The trip was bit long with a train ride to just outside London where Matt picked us up his car, and then drove the rest of the way; but it confirmed for us that Chris is no different than any other baby his age: put him in a car and drive, and he'll sleep. It was Chris's first time in a car, so we weren't too sure, but given his propensity to nap as soon as a train starts moving, we thought it might work out the same in the car. Once we arrived, he immediately took to Liz, who was more than happy to keep our little on entertained. And it was great for Sarah and I to have another couple to help with Chris - it felt like we were on a mini-vacation!
Our New Year's Eve was fairly subdued. We toured through the city for most of the day, and took in the outside of Cardiff Castle. Back at home for the early afternoon we played some games and then had tapas all through the night. It was bit different T.V.-wise as no one here knows about Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve (is it officially Ryan Seacrest's New Year's Rockin' Eve yet, or have the decided to keep Dick Clark's head on ice for one more year in the hopes that animatronics is what really takes off in 2012?) No, instead we watched Jools Holland's Hootenanny, which comes on at 11:45. There's a bunch of quick, rapid-fire musical guest, and then it's over to a live riverside feed of the Fireworks. The fireworks were amazing; I was a bit sad that we weren't there to see them in person! Check them out here: BBC Coverage of NYE fireworks After that, that was it for the T.V. So a new one for us.We all toasted with a glass of prosecco, and then it wasn't too long before we decided to call it a night. (Geesh, we're getting older!)
Sunday was a lazy day, but we had a wonderful roast for dinner (having been preceeded by a full English breakfast!), and then Monday it was back home. Sarah and felt very refreshed.
We hope that you all had a great holiday season, and that 2012 is a wonderful one!