Meeting Father Christmas in the Caves

On Saturday we got up earlier than a school day - ouch!  Why?  Because it was the annual pilgrimage to see Father Christmas at Ingleborough caves.  It is a big day out - I think our party was over 30 strong.  Because the group was so big, and it is a mile's walk to the caves, we set off early - at 9.30 to walk up the nature trail to the cave.  It took an hour (quicker than last year - but then everyone's a year older aren't they?!)  We had to wait a while as the caves didn't open until 11am but we were the first to arrive so definitely the first group in.

Tom and Fred

Because the children were all a year older they were quieter, which meant that we got to hear the story of the goblins, elves and Father Christmas in the caves.  The caves are decorated out with loads of lights and candles and Christmas decorations.  We were met by an elf who started the story off, and then transferred to another elf who continued the story etc etc.  At the end we met Father Christmas who saw the group together and then asked everyone what they wanted.

Tom was very animated with Father Christmas, answering all his questions whilst the others were very quiet and in awe.  Father Christmas said that he would like a small helping of Glenfiddich.  Tom of course piped up - "That's OK, my Mummy and Daddy can take me to Scotland so I can get you some".  Have we educated him well?   He was the only child in the room who knew what Glenfiddich was!  Last year Tom fluffed his line when asked what he wanted for Christmas (mainly because he couldn't hear properly then) this year his arm was up in the air and he put forward his list very confidently.

Tom, Sierra and Blaise

He then got to go to the present table to choose something.  They don't wrap presents here, they just have a table with a myriad of gifts on for the children to choose.  All very well, but if you are first up, the choice is almost too much to cope with.  It took Tom ages to choose, but in the end he settled on a big plastic fire engine, having refused the Lego and Meccano I pointed out to him (oh hum, what do I know?!)

We then walked back through the caves to the entrance.  Matt and I then left Tom in the company of the gang whilst we power walked back to the car as the group were descending on us for mulled wine and hot dogs.  So we rushed home and got the stove on for lunch.  We were almost ready when everyone turned up.  It was mega busy (I think we had about 24 back as some had other engagements).  However, it was a warm, friendly atmosphere and NO tears from any of the children.  The food and drink went down well.  After the house being turned into an absolute bomb, everyone left, we tidied up and then collapsed on the sofas in front of the telly (too much mulled wine!).

Next time: get disposable glasses in from Wilkos for mulled wine - they are sturdy enough, 2 sausages per adult, one per child, crisps and dips and 1 mince pie per adult (Tom was the only child who would eat one!).

Eating crisps - serious business

Sunday, we had a quieter day.  It was Harrison's birthday party at 12, so we vegged out beforehand, in fact Tom didn't get out of his pyjamas until past 11am - what a slob!!!!!  Harrison's party was fancy dress - Tom went as a spaceman - his outfit just about still fits him.  Harrison was a rather splendid looking Agnetha - complete with blonde wig and blue flares.  Apparently he loves Mamma Mia and thinks Agnetha is the best.  For his birthday he wanted an Agnetha costume and a party.  They had to look pretty far and wide to find something, but they did well - he certainly made a great Agnetha.  It wasn't the usual crowd for the party as Harrison only moved to Ingleton school this year and his mum has been doing some child minding, meaning that most of his friends are pre-school age.  However, Tom made himself immediately at home.  It was obvious that we weren't needed, and as we didn't have the usual mums to chat to we decided to go to the pub (just round the corner).  Very handy as we didn't have lunch sorted for us, so we sat in front of the fire and had mulled wine and a light bite each. We returned to the party with half an hour to go.  Tom hadn't missed us at all and was fine.  We found some people to chat to and gossiped whilst they finished off their party games.  Harrison's parents are both teachers and so decided to do the party themselves, very brave considering Susan is over 30 weeks pregnant with twins and having to use crutches to get about!  Tom was very happy as he won the last game - musical chairs.

With the man himself

Afterwards we decided to go for a drive in Bowland, hoping for some good views of the 3 peaks in the golden twilight.  It wasn't to be, it just went grey and then dark.  Oh hum, we went home and cooked a roast instead.