Holly's 6th Birthday

Hard to believe it but our little Princess turned 6 years old today. She woke early hoping to open her presents but unfortunately had to wait until I returned from the gym! But I did come home in between the gym and work and so she got to open her presents before school.

Holly didn't really have a main present as such but she got plenty of smaller presents which she was very happy with. These included her new scooter with light up wheels, a Barbie boat and dolphin set, an electronic drawing bad, a large unicorn teddy, some water bead thingies, a musical unicorn jewellery box and loads more. 

She loved the Barbie boat as the dolphin episode is her favourite one to watch on TV and out of her morning presents this was her favourite. But then in the evening Lisa, Nicky, Zoe and Rory came around and suddenly the boat was no longer her favourite, instead she liked her new Barbie dressing table.

Holly's birthday cake for this year was a Malteaser cake where you had to smash open the chocolate shell on the top to expose the malteasers and sponge cake lying underneath.

Finally after waiting for me to return from the gym, Holly can tuck in to her presents.

Holly got some craft books and loads of bath bombs from Christ, Steve and Layla.

We hit the jackpot with the Barbie dolphin boat set which she loved.

To help Holly practice her writing and drawing she got this electronic drawing pad.

And Holly wasted no time testing it out.

A nice little unicorn jewellery box which Tina got for Holly.

We also got Holly this giant, super soft cuddly unicorn teddy.

Holly playing with her new Barbie boat.

Auntie Nicky got Holly this amazing Unicorn back pack.

Holly's new favourite present was this Barbie dressing table from Auntie Lisa and Uncle David.

Birthday cake time and Holly wanted a Malteaser cake this year.

The birthday girl had the pleasure of smashing open the chocolate shell.

And sneaking the chocolate before everyone dives in.

The birthday girl gets the first slice of cake.

Finally bedtime and Holly wears her new Onesie which she got from Nanny and Granddad.

Wickford High Street Festive Fun

Today was the Wickford High Street Christmas Fete and so as soon as Brandon's football was finished this morning we all headed in to town. The Xmas fete was very well put on and very well supported with such a great community spirit. I think it is really good for our little town to put on events like this and bring everyone together.

The kiddies all enjoyed going on various rides and then we treated ourselves to some nice hog roast baps and nutella crepes. Joshua started off with us but then called one of his friends to meet him at "Favourite Chicken" and then that was the last we saw of him. There was a giant snow globe, Santa's sleigh Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Olaf plus the various choirs etc performing on the centre stage.

Holly on the helter skelter.

As soon as she landed it was up for a second go.

Love this photo, it looks like the Tiger is patting Brandon on the head!

Brandon helped Holly through the fun house.

Holly on the spinning tea cups.

Brandon having some fun on the trampolines. No back flips allowed though!!!

There wasn't many rides Brandon could go on as he is getting older now.

Holly riding on the train.

And finally an action shot of Holly on some smaller trampolines.

Winter Wonderland

Yesterday we had the kiddies Winter Wonderland event at Abacus school. The FAPS committee did an outstanding job this year and the event was a major success with absolutely hundreds of people there. They even managed to pull in some real reindeer's for the pictures with Santa! Not to mention the turkey and stuffing rolls and mulled wine!

Joshua didn't want to go at first and was going to stay at home, but then he found out some of his friends were going and decided to come along. I am pleased he did as we managed to get a picture of all 3 kiddies with Santa and the reindeer. 

Holly has been going to the Glee after school club for about 3 or 4 weeks now and the winter wonderland was her first performance singing Xmas carols with Glee. So that was really nice to watch my Princess having fun and singing some lovely songs.

Holly made this Xmas cookie at the Winter Wonderland.

These are the lovely reindeer's that the FAPS managed to get for the event.

Holly with the Reindeer's.

Holly with her Glee club singing some Xmas carols.

The 3 kiddies at winter wonderland with Santa and the reindeers.

The Polar Express

Yesterday we had an amazing day out with Auntie Chris, Steve and Layla at "The Polar Express" Christmas train event at Dereham Station in Norfolk. Driving up to Norfolk we had crystal clear blue skies and sun beaming down giving a very un-Christmassy feel! For some strange reason it still seems too early to be getting involved in Christmas activities - but it is only 5 weeks until Xmas.

We had heard The Polar Express was good as Lisa and David went a year or so ago, but to be honest I was a bit doubtful especially after the really good time we had at Lapland UK last year. However I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and left the event feeling completely overwhelmed by just how good the experience was. The guests on the train are thoroughly entertained from the pre-show to the moment Santa walks on the train. The costumes of the workers absolutely mimic the movie and they all stayed in character so well.

Despite the two boys being "non believers" now, Holly found the event amazing and it was worth every penny just to see her excitement and her little face as the story unfolded on the train. She loved the cookies that was given out but was't brave enough to try the hot chocolate (she still only drinks water!). Then the icing on the cake was when she saw Santa on the train and was given her reindeer bell. The crew even engaged with the adults and I was asked to name all the reindeer and then had to balance a stack of presents on my head whilst shouting "I am a believer" to the rest of the carriage.

Arrival at Dereham train station all wearing our new pyjamas.

Welcome to the Polar Express.

I'm watching you!

The magical golden ticket to ride the Polar Express.

Holly getting Sassy with Leyla as we waited for the pre-show.

This guy looked at sounded exactly like Tom Hank's character in the film.

Sat nav said "Deerham", but the station said "Dereham" - who knows, we got there though.

Walking along the smokey platform in search for our carriage called "Dancer".

Holly sharing some of her squishy ice-cream with one of the characters.

And we were all on the carriage "Dancer".

Unfortunately the carriage was in seats of 4 and we are a 5. I drew the short straw.

As soon as the train set off the characters started acting out scenes from the film.

All of the characters did an amazing job and were enjoying themselves so much which becomes infectious on the guests.

Quick selfie with me, Tina and Little H and her golden tickets.

Nice touches with Polar Express napkins.

Joshua getting his ticket stamped by the conductor.

Holly with her stamped ticket.

Out comes the hot chocolates, but will she spill any?

Steve, Chris and Layla were in seats next to us.

Holly really enjoyed the cookie.

Finally we arrived at the North Pole and saw Santa waving to us.

The whole event was priceless for this little beaut.

Holly getting really excited as Santa started working his way down the carriage seeing all the kids.

And whilst we waited they got me to perform a present balancing act.

Finally Holly met Santa and was given her reindeer bell, lets hope she doesn't have holes in her pockets.

"I believe" - yes we can hear the bell ringing.

Such a nice touch to give everyone a bell with "The Polar Express" engraved on it.