It's beginning to look a lot like ...

 

The tree is up, I'm smashing chestnuts and school's out. Everything's looking and smelling very festive. But what's that on the sofa? Could it be a new furry addition to The Raggy Rat? Yes, that's two year old Ash, and this is his first Christmas in a family home. He seems to be taking it in his (long) stride .... 

looking christmassy!

The tree down from the loft and ready to sparkle!



Ben and Grandma-moon-bun where they can see all the action!
I was pleased to find Ben's hat again in the bag with lasts years wrapping paper!



Our cute nativity set with books ... Daisy can now read most of these this year!



and a very special garland made by my girls in Sunday school from self-hardening clay


I had to give in and use the flash on my camera to share all this with you! Hope your house is looking nice and festive too xxxx

soon our apple tree will give us big fat cooking apples ....

but for now, it's good to climb in!

a happy christmas !

thanks to all my new friends in blog land and over on flickr, for your friendly support and encouragement over the past year .... hugs !

3 large chickens will be unwrapped by my girls today ....