Sunny skies

We had some extraordinary storms last week. As Andrew picked me up from work thunder clapped right above our heads and it was so loud that I screamed, I got such a fright. As we drove to pick up Bethany we saw flashes and sparks from the power lines overhead, it was very dramatic! Hail too. I rang the library to check that it hadn't flooded again, I really couldn't face ripping up the new carpet.

By Friday the weather was glorious again, perfect for a 21st birthday party at Downside. Daylight saving ensured beautiful light at 6.30 pm.

The family did a wonderful job of decorating the old place.

Downside means bush dancing and the drummer very kindly let Bethany have a go. She was surprisingly good! I think the tongue position is crucial.

With lots of 21 year olds and other grown-ups around, the kids had to make their own fun.

Until Aunty Mim and Uncle Bill arrived! They are staying with us but were running late so came straight to the party. Mim was thrilled to discover that Joss is now a tiny bit taller than she is.

Saturday was a properly relaxing day, though we got a fair bit done. We packed a picnic and went to the lake. The kids and Andrew rode around the lake (some of them managed to go around twice) while Mim, Bill and I minded the blanket.

It was so nice to see them, I wish it could have been for longer, but who has the time for long visits at Christmas?