Work avoiding again

Awake early (no suprise there... too excited hehe) so got up and opened a couple of pressies (Spiderman calendar and a Giraffe hangar). Did a quick run on the treadmill (was toying with the idea of doing my Outwoods run but the fact that it was still dark kinda ruled that one out!) then cereal and shower. Packed the car... got ratties settled.. then did the million paranoid checks before leaving. Got as far as the car door, then went back in for my cymbals!!!

Practice before the service was alarmingly quick.. and I arsed up the fills in one song everytime... but just laughed. Then... moment of stardom... I got to light one of the Advent Candles!!! Was fab... cos we had made a pact at Greem's the night before to all volunteer when they ask for kids to light the candles... Jenny was gutted cos she was at the back, but I could see Barry look at me... this sort of "oh no, this is a bad idea but there's no more children" look go across his face, then he picked me! I also got picked to tell the congregation what toys I had got for Christmas... don't think they appreciated seeing Mr Wappy the glove puppet! Still, admittedly this was really just a bright orange silicone oven glove that Alison gave me. Some fun drumming in the service... somehow managed to get the fills right (after A had explained that I'd got one less bar than you'd normally have) .. the Animal moment at the end of the last carol was a bit more subdued than last year, but still made me laugh! On the way out I saw Pete wearing exactly the same purple SW t shirt as me... he said we'd both got them from our 'significant others', and that it was very soft!

Leaving church was tough, but had to be done.. respective families awaited.. the long drive was aided by the Best Christmas Album in the World.. Ever! .. the only time its ever played. Poor old ratties had to put up with my awful singing. Made it home in plenty of time for dinner.. not the best entrance ever.. "Hello, Merry Christmas, I need a pee". Amused myself with camera as dinner not quite ready..

Busted Pops testing the peas...

Ma dishing up.. oh, and as you can see, Ma FINALLY got her conservatory.. for years she dreamed of Christmas lunch without elbowing each other or having to clamber over sofas. Think she was happy with it. I can't believe how huge it is... bigger than my house!!! but just where am I going to play with my skateboard and shoot hoops now??

Nan Leggett joined us for the first time...

Pulling the crackers ("by the look of you darling I already have".. name that CM song!)

Ready...... GO!!

Nan enjoying her Turkey...

Ma's sorted too...

Whats going on.... Chalkie NOT pulling a face?!?

Ah... thats better.. back to normal...

Pudding scoffed (and how nice was the Grand Marnier cream ... mmmmm) and washing up done... waiting for Pops to get back from taking Nan L home. Harley bored... so plays with camera and tripod again....


Jon was itching to break into the pressies... he started making wii miis

The pressies... not including Chalkies... which are always saved for last

Parents pleased with their calendar..


and with the thesis... although not as much of a reaction to the news that I'm now Dr Leggett as I'd hoped.. oh well...

Dad claims he's going to read it...


Jon pleased with Guitar Hero... but then he should be considering he chose it, and 'tested it' several weeks ago..

Chalkie not convinced this will fit (it didn't)

Pops got a wii from Ma..

and a fishing game..

Nan got a box of J Lo

.. and a mobile!!!

Jon got a baby Henry... so so cute... I want one!

and I got a Clone Trooper helmet...

..which Jonathan showed remarkable patience putting together..

Anyone would think I like Star Wars...

Me and Chalkie playing with last year's toys...

Who'd have thought it... Ma explaining to Nan how to play a computer game!!!

Nan did then get a strike first ball and proceeded to open up a can of whoopass (except on me). Chalkie decided to shoot me instead..

And we all met Harry, Jon's new girlfriend.

After wii-ing (hehe) we watched Wallace and Gromit, which was fab... I was the only one that laughed at the in-bread joke though. Then we played some games. Nan got ratty when we didn't listen to her correct answers in Trivial Pursuit. Comedy moment of the year playing Articulate.. always makes us laugh playing with Nan, but this one was classic! Nan was giving the clues... and said 'Oh its one of them.. out of Star Wars'... so we all start guessing Darth Vader... Luke Skywalker etc etc... She does her usual Noooo and throws the card away. Time runs out and Jon picks up the card... and starts giggling like a girl (gutted I didn't have the video camera for this) ... he eventually manages to get out the word 'Voltaire' at which we all start wetting ourselves at Voltaire being in Star Wars (pops and Chalkie were actually crying). While Ma was out google-ing Voltaire Nan then says ' was he that one out of Harry Potter then?' at which we start laughing again and try to explain that was Voldemort. Anway.. in case you're interested Voltaire was an 18th Century French crusader against bigotry and poverty. ...not a black suit wearing baddie from a galaxy far far away!

Had the traditional Toasted Turkey Sandwhiches... then realised it was 3am... so cleared space and made beds.