Allen's 40th Birthday

Hi

A month late but at least I'm getting it done! My excuse is good though, since we've been back in Holland, I have worked a lot at school. My clearances finally came through on the last day of the December term so I can now so supply teaching, but only for the British teachers. Saying that I have worked 15 days, having said no to 2 days. I have really enjoyed being back in the classroom and have been in nursery to year 6, never bored! Anyway, back to Allen's 40th.

We flew in from Denver, landing on the 29th December. Dad picked us up from Heathrow and we headed back to Holwell spending lots of the day opening presents, meeting up with friends and family and doing a tad of shopping! The kids were on a strange timetable, sleeping in until 10.30 in the morning but staying up late too. For Allen's birthday we started with cake in the morning and then Allen and I went into London for a relaxing lunch at Yo Sushi in Harvey Nicks. We met Marion at Kings Cross in the afternoon and made our way over to South London to meet up with family and friends at a Tapas restaurant recommended by Allen's cousin Stephen. We had a brilliant night, food and company were perfect. I've included a variety of photos from the night. After the meal we ended up in a local pub doing Karaoke. Paul, a friend from Cheltenham, is in a band and he wasn't bad. The rest of us loved it but we're not ready to be signed to any record labels!

We stayed in the RAF club opposite Green Park and got the train back to Hitchin the next day. We celebrated New Year at Mum's with games and good food. Jacob and Abi stayed up to see their first New Year in and loved it. New Years Day was quiet, we went over to my aunt's, Annette's, to catch up with them. The next day we made our way back to Munstergeleen, getting back in time for tea. School started the next day, I was called to do supply but turned it down as Allen had the day off so we tried one of the outlet malls. Allen found his coat that he wanted for his birthday so it was worth the trip.

Life is now as hectic as ever, teaching, Daisy scouts and cubs. Allen's off to Greece this week. I'm working 3 days and Jacob and Abi have a half day Friday. Got to fit in 2 lots of coffee and one lunch out, not sure that will happen!

Booked 4 days away at half term, trying skiing in Germany.

Hope all is well

Rachael.