Autumn Walk in Apley Wood - Dec 2013

Wedding Anniversary Weekend - Oct 2013

Don't get me wrong, Jason and I adore our kids and are utterly devoted to them, but sometimes it's so nice to have some "us" time. This weekend was one of those occasions where we managed to make our escape to celebrate 12 happy years of marriage. It was even sunny, just like the day we got married.

We stayed in a hotel in Coventry which had a spa. Our package included dinner so we literally were able to relax the whole time.

J and I decided to get dressed up to go down for dinner. For our anniversary, J bought me this gorgeous dress. I am always impressed by his taste in clothes.

On our way back, we decided to stop off in Brum and did a bit of shopping (bliss without children!)

On Sunday (the actual day of our anniversary) J was busy with Church stuff and didn't get back till late, so I made sure that he came home to a nice meal.

Masters Graduation - 22nd November 2013

Earlier in the year I graduated from my Masters, but had to wait till November for the ceremony. I didn't really want to attend as it was so cold and was going to be held in the cathedral, but having not attended two other graduations (end of my teaching course and my post grad certificate) Jason felt it was important to do so. Here we are outside Worcester cathedral, it was freezing as we couldn't wear coats under the robes. 

Looks just like an undergraduate cap and gown but you get more material on your hood for a Masters!

Check out my hideous hat hair!

Daddys Birthday 2013 - 16th November

We are getting old! After six months of being married to an older woman, Jason caught up with me again and we celebrated the night before with a meal at the Malthouse in Ironbridge, we even got to have a couple of dances together as there was a band playing that night.

Daddy wanted to go to the temple on his birthday, so we got up early and went, the children enjoyed meeting up with the Daniels children and played in the grounds.

The day after, we had a family meal at Colin and Karens. I love this picture of the boys,  I still think it's amazing how close they still are after all these years and how they still like the same things, or will turn up in the same clothes. The twin bond never goes.

The children love getting together, I think this is the only part of the evening when they were quiet.

Christmas 2013

I know we all say this every year, but Christmas came around so suddenly. I think I have been slightly overwhelmed by everything going on these last few months that time just crept up on me. I was truly grateful to have done the shopping when I had more time earlier on in the year as I don't know how I would have done it otherwise. Jason had booked Christmas week off so we kicked off the festivities by  attending the carol concert in Wellington. Jason was able to take his Nan, and as I took a picture of them, I realised how incredibly similar they are. As J is adopted, we have never met his biological parents so it's interesting to see family resemblances. On Christmas Eve we went for our traditional cooked breakfast, came home, sang carols and then the lovely Daniels came to sing to us. As usual, we bathed the kids and whilst they were in the bath, Santa delivered some Christmas pjs. After the children got dressed, we left goodies for Santa and his reindeer then we read the nativity from Luke chapter 2 whilst the children acted it out. We then watched the Snowman, the  church's nativity video and read the Night Before Christmas as we do every year, and put the children to bed. This year they didn't all get off to sleep till 10 as they were so excited!

On Christmas morning, the children were thrilled to see that Santa had been and had been very kind to them all. The children are allowed to open one present from the pile before breakfast which they did excitedly. We had our traditional breakfast of mini cereals, smoked salmon and pastries before opening the rest of the presents. Grandma and. Grandad came for lunch which was gammon this year and we enjoyed a meal together.

Mia and Ismay helped write the place settings and decorated the table beautifully.

New Years 2013

Happy New Year one and all. We hope it brings much joy and happiness. We started 2014 by having the "Basford Christmas" hosted by Mum and Dad. Basford. We had great fun playing games and eating lots of food.

The kids got their own little eating area, this meant the adults could eat in peace :),

So many presents for the kids, these children have been truly spoilt over the festive season.

I love this picture, I am so lucky to be married to this man. Here's hoping 2014 will be filled with love, laughter and more precious memories.