Happy New Year 2012

Happy New Year 2012 everyone. How did you say goodbye to 2011 and welcome in the new year? I drove mum and Youngling up to Nerberth in Wales to stay with family.

Luckily the roads were pretty clear as we had to wait for mum to finish work at around five o'clock. It was a fun drive with sing-alongs and fast food. I always used to love stopping at the services when I was younger and it appears Youngling has the same feeling of excitement as I did.

Saying goodbye to 2011 when we stood outside in the cool Welsh air was difficult but not as upsetting as I had feared. I felt this overwhelming sense of enamour for what the future may hold. I feel like I have finally got myself back after so long of living in a shadow. Youngling and I have found that connection, or bond if you like, that was again shadowed by eggshells for too much of his young life. I am so proud of how well he is responding to situations, especially my disciplining him. He is growing up beautifully.

So after a late night of chatting we went to bed happy.

On New Years Day mum drove Youngling, my cousin and I down to Saundersfoot Beach for the traditional swim. It was the busiest I'd ever seen the seaside town, so much so that we couldn't even find a car parking space. So we decided to go to the nearby beach of Tenby. Consequently it is at Tenby Beach that the local Boxing Day swim is held. My dad took part in that a few years ago now. I had no intention of going in that water even though the sponsorship money would go to a good cause. (maybe next year).

The rest of the clan followed us down to the waters edge and we spent a good few hours playing in the sand and chasing the waves with Youngling. It was magical and surprisingly mild for the time of year.

All that was about to change when the weather took a dramatic turn for the worst. You may have seen the footage on the news of fallen trees causing disastrous accidents. Even a bridge in Scotland flexed in the gales. Terrifying really. We decided to postpone our journey home to Hertfordshire after my uncle was involved in car crash himself. He wasn't harmed, thankfully, but the car didn't live to tell the tale. Mum and I just didn't want to chance it, understandably. So my cousin and I took Youngling to the local aqua centre to distract him (he was due to stay with Daddy Doo for a few days on our return). He loved the water and the waves and even did the doggy paddle. Excellent for a two and a half year old I think.

My cousin and I then had to wade our way through boggy land to get to a play ground which was sodden and muddy but Youngling didn't care. He thought the high winds were hilarious swooshing through his locks. I even went on the swings with my cousin and we had a who-can-go-the-highest competition which left us all in hysterics.

All in all it was fab way to welcome in a new year and I cant wait to see the family again.

What did you do for New Years Eve? Do you have any traditions to welcome in a new year?

Take care and speak soon

Kate

xx