Christmas has come, and gone!

Yes, it's now past for another year. There's no doubt that Santa Claus was VERY good to all of us- Sandy has had great fun playing with his "Hotwheels" track and various games all yesterday and today. Meanwhile, Olivia is loving pushing her buggy around the house, and has really enjoyed trying to push along her ride-on car. As she grows, she'll get much quicker!
Anna got loads of clothes from my mum and dad, and a rather nice pair of leather boots from me, and me-- well let's just say that I'll be a bit smarter when I go back to work in the new year! I have a couple of really excellent dvds to watch too, when I get time, including one I wanted for ages, "Caché", (Hidden)which is a French thriller.


Sandy, Olivia and Anna on Christmas Eve


Sandy opening presents on Christmas morning at granny and grandad's house


Olivia discovers her ride-on car!


Me, lighting the fire upstairs.


Sandy, Anna and Uncle Keith in the lounge.


Christmas is great fun!


"I'm off for another walk!"


Refreshments time, while we take a break.

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Russian school Christmas party.

Last Saturday we all went to the Russian school Christmas party in St Stephen Street, Edinburgh where we watched a performance of The Snow Queen. Sandy met Santa, (Diet Maroz) and on the way back to the car, we passed a shop with a very interesting name!

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A portrait of Sandy and Olivia

This was taken a few weeks ago, but I've only now had the chance to scan it and upload it.

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Our street party!

One of our neighbours, Bob, apparently invites loads of folk round to his place each year early in December to switch on the Christmas lights on the huge tree he imports to his front garden for the Festive Season.
Well, tonight, we went along for the first time...and it was some party! Probably something in the region of 75-80 people were there, loads of kids, and we started off with mulled wine in the house, before all heading out to the front of the house for the switching on of the lights.

Some of the crowd, outside Bob's
Before this though, we were all given hymn sheets, and we sang a few Christmas hymns and songs.

The lights are on, and we're all singing loudly to attract Santa!


Then, the big switch on, followed by Bob asking all the children to head round to the back garden, where, in his summer house...Santa was waiting to greet all the young ones, and hand out a present to each of them!!

Sandy, meeting Santa!

After that was over, we retired to the warmth of the house for more drinks and a lovely buffet, before heading off home.

We hadn't even met Bob or his wife before today, so a great big "Thank you!" from all the Purves family!

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For Anna's sister Olga!

It's the 1st of December. I had planned to wait till perhaps Sunday to post a few more photos, as tomorrow evening, there will be a big event in our street...the switching on of the Christmas lights at one of our neighbour's houses. He has invited everyone round, and has taken delivery of a huge Christmas tree, almost the height of his house! Should be interesting, and I'll definitely get some photos.

However, today, Anna's sister Olga phoned from St Petersburg, and complained that the blog had not been updated for a few days!
OK, Olga, these are for you!! Harasho?


Olivia in Sandy's room, ready to launch into a tune?


Sandy eating his supper.


Another of Olivia.


And one more of Sandy.

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