Snowy lakes

Again were still stuck in Christmas, don't worry we'll get back to the new year soon enough! After we had Christmas up at ours, we went down to the lakes to see the in-laws for new years. It was good to get away, although the trip ended on a bit of a low with the Great Grandmother falling ill and unfortunately passing away not long after the new year. 

While we were down though, we did get to spend some time with the greater family, catching up with the brothers and sister in-law and hearing all the latest family news. Including the fact that the 18 year old brother in law is buying a house! Best of luck to him, hopefully he's going to be setting himself up well for the rest of his life, I remember how much of a struggle it was getting my first flat.

I think most of these facts passed the kids by as at the do with young children, they were far more interested in seeing grandma and going to the soft play, not to mention getting quite excited over the now on top of the hills around the lakes. 

Not a bad view from the house.

As always, I took full advantage of the time away to catch up on my sleep and grab a Costa Mocha or two. I do find that these trips south to the in-laws a great way to relax for a bit and recharge, leaving all the childcare to them, well, mostly grandma anyway. Grandad, as great as he is at playing with the kids, something I think he enjoys greatly as well, its grandma who seems to be the star of the show when were down. I think its mostly because she lets them get away with all sorts of things and always has lots of goodies around the house, not to mention every time they come home after being out with grandma and granddad they seem to come back with a new toy and full of naughty snacks. Not that we mind, after all, that's what grand parents are for, although I would get annoyed if they lived just a round the corner and did it, although I suspect that they wouldn't if they did.

It could be a while before we get back to the grandparents again, as trips south are more difficult now the little man is at school. We cant just join the wife on her trips south anymore, which is a shame, but the kids are getting older all the time and life changes. Maybe one day I'll be able to join her again and leave the kids at home by themselves!