New Years Eve 2012

First and foremost today was a very sad day as one of my dad's best friend Bill passed away this morning. We found out when we were all on the beach. Life really doesn't seem fair sometimes. Our thoughts are with his family, he was a great guy and our family shared so many fun times with his. One of the most memorable was a campervan holiday around the South Island of New Zealand.... loads of laughs and fun together. My dad will miss his buddy, I hate to see the hurt in him.

The morning began with Oscar waking way too early and bringing in a box of Madeline cakes for me to open. I told him no and to put them back on the bench before drifting back to sleep. When I woke a few minutes later I found him with the considerably lighter box on the floor surrounded in crumbs. He then told me he didn't want his breakfast yet.

Oscar and Bailee played very independently for about three hours on the beach. They love to collect and share shells. Bailee's mission today was to find the 'bigger shell'. Oscar's was to destroy all sandcastles that Stu built!

The afternoon was a quiet one. We tested out a little remote control boat Stu bought. Oscar and Bailee were in awe. We shared a bottle of a popular drink here: sparking date drink. Very refreshing.

There will be fireworks here at midnight above the Burj Al Arab and The Atlantis. I am sure it will be spectacular but like the previous three New Years Eves will not be awake to see the display! Sleep takes priority with three children.

All I wish this year is for health and happiness for my family and friends. This year has been a little complicated, but I am so grateful for the beautiful new addition to our family Maple Violet and for her gorgeous brother and sister. We have been lucky this year as we have had visits from all of our close family from abroad.