Bonne Année

Lots to catch up on-but this time it is a mostly pictorial account of events! December was a busy month, which began with Cassi's birthday and my Mum and Dad's visit. Due to both parents having been poorly recently, and of course the snow which plagued December in England, on the morning of the day they were due we were still not sure if they were actually coming! Thankfully, they made it and it was a lovely surprise for Cassi to arrive home from school and find Nanma and Dats here for her birthday.

The birthday princess with Dats. 

Enjoying her birthday present!

Our friends who we are renting the gîte from flew out to Australia over the Christmas/New Year period - rashly leaving their animals in our charge! - ponies, chickens, dogs and cats, which meant Steve had to stay in France looking after the zoo, while the girls and I made a long-looked-forward-to return to England for a few days.

Again, the snow looked like it might have either prevented the trip, or extended it if we had been unable to fly back, but apart from the disappointment of not being able to do all that we had planned whilst there, we were fortunate to be able to get there and back, catch up with immediate family and go to the pantomime!

Cassi and Edie with Bethan and Niamh. 

Waiting for Sleeping Beauty to take to the stage.
Oh no it isn't.....

With their other cousins- Hannah, Tom and Emily, and Auntie Em.

Smiles all round!


 Christmas itself was a quiet affair- just the four of us on Christmas day, and dinner and drinks at various friends houses over the festive period. We also managed to fit in some ice skating in Carcassonne, and of course a fancy dress party for New Year's eve. 

Me 'n' my gorgeous girls!

Enjoying the festivities in Carcassonne.

Father Christmas came!!

This arrived a bit late for the trip to sub-zero England! 

No caption necessary! 

The snow fairy, Sandy and the Man with No Name! Unfortunately Tinkerbell was asleep!