Beef stew and caraway dumplings

Cooked by N. Boxing Day is a wash out, but we had an enjoyable afternoon at C & A's watching the wee ones scoot about, exploring new toys, while we sipped fuzz and ate oven snacks. C even put on a few fireworks in the pissing rain, which scared the bejesus out of the Bug, as and quickly got canned while we made a swift exit.

Yesterday was really nice. I find it easier spending it with my family in law now that there are three lively small people around. It's not a slight on them, it's really just that I'm used to noise and chaos on Christmas Day!

The Bug spent a lot of time examining all the new objects, staring in wonder at his big cousin, and occasionally getting a little jealous when I was attentive to his wee cousin!