Trellick

The Trellick looked just as magnificent as ever on Saturday morning.

Passport

It's been a big week for little Lookie so far, not only has he been baptised, he's had his first haircut but he's also just received his first passport.
It's very reassuring that he now bears Her Britannic Majesty's request that he should be allowed 'to pass freely without let or hindrance' and that he should be afforded 'such assistance and protection as may be necessary'. Isn't that a great thing to have.

Hamstead Heath

It's been a really busy start to the year, at work, home and I've started training for a half marathon in March so I'm really behind with my posts. Here's a quick one though, from an early January stroll up Parliament Hill on Hamstead Heath.

The King's Speech

Ibolya took Lucas for his first trip to the cinema on Monday morning, to the Lexi to see 'The King's Speech'. He loved it and happily sat and watched most of it, until tiredness over came him towards the end.

Fish Fingers

Nothing quite beats a fish finger and rocket wrap for a Sunday afternoon snack.

Ruby on Sunday Afternoon

12/01/11 Hey Ruby, if you're reading this in years to come, I need to let you know that this morning, for the very first time, you said to me: 'love you daddy'. I think that's the most wonderful thing I've ever heard and made me so happy, I have to record here. I also need to mention that when I got home today, your Mummy told me that you did a poo and a pee in your potty! I hate to embarrass you but that's such an important development in your two years of life and I can't let it pass without mention.
And while I'm at it, you went to bed tonight in your 'big-girl's' bed. You are ever such a clever girl and made me feel so happy and proud today. Love you. Daddy.

Rummikub

We had a really lovely afternoon at Stephen and Christophe's on Saturday; a delicious lunch, a good long sleep for Ruby and Lucas and Ibolya and I were introduced to the delights of Rummikub.

Badminton

After the excesses of Christmas and New Year, on the 2nd, we all went to my sister's local sports centre for a family game of badminton and a photo call for all of the 8 cousins.

Richmond Park

We were missing the Hargreaves after such a wonderful Christmas Day with them so on Monday 27th, we met up with them for a walk in Richmond Park and then went back to theirs for left-overs, an incredible turkey soup and had the very emotional experience of watching 'Up' again.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(this is my favourite photo of the year. Taken on my, old, iphone - about half an hour after Lucas had been born)

I hope you've had as wonderful a Christmas as we've had, with huge amounts of festive fun and indulgence, and looking forward to the year ahead and appreciating how good 2010 has been. It's been an absolutely incredible year for our family; with the arrival of our little baby boy, Lucas; Ruby developing and transforming from a baby into an amazing little girl. We've also had the good fortune to have a couple of great holidays, had stable and enjoyable employment, remained solvent and spent lots of good time with the family and friends we love the most. I think that's all I could ask of a very good year.
2010 was a doubly great year too for the arrival of some incredible new people in the world and it was glorious to meet Milo, Oliver, Eliza Dixie, Stanley and Charlie, all for the first time, this year.
Happy New Year everyone and have a brilliant 2011.

(and this might be my second favourite photo of the year, on our first holiday as a family of four, eating fish and chips at the seaside)