for a meal with a group of friends I haven't seen for nearly a year. We all used to work together, those days are long gone but thankfully the friendships remain, although we all agreed we shouldn't have left it a year since our last get together.
There were some crackers left over at the end of the evening and it was suggested to me that I take them home for T and S. The next morning I put them on the table ready for when they came down for breakfast along with some Christmas foil confetti that had been inside one of my cards.

This wasn't the only hat S wore on Friday. The children had to make an Eco themed hat to wear at their special Christmas lunch that day and S was lucky enough to win a prize for hers!

On Saturday S and I joined my mum and sisters for a trip to Lymington. We had a lovely day out there just over a year ago, it's a lovely place to visit for a spot of Christmas mooching.

Even the stained glass on this building was looking festive.

I managed to buy a couple more gifts so the gift shopping is nearly, nearly done. I also bought this lovely festive jug

and from a junk shop this little fairy for the bargainous price of 50p. She's going to sit on my chest of drawers keeping an eye on my trinkets.

Yesterday we went to a local country park to visit a craft fair they hold annually and also to get out in the fresh air whilst we had some sun. The children had great fun running up and down the artificial cricket strip and always played a game of who can through the stick the furthest.

Great look of concentration from S.

And a look of celebration from T.

Once bath time was complete and they were both in PJ's it was time to sit down, with mince pies, and write to Father Christmas. T asked for a Dr Who fob watch, a remote control R2D2 and a remote control K9. S asked for a pink scooter, a rubber (eraser) and a motorbike.

Today being Monday means it's housework day, although there have been a few stops for cups of tea from my pudding teapot. The little pudding next to it is a purchase from the craft fair yesterday. It's a dinky little cover for a Ferreo Rocher chocolate, isn't that sweet!

We have taken the tree down from out of the loft today and so over this coming week we hope to get the house looking more festive. It's getting exciting!