To have a Merry Christmas

To have November

So it's that time of the year again, Bonfire night. Perhaps the history behind isn't very cheerful but the fireworks are.

For the third year we went to our local park to see the display. M was a very happy girl.

To have another cousin

The little cousin from Portugal arrived yesterday and M is enjoying being the big sister. All big smiles. Very cute. It's half term so lots of fun planned this week and today we're off to a museum. 

To have had a birthday

7 years...in between princess and Monster High. The theme of the party this year was Frozen and ice-skating. Second time for Maya and a first for several of the other children. Everyone enjoyed it and no one gave up on the ice. 

We had a joint party with another girl in the class and it was nice to share the party planning and the fun. Something I really like here is the custom where all the party gifts are put, unopened, on a table - the gifts are then opened at home so no need to spend time opening presents in front of the other children, and no risk of comparing which gift was best etc. We then write a thank you card to each child that came to the party. Very civilised.

To have had a wonderful summer

It's been a bit quiet here...but not in real life. We just got back from a great summer holiday, three weeks in Sweden. I'm lucky to have been able to take three weeks of holiday in a row, not many Brits do or can. The weather was fantastic and we managed to meet up with over 30 friends and family. We spent most of the time on our island, and then a weekend in Gothenburg having fun at Liseberg with the favourite cousin.

Hope it won't be too long until we're back again. Missing Sweden already...

To have a cousin

What a surprise! M didn't know her cousin, and my brother, was going to visit as we kept it a secret - oh the happiness when they saw each other again. The school holiday week went so quickly but we managed to fit in a lot of fun, once again exploring our own city.

Love.

We met Anna at the Disney Store!

One can never have too many soft toys on a double decker.

Girlie stuff from Lush (who can resist these colourful bath bombs) and Cath Kidston.

To have a Funday

Today was the day - the sing-along adventure. We went to Leicester Square and Prince Charles cinema to watch and to sing along to the favourite film Frozen. We all got a party bag with soap bubbles, party poppers, crowns and grey balloons (the trolls...). And then we sang our hearts out!

But first lunch with M's Portuguese grandparents to celebrate grandmother's birthday. M's friend joined us for the day too. A glorious day in many ways with lots of sunshine and (Frozen) fun - summer has arrived in London. 

Two very excited girls all prepared for the big sing-along.

Nothing beats boredom whilst waiting for the train as a good old game of scissors - rock - paper...

Portuguese food went down a treat.