Merry Christmas!

Here's a few snaps of our Christmas morning at home with the kids. We thought we were in for our first very early Christmas morning with the kids when Joe appeared at 11pm on Christmas Eve to ask if it was time to go and see if Santa had been yet! After a disturbed night with several visits from Mhairi and Joe we went down stairs around 7am to start the day. All Fin wanted was a new Doc Hudson to replace the other 3 he had lost but once he got into the swing of it his list kept growing. By the time Christmas morning had come he'd opened several presents so was thrilled to actually be allowed to open them as I struggled to keep up with the notebook and pen madly trying to make a note of who got what from whom.

- Joe with his new guitar -

- Mhairi, Joe and Fin with blankets made by Auntie Missy and Auntie Katie -

- Joe and Fin enjoying the wrapping as much as the presents -

It was nice to be able to catch up with family on the phone in the evening and spend some quality time with my mum and dad over the festive season, we just wish we could be together more often. We miss you all very much.

Barcelona

Dave and I managed to get away for a long weekend to Barcelona. We left on Thursday for three nights. We visited Montjuic, see picture above, took a trip on a few cable cars and went to see the fountains at night. Dave had to attend a Spanish teachers conference on Friday and Saturday while I relaxed and stepped out of my comfort zone.

We had been there two years ago and I had done all the touristy sights then so this time I decided to visit Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monastery/mountain retreat about one hour North West of Barcelona by train.

It was fantastic and felt good to be able to get there and back without my handsome Spanish speaking guide by my side although I did feel a bit lonely at times. I'd forgotten what a nice treat it is to have a few days together without the children.