On New Years Eve we went around Nanny’s house as usual. The kids provided the entertainment and made up a show for us.
They all made it to mid-night. We celebrated by linking hands and singing Auld Lang Syne.
Then we went outside for sparklers and party poppers.
Outside, we watched fireworks and lanterns.
When I was young, all the kids in the street would link arms and run down the road shouting “Happy New Year!” to all the other neighbours and anyone who could hear. I think I will bring back this tradition next year as we Izzy will be able to run down too!
On New Years Day we had a delicious dinner and tea and played family games. Nanny bought all the Grandkids Cluedo Junior to share and we enjoyed playing that.
The late night eventually began to creep up on the kids and an earlier night was had by all.
The next day, we had planned to meet up with friends in the woods for a little celebration to let the New Year in.
During the Summer Holidays, we had promised all the kids that we would come down again and have a night time fire, so this seemed ideal.
Armed with torches and wellies we set off for a very muddy, slippy walk into the woods. For this reason, Izzy went for a walk with Nanny instead as I knew it would be difficult walking her home in the dark as the walkway is narrow and next to a stream.
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Makala Doughty |
We set up camp and lit the fire.
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Makala Doughty |
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Makala Doughty |
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Makala Doughty |
The kids posed for scary photos with the torch shining on their chins!
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Makala Doughty
They played by the water.
We warmed up with soup, homemade bread and cheese.
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Makala and I finally got to pop open and drink our bottle of bubbly presented to us by Moneysupermaket.com for taking part in the Retail Royalty Challenge.
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Katie Doughty |
That was good karma indeed and much appreciated!
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Makala Doughty |
We toasted the New Year in. We sand Auld Langs Syne again while I croaked it as I’ve lost my voice!
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Makala Doughty |
We toasted marshmallows.
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Makala Doughty |
Then the kids took it in turns opening up a promo advent calendar that my mum had passed onto me. That kept them quiet for a while!
Then came the moment we were all dreading- walking back through the mud, this time in complete darkness.
We were all starting to get the heebie jeebies…not helped by Danny who loves to tall scary stories! We all stuck together and shone our torches.
With great team work, the kids all helped to carry things and when Rebecca and I got tangled in some brambles, Jack stopped to shine his torch on us, we all got back safely and happily.
Mum kindly gave us all a lift home as I had drank too much bubbly to drive.
I can’t wait for all our Country Kids adventures of 2014!
Happy New Year everyone!
What a fab couple of days celebrations – there's nothing better than being surrounded by loved ones and good friends over Christmas and New Year! I love the idea of the night time fire and well done to the children for coping with the darkness so well. Happy New Year to you all and here's to more outdoor fun in 2014 – thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.