Up early with NooNah (as she now calls herself) while everyone else tries to catch up on some sleep after the last couple of days excitement. She has a cold, but not as bad as her mum who came down yesterday with a good dose of the sniffles and a sore throat!
Over-tired no doubt as she always gets quite stressed out at this time of year and finds everything quite difficult.

But we've had a great time - one of the best Christmasses I think. Relatively quiet day itself spent on our own - and this year we had to cancel the picnic because of the heavy rain. Really disappointing as both Monday and yesterday were crisp, cold and sunny! The kids didn't seem to mind as we had a huge picnic lunch spread on the floor surrounded by the new presents. Only those from us (a couple each) as we picked up all the others from my family at my sister's Boxing Day. Yesterday? Losing track of time.
I don't previously remember spending so much of a family Christmas with the TV, and I surprised myself by actually ENJOYING a couple of films!!

better still though was spending an hour together before bed witha bottle of port and watchng "The True Histroy of Jesus" or something on Four - an interesting look by Oxford theologian in to the remarkable similarities between the lives of Buddha, Krishna and Jesus and some fascinating interviews with religious leaders. One of the brahmins used an analogy that I find especially suits my own view.

The faiths of the world are like rivers, all flowing towards the same sea.
When we see the light of God and chose to follow a path towards righteous living, we choose to go along one of these river courses.
We must acknowledge that other rivers exist, follow a similar course and lead to the same destination, instead of closing our eyes and declaring the our path is the ONLY one to take.

Stan especially liked Inspector Gadget, and the Shrek is always a joy. Film 2 considerably weaker than the first and a bit corny in places, but the character is a work of inspired genius.
Managed to catch most of it in between cooking the dinner.
Probably the best part of the day was our afternoon walk once the rain eased off.
We went down to the river (and missed the seal again!!) to Enjoy The Silence. ABsolutely no-one else around, no cars, and of course no trains or planes either.
Water itself like glass, with only a few Oyks, gulls and redshank shuffling around and a beautiful Egret in the bay.

Girl 1 - handmade bag from craft exhibition
Girl 2 - pasta recipe book and cooking stuff
Girl 3 - 20-Q game
Girl 4 - Buzzwire science kit and diary
Boy - Watch
Girl 5 - Rabbit ears clock
Girl 6 - books

Simple things but made then all smile.
Tx seems delighted with her jumper, cardi and CD, and my new cycling jacket is perfect

Gift of the year for us was the 5kg of potatoes from our friend's farm shop up near Romsey!
Also picked up the annual box of Licorice Allsorts, bottle of JD, and slimline keyboard and too many chocloates.

Like most places I'm sure, our house is full of food but we have nothing to eat!!!

Kids waking up now. Half eight. Later than late for them. trying to give Tx a lie-in this morning but she's scuh a light sleeper.