Here comes Santa Clause!

The Christmas jumpers have made their first appearance! And for a brilliant reason too, because little Elin Lathey had an important date with SANTA. We booked Elin a place at Otter Nurseries Santa's grotto and I literally have been so excited all week to take her. But I was also seriously anxious in case she screamed the place down and I knew I'd feel so disappointed even though that a bit silly. I worried for nothing though as she had a great time! And so did this mumma too!

For a grotto that cost a mere £6 they put on a great show for all the kids. We started by singing the reindeer hookie cookie with our special reindeer ears and were then led all around Santa's home. We saw the talking reindeer, enjoyed snow and a winter wonderland in the garden, before making reindeer food in the kitchens. Obviously this all completely bypassed Elin but it was a great experience and we'll definately do it when she's older. It really was magical. I was so overwhelmed I didn't get too many photos but take my word for it- it was SO good.

They created such a lovely little world in the grotto and the whole thing lasted a good 20 minutes. I can't recommend it enough so if you're local make sure to check it out for next year. It is madly popular though and we booked our tickets back in October as its sure to book out. Elin spent the whole time crawling around and exploring- I'm counting this as her sensory play for the week, so it wasn't just for us after all!

And there's the money shot right there! Just look at her little smile. I was so chuffed that she was happy and bursting with pride for some irrational reason. The present comes down the chimney (obviously) and our little monkey leapt on it. Yep, that is for you young lady- finders keepers and all ;) We left and I can't explain how overwhelmed I was! In my head I was imagining all the future years when she can really appreciate all the magic and I felt so blessed to have such a wonderful daughter to make all these memories with. Shes got so much to look forward to and its our job to make her childhood as magical and meaningful as possible. I think looking at her I just realized all the possibilities she has in front of her. Okay, I may have cried a little. But in my defense I had just met the man of the moment! I'l finish off with that Santa picture again because its just such a cracker!

I'd love to see your Santa pictures! Any grottos or experiences worth considering for next year? I'm all ears!

Bringing Christmas home

Obviously I've gushed about how important picking our tree is as part of a traditional Lathey Christmas but we have a few traditions when it comes to the decorating too. Nothing too out there but certain things have to be done! Like decorating while listening to Michael Buble, obviously.

We buy a new decoration each year, something that represents the major events of the year (a gingerbread house for moving house, a stalk for pregnancy, you get the gist) or we pick up a decoration when we travel somewhere new. I love the idea when we're all old every single decoration will be special and meaningful with a story behind. I just imagine telling our grandchildren the back story to them all and reminiscing ourselves about the things we got up to and the places we saw. Its cheesy I know, but Christmas is the time for a bit of cheese!

A ginger bread lady with a baby bump? We found this last year and I can not think of anything more amazing! Its extra lovely as Christmas was the time I really loved my bump, no idea why but December for me was the best time to be sporting a baby bump and I had so much extra bump loving! So finding this little gem was clearly fate.

These are a few of our special decorations; baby bootie ice skates, something made for us for Elin's christening, our 'The Lathey's' family of elves, which is pretty perfect for our first Christmas as Mr and Mrs Lathey, and a little Greek church we picked up from Santorini. 

She is just the most beautiful little helper there ever was! And a helper looking more and more like her Daddy every day. I'm so excited for years when she'll be choosing the decorations, where they  and how our tree should look. The years of different Christmas themes and colour schemes are over and I can not wait for the next thing- trees decorated by kids! In all there colourful, decorations only half up, tinsle mess and homespun glory that they are! Bring. it. on.

Love us

Oh, Christmas Tree

James and I always go to our local Christmas tree farm (farm? Valley? Field? not sure, but I'l stick with farm) to cut down our own tree. I didn't have a real tree growing up and I think I'v romanticized it a little but I always wanted to make a tradition out of picking your own tree. The sort where you all bundle up super warm and trudge through the countryside eyeing up the greenest and the fullest and the biggest tree there is before the guy chops it down like a cave man. I knew that was something I'd do when I started my own family, and I'm so glad we've started that tradition as its practically a dream of mine at this point.

This place has changed a lot since last year and they now have a lovely little wooden hut with an adorable little fireplace where you pay so its even more idyllic. The family who run it are wonderful too, doing it in memory of the Dad/ husband who had had this vision for so long but passed 2 years ago. His pictures hanging by the fireplace! I'm not sure why this place resonates so much with me but I absolutely love it and for me it really is the only way to get the Christmas tree! I loved taking Elin, being outside in the fresh air just felt so festive too and the smell of Christmas trees are like heaven. I will say though, the trees all look a lot smaller out in the valley compared to in the living room!

Picking out and cutting the tree obviously harbors some romantic image for me that I can't really place but it makes me feel all warm and mushy so I won't let that be dampened! Talking of warm and gushy. These two? My god they are the cutest. I'm a tad jealous because our little monkey really only has eyes for her Daddy, but it's also the most heart warming thing. Shes got a smile she reserves just for him and they are so funny together; a right little duo. When he comes to collect us after a baby group she'll clock him from across the room, clap her hands and crawl towards him, ploughing through a lot of toys and potential distractions, but she'll be determined to get to him and outstretch her arms for a cuddle! It makes James feel like bloody bees knees. But I guess thats little girls and their Daddy's right?!

My little Michelin (wo)man! This snowsuit was one of the very few items we treated ourselves to during my pregnancy last year. Its so colourful and fluffy I wish they made them in grown up sizes! Admittedly its a little big for her but she looks so damn cute and toasty that hardly matters. Winter clothes on babies really are the best.

We picked out a lovely little tree and had such a lovely day together. What are your traditions? Anyone else cut their own tree like this? Care to explain why it means so damn much to me? Have a happy week everyone!

Love, Us