Spot the difference!

Christmas 2007 & 2009; Kezia is a lot bigger. Daddy is a lot more tired.

A frosty walk down by the Thames

Today, we went for a wintery walk down by the river in Reading and walked across the weir to Caversham Lock. Kezia loved all the gushing water - she was really delighted to see it. We got a bit chilly, so we went and warmed up in a cafe afterwards!

Playing with her 'My Little Pony' drawing set with Auntie Caroline

Kezia loved pulling the Christmas crackers and making sure everyone wore their hats!

On Boxing Day we all went to Grandma & Grandad's and Uncle Adrian & Auntie Caroline were there too

After lunch on Christmas Day, we went for a bracing walk round the lake, but it was still REALLY chilly so we didn't stay out for long

Mummy & Grandma cooked up a delicious Christmas Dinner

Taking a breather with Grandad after a hard morning's playing

Our pretty little girl in her Christmas Day finery

Kezia got lovely oriental pyjamas from Auntie Eve - here she is trying them on OVER her other pyjamas!

Team Browning on Christmas morning - 'Smile!'

Christmas Eve - Christmas pyjamas for Kezia, a drink and a mince pie for Father Christmas and a carrot for Rudolf!

Big Girl's Bed

Kezia has been very excited the last few weeks about the fact that she would be moving into her big girl's bed at Christmas. Well, today was the day. Daddy and Uncle Mike converted the cot this afternoon, and Kezia settled all her fluffies into their new home. These photos make the room look really bare (even though it isn't) - we will have to re-arrange the pictures that are hanging higher up the wall!

At bedtime, she got into bed without a peep and settled straight down to sleep! What a complete sweetheart.

Heavy Snow!

We had already had some snow last Friday, but on Monday afternoon this week, we got a REALLY heavy snowfall. It snowed heavily for about 7 hours and was the most snow I have seen in over 25 years. Of course, it caused complete travel chaos across the whole town. Luckily the trains were running more or less normally, so we were able to get home fairly easily, unlike anyone who needed to use a car (gridlock) or a bus (all cancelled). This is the view from our front door.

Round by the lake was really beautiful. It looks really peaceful here, but what you can't see, just out of shot, are about 10 other locals all trying to take the same photo!

Yippee! Snow!

Overnight last night we had quite a lot of snow, the first of the winter. When we went to bed last night it was clear, and when we woke up everything was white. Kezia was really excited to see it, and after breakfast we wrapped up warm and set off through the snow to Woodley.

The snow gave Kezzie a chance to wear her cosy new hat and scarf, so she was thrilled to bits.

On the way up to Woodley it was still really bitterly cold, and the novelty of messing around in the snow wore off for a while, but on the way back it was really warm & sunny, which Kezia liked much better.

The snow is great fun as long as you stay snug!

We have produced a nutcase!

This evening Kezia insisted on wearing this really snug winter hat while she had her bath. She kept it on the whole time. Maybe Daddy hadn't run the water hot enough!

Playtime with the cousins

James and Rebekah popped in a few days ago. They had a whale of a time, but seemed to enjoy playing IN the toy boxes more than playing with the toys.

Playgroup Christmas Party!

On Friday, we went to the playgroup Christmas party. Kezzie was very excited!

Kezia was rather taken with the glowing snowman as well!

Entertainment was provided by "Fred in the Shed". Last year, Kezia was way too young to enjoy his act, but this year she found him really funny (Daddy wasn't convinced!)

The grown-ups were roped in to help. Lily's Mum Clare did a star-turn as a ballet-dancing elf!

The best thing about the party was a visit from Father Christmas, who brought each of the children a present. Katie & Kezia were transfixed!

After all the fun, it was back to Katie's for some lunch. The kids had had a lovely time.

The Woodley Christmas Lights

Yesterday, we battled through the wind and rain up to Woodley to watch the Christmas lights being turned on. Despite the wet weather lots of people were there and there was a really festive atmosphere.

It took a while for everything to be ready, but luckily some free mulled wine, roast chestnuts and mince pies helped to pass the time...

At last things got going! The Christmas tree lights were turned on, and everyone sang carols. Kezia loved the tree.

We had been in two minds about whether to go, because of the bad weather, but we were really glad we went - it was great fun.

Daddy flees the country!

Last week, I had my first trip away with work in ages and ages. I went on a 2-day flying visit to Gibraltar. This is the view that greets you as you step off the plane. That is one big rock!

At Europa Point, the southern tip of Gibraltar. You can see the Atlas Mountains of Morocco in the background, 14 miles away across the strait. I love this spot.

At Caleta Bay on the east side of the rock - with Spain in the background.

Getting ready to open her birthday presents

Just a last quick drink was needed.

The first present that Kezia opened was from Uncle Ollie

"Hmmm. I wonder what it is."

"Ace! TWO things!"

Cool - I wonder who this card is from....

Opening the ace cases from Gran & Opa