The Year That Was ( Part 1)

What a year last year was! Describing 2010/ 2011 (the dates of my year are similar to the taxation department, maybe a month earlier)  as an exciting and emotional year  would be an understatement to say the least. I will start at the beginning,well when it all started getting interesting...

May 2010, my darling little boy turned 2. He had grown into such a big boy, he could hold a conversation with the best of them, he has definitely been here before. We were all excited about my big boys birthday it was the start of many exciting events to come. We also (my husband and I) decided that the time was 'right' to give the birthday boy a sibling. Anyway my little sister turned the BIG 21, less than a month later. A fancy dress (movie star) themed 21st, held at our place in the midst of renovation rampage. But the party went on. It was a good night had by all, and the party girl utterly enjoyed herself. And that's all that matters, right? Its my party and i can cry if i want to,,, along those lines anyway.

And the Oscar goes too...

  So the party was a success, phew, pressure off!
 Now there were only 5 days left until we were up, up, up and away... Our first trip as a family back to the mother land. (minus my poor husband who had to stay and work). Now this holiday was had been planned, spoken about and saved up for (i even took up a second job) for over a year. Been excited didn't even cut it. It was emotional because it was a family holiday without my dad, the 10 year anniversary of his passing would be when we were away (don't worry we celebrated/remembered in style on the day by rocking out at Hyde Park with the one and only Sir Paul McCartney). My parents are British and my dad very much loved the country of his birth, his love of such, was passed down to 2 of his 3 children, myself and my brother, who we refer to as Big Chris.  We knew dad would be with us in spirit.

 Two days before the much anticipated departure we also found out to my utter surprise that i would not be going alone. That my son to be, the little brother to my big boy, would also be coming with us. That's right i was pregnant. I didn't know who was more surprised my husband or mother. I must admit i had a niggling suspicion. We were so happy but a little worried at the same time, would such a big adventure be safe? The Doctor assured me it would be. Her advice 'just drink plenty of water and wear those lovely DVT stockings, and rest a little of course' etc etc...

 So we were off, with newest member of our family stowing away in my uterus. At least he didn't cost 75% of the airfare like his big brother did! So our bags were packed (mine and mums had been for little over a month, we were just a tad excited.) Teary fare wells were had at the airport. We boarded the aircraft, the normal anxiety, mixed with excitement and a touch of panic (i hope the plane doesn't crash!)  adrenalin swept through me. This was the life, this was living. Now we just had to endure 15 hours straight flying with a 2 year old, a mother to be and a 21year old who wasn't the best traveller. I told myself once we  survived the 15 hours (which i would not recommend) the next 8 would be a breeze. And it was. Before we knew it we had flown  over the majestic White Cliffs of Dover and were descending over the patch work fields and the metropolis of tiny semi-detached houses. We were home, my second home. It felt amazing! My morning sickness hadn't begun yet and my 2 year old travelled like a dream. Better than his Aunt!

This was the beginning of a holiday to remember.

Stay tuned for part 2...