Party Boy

This weekend has seen Tom at 3 parties - a lot of party food has been consumed and he is no longer afraid of Father Christmas, meaning he has had a lot of fun.

Tom in his Christmas hat

Friday evening was the BEST Christmas party which Sammie (who has the biggest, kindest heart in Telford) arranged for the children of BEST volunteers.  She had no budget and no help and managed to pull off a good afternoon (I don't know how she does it).

Collecting his present from Father Christmas 

  There were games, we provided our food and then Father Christmas came (with a very loud booming soldier's type voice - hummmmmm!)  In fact Father Christmas had us in stitches, with him and Sammie worrying and checking on Rudolph!  Tom didn't enjoy himself to start with, clinging to me and grizzling when we tried to get him to join in.  After about an hour he finally relaxed (better late than never)  When Father Christmas arrived, his bottom lip stuck out - he certainly thought about being upset, but he managed to contain himself and collected his present (a train - which certainly perked him up).  He ended up running around and came home happy.

Saturday was the NCT Christmas party.  Matt took Tom out in the morning on his bike, whilst I made quiche and cakes. 1pm saw us at the St John's Ambulance hut in Oakengates which Lou and Andy had  turned into a Christmas grotto.
 Tom only took about 20 minutes to warm up (much helped by the presence of Mae) and then that was it, he ran his little heart out: up and down, up and down, round and round he went - stopping only to wee (11

Making music

Pin the bow on the Rudolph

times - it is very exciting weeing in other toilets!).  Father Christmas came again and Tom went up by himself to collect his   present in fact all the children went up by themselves to collect their presents except for Jessica who was scared (and the grand daughter of Father Christmas?!).  They played pass the parcel (Tom did exactly what he was told) and Rachel lead the men and children in some Christmas carols which they did well (Tom actually sat still for the whole time which is unusual for him).  The rest of the time, they ran around enjoying themselves: Mae, Olly and Tom played together and Seren and Jessica played together (the mum's friendships are definitely having an affect on the little ones friendships).  We didn't leave until 5pm, came home and then bath and bed.  He must have been tired - no nap and constantly on the move - AND NO TEARS at all even though he fell on his face a couple of times.  Just goes to show tears depend on his mood.  Anyway Matt and I were very proud of him and it was a pleasure to watch him enjoying himself without having to intervene at all.

The run with the tablecloth game

Sunday we were invited for Christmas nibbles to Carol & Graham's place.  Derek and Jackie were there as well (fun fun fun!)  For some reason they didn't stay for nibbles - they had a roast cooking in the oven which was strange - why would you cook a roast when you have been invited for nibbles at 12.30?  Anyway, meant we didn't have to talk to them (they are the world's most boring couple).  Tom had a great time, Olly was there and had brought some toys with him, which Tom got stuck into.  He also had a bike up and down the yard, saying hello to the 7 horses.  We had a really good time, so good that when we told him we were going home, he dissolved into tears.  Mind you he was tired from yesterday and although he was still saying 'no home' in the car on the way back, he soon fell asleep and also went back to sleep in his cot when we arrived home.

So, all in all a busy and successful weekend.