Thanks Santa!

And thanks to Matt and Nina for the great childrens' party at Casa Bougainvillea. As ever, fantastic hosts to a huge number of people and even more children. They're in danger of becoming an institution!

Saturday started as usual, but this time the game was a friendly, and Ben in relaxed mode was more animated and alert than I've seen him for a while. He made some stupendous saves, real diagonal stretch across the goal fingertip stuff and that casual bouncing of the ball in front of the opposition once he'd got possession, that infuriates and intimidates striker egos. Magic. And a draw in the end to satisfy both home teams.

So chuffed still that the only ache after yesterday's walk has been a bit in my upper arm from using the walking pole! I still feel I have some of the mountain air in my lungs.

Agu was very excited about going to the party this afternoon. And 'Farmer' Christmas didn't disappoint. I got a shot of his huge grin and can still hear the "Oooooooh" when he opened his gift at the same time as Ben and delighted in both. Ben had his doubts earlier in the day though, maybe feeling a little grown up after such professional play that morning, but arriving outside the party, he soon rushed in. With the myriad of children waiting around Santa, he turned and looked at me with his philosophical face on, and said he wasn't really expecting anything, surely. But when his name was called he looked such a sweetheart with his hands behind his back and grinning as Santa gave him a pretty good grilling over how good he'd been this year. No doubts about that for the both of them, I couldn't wish for lovlier boys.