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Published: January 4th 2009
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Well, we have arrived back to a very chilly China but hopefully our power has been fixed now so that we don't have to choose between being warm in the lounge vs the bedroom, or being warm vs cooking jacket potatoes in the "oven"/boiling the kettle for a cuppa! It is strange being back.....however it does feel very much like home and we know both the children are clearly quite settled already, especially William, whose speech improved almost instantly! The usual Chinese issues arose even today on our lunchtime trip out, I guess we will get re-used to them quicker this time. Sophie and I are back to school tomorrow sadly, with Ian and William back on Tuesday. I have to admit I am more than apprehensive of the next 3 weeks, as I know that the moment I set foot back in school tomorrow, I will be involved in allsorts of madness including assessment week, English policy, continuing to set the Healthy Schools Committee into action and kicking off the Exhibition (more on that in future blogs, just to keep you all on your toes!), not to mention organising Sophie and William's birthdays. Luckily we have a 2 week break
from 23rd January for Chinese New Year, and we plan to stay here to experience it in full.
We have had a lovely break in England, however and it was much needed. Although it was pretty manic, we were so pleased to be able to see pretty much everyone we wanted to see, and it was lovely to hear about how many people read the blog. We honestly did not realise how much you all enjoy this, and it gives us more momentum to keep going. Ian in particular was chuffed to hear his haircuts are enjoyed by more than him....he is off again for another one in the next few days so as not to disappoint the fans!
We spent a lovely Christmas in Scunthorpe at Ian's parents' with my mum and all of our children. There were huge amounts of presents not to mention huge amounts of yummy food too! We were joined by Uncle Bryan, along with Ian's brother and his family too. It's great to see the cousins getting along so well, and Sophie really does adore Connie! We were able to meet up with Mike, Ben and Lucy for lunch which was lovely....so
pleased the UGG boots fit, Lucy! We even had a quick Christmas Eve lunch with Peter, Natalie and Daniel who is chattering away! New Year was back in Boston where Ian's parents came to join us at mum's. Needless to say it was a rather tipsy affair but thoroughly enjoyable, especially with some hilarious playdough modelling in Rapidough by Ian's Dad!!! We both caught up with our friends too - Sam and Ian took Joseph for lunch and a game of footie where I hear 'Sam Grobelaar' was beaten by 'Joseph Rooney' and 'Ian Ronaldo'! I had a fab (and rather drunken!) night out with my girlie chicks, I am very lucky to have such lovely friends, you know who you are.....big hugs for (hopefully) less tempestuous times in 2009 you chicas! In between times I managed a couple of "catch up cuppas" with several of my friends, which was so lovely. It really is nice to catch up with so many people.....thank you all for fitting us in! Finally we stayed with my bestest friend in the world on the night before we returned and caught up with her lovely mischievous boys (and that was just Mark and the
dogs!!). You know a true friend where you turn up and your son is sick all over the kitchen floor within minutes of your arrival and we all just carry on as normal!! (We just thank our lucky stars in wasn't on the plane!)
So, here we are, off for another 6 month stint before our return in July. We are (we think!) all set for the next 2 months of winter. We went and spent a large amount of cash on a proper winter duvet today and I have brought back my very sensible new boots which were a xmas present from my mum. So, please keep reading and we hope not to disappoint with fun tales from our travels. Happy 2009 all!!
There will be more pics tomorrow but the internet is not playing ball and we have to go to bed! Night night!
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anonymous
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Grobbelaar. He knows this, but just likes to mess with me. Come west next time... PS Send tea.