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One of the most striking things I noticed over the last few days sailing in the Channel was just how close we are to France!
Of course I know it's only twenty one miles at it's narrowest but as we sailed down the middle seeing Calais as clear as day on one side and Dover and the white cliffs as clear as day on the other really brought the small distance home.
And it really made me think about being a tiny island nation and everything we've withstood - and failed to withstand - over the centuries.
So I was feeling quite patriotic when we disembarked and were greeted by all these Union Jacks!
We packed up our suitcases last night and left them outside the cabin to be whisked away. This morning just before my shower I realised I had stupidly packed my shampoo and shower gel. No problem, I just stuck my head out of the door and there was our steward who hurried off to get me some.
My final breakfast was ham, cheese and mushroom omelette, grilled tomatoes, rye toast, a couple of banana smoothies and gallons of tea. Delicious!
Then it was time to go. They don't mess about on these last days - they're off to the Canary Islands later!
Disembarkation was painless - you walk off the ship, down a ramp into the baggage hall where your bags are all waiting and then you're zooming up the A34 and almost home. All before 10am!!
And back to reality with a bump. Christmas Eve tomorrow!
I had been semi organised before I went to Centerparcs and arranged for Mr Tescos to bring round all our Christmas goodies this morning so all I had to do was go down to Marks and Spencers to pick up the three bird roast and the chocolate pudding (otherwise known as the Dome of Goodness!!)
As I didn't realise we'd be back so early Mum and I had time to watch the Strictly final before I went to M&S. We'd avoided the result so it was fabulous to watch it as if it was live.
Then it was home to my Little Misses and Mr K. It was a really lovely break but I did miss them.
As I walked through the front door an arm shot out of Miss E's room and a voice boomed "STOP!!" So I stopped and wondered what was coming.
All I Want For Christmas suddenly boomed out through the whole house and Miss L twirled out of the living room and got up on the stool which I hadn't noticed stood in the hallway. She did a lovely little ballet dance on top of it. Then Miss E appeared and joined in. She lifted Miss L down from the stool and twirled round holding her. When they finished the music faded and they stood together and chanted in unison "Welcome home Mummy"
I can't even begin to describe how magical it was. It was one of the best moments of my life.
And obviously made me cry!!
What a welcome.
There was lots of hugging and kissing and happiness that our little family was all together again.