So, December saw two birthdays, Sam turned forty, and I turned three. Maybe it was the other way round. Although I am sure Kate or my brother would be the first to tell you that, no, I got it right the first time.
We also had Uncle David and Auntie Liz, come to visit us. As you can see from the photos, we had an amazing weekend including a trip to Skansen to see a traditional Swedish Christmas market, and a ride on a big wooden horse for the Corless boys. Sam's Auntie and Uncle spoiled him rotten, with presents, but most of all attention. And it was great they got to be here to see him blow out the candles on his birthday cake that Ulrika had made.
Then of course, I had a birthday, and it was a lovely day, work bought me flowers and we had cake too, and I got sung happy birthday to in two different languages. And when I got home, Ulrika and Sam made a fuss of me too. Ulrika has bought me a mystery trip away at the end of January. I genuinely have no idea as to where we are going. My only request was a trip away from the snow.... But...Unbelievably we are yet to have any snow in Stockers. How different to a year ago, when the snow came at the start of November, and didn't leave until the end of March. I bet the guys who are employed clearing the snow off the roofs are cursing. Or maybe they do other things beside that?
Ulrika and I, took Sam to see Santa. Or Tomte as they call him over here. As you can see, he bears similarities to Santa as I know him, but his costume is more traditional, and his beard is a bit greyer. I did wonder if Sam would not fancy sitting on his knee, but after a hesitant start he got on to Santa's knee, and presumably asked for more cars, or trains, or visits from Grandad, Pammy, Uncle David and Auntie Liz.
As it is the end of the year, I have read many articles that looked back over 2011 and selected the highlights of the year, be they the best album (Noel Gallagher) or best film (The Kings Speech) or just a personal reflection. Ulrika would kill me, if I wrote that meeting her was the highlight of my year, so I won't, and hopefully by the time we see each other on New Year's Eve, she will have forgotten this sentence.Work is going great, and I have some amazing colleagues. It is unbelievable to think that although I live in a foreign country, I get to make my living speaking English. Yay!
But the best thing about Sweden is Sam. He is why I am here. And to see him grow up this year has been a real privilege. He is properly bilingual and whether it is in Swedish or English he just loves talking.
I wish you all a happy Christmas, whether you are (wrongly) celebrating it today on Christmas Eve, or tomorrow (correctly) on Christmas Day.Tomorrow, I am meeting Sam and his Mamma at the train station at 9. Sam and I will jump on the airport train, and then fly to Heathrow, and we will in Berkhamstead with all the other Corlesses by lunchtime. I can't wait!
I cannot promise you that I will find the time to update the blog more regularly than I do, but one of my new year resolutions will be to continue with it. Love to you all, and see you in 2012!
