On Wednesday, after picking the kids up from school, we had a quick turn around to get ready and head off to Heathrow. Traffic wasn't too bad and managed to park up, catch the bus and get through security in good time. After a bite to eat at Five Guys, we boarded the plane for the overnight flight, landing in Joburg Thursday morning. As we were leaving the plane and walked past the cockpit, the pilots motioned for the kids and us to have a look which was quite amazing - the kids got to sit in the seats and we were shown around the controls and the various flying instruments.

After a while at passport control, we collected our bags, met up with the folks and Bev, and headed on back to number 54. There was a bit of rain that afternoon, which we didn't mind as long as it was just a passing shower and not for any longer. On the Friday we headed over to Isando to collect the rental car, and then yesterday we drove out to Monte Casino - a long time request from Ellen to go back there. We wandered around a while and then decided on lunch at the Palazzo Hotel, before heading back in time for the Ireland vs Italy Six Nations game.

This morning we took the kids to the Kidz Fun House Play Centre for a couple of hours of play there, and then being back at home this afternoon, packing a few bags before we head off to Mabalingwe tomorrow until the end of the week.

After a rather quiet week at home, we had the excitement last night of the American Rumble Wrestling Spectacular at The Barn Theatre here in Southwick. We had never been before but decided it could be a fun night out, but really was brilliant - as far as amateur wrestling goes.

The kids got into it, but not as much as Una and I did, it was quite the entertainment, especially when local hero Barry came out!

For a local venue and entertainment, was a great evening out, will certainly go back again when it returns.

Got a few days left of work this week and then we're off to SA on Wednesday night so looking forward to that...

After getting back into the swing of things in the first week of this month, the usual busy Saturdays continued with Ellen returning back to PQA and Ian at tennis. However the rest of that weekend was very much spent indoors avoiding the cold, wet and windy storm outside. We introduced the kids to Nintendo Wii - Mario Kart which was received with mixed results - Ellen wasn't a fan of the competitive edge and Ian kept getting super frustrated... so it might be one we slowly introduce again over time :)

On the 15th, which was my birthday, we had afternoon cake and celebrations at home, but with the heavy rain outside we decided against going out that night. So on Friday myself and Una popped to Flour Pot bakery for lunch which was nice.

Then the weekend before this one, it was back to back with kids birthday parties for Ian - he had Raphi's party on Saturday at Monkey Bizness and then Zak's party on Sunday at Portslade Sports Centre. That evening, with the weather better than Thursday, we all headed out to Fatto a Mano in Hove for dinner.

Last week Una was over in Ireland for the week from Monday to Friday, so I was counting down the hours sole-parenting with the kids while she was away. So then last weekend, after Ian was back from tennis, we headed out to Brighton Marina for a late lunch at Five Guys and then Sunday just at home.

Yesterday was slightly better weather with a bit of sun and less rain, so while Ellen was out at Liana's party in the afternoon, Una, Ian and myself drove over to Hove for a walk along the promenade (but more like a mad run for Ian), followed by coffee and cake at Yellowave Cafe which we hadn't been to before. Then the rain returned again today, so it was just a lazy indoor day at home.

Last Wednesday was New Year's Eve so mid afternoon we took a walk down to Lady Bee Marina which is along the main shipping canal by the port, which always has some great views of the marina at sunset. Despite the cold, it was good to get out and walk along the footpath, before heading back to the New Port Arms for an evening drink and then back home. We had thought we'd try to pop into The Ship Inn, but it was full and figured we'd delay that for another evening. We didn't have any plans for that night, just watching the various celebrations on TV, finishing with the London fireworks display at midnight.

Thursday and Friday were just at home, prepping the house for a last-minute New Year's party which we'd decided to host on the 2nd. We figured since we hadn't done anything on the 31st, and hadn't caught up with too many people over Christmas, it would be a good way to see most people and do something to unofficially welcome in 2026. In the end we must have had around 40 people here that evening - the kids had an absolute ball and it was good to catch-up with those we hadn't seen over the holidays.

Yesterday we drove over towards Widewater Lagoon and stopped in at Shoreham Beach for a walk around for sunset, as well as a fair bit of rock climbing with the kids. It was good to get out for a bit, especially after a couple of days of party prep and cleanup.

Today was back to work for myself and Una, but not the kids just yet, they both had an inset day so an extra day of holiday for them both. We were woken up to a light dusting of snow outside, not enough to actually be of any use, but always looks nice first thing in the morning.

With Una in London the next two days for work and the kids going back to school tomorrow after a lazy two weeks off - not looking forward to the morning routine tomorrow, but sure I'll manage... hopefully :)

After finishing up work at the start of last week, it was Christmas Eve on Wednesday so in keeping with our Christmas Eve tradition, we headed over to Marrocco's for lunch, followed by the Christingle service at the Southwick Methodist Church and then to the Cricketers for a drink before heading back home. Then on Thursday was Christmas Day and surprisingly wasn't a super early start which was good, but once the kids were awake it was all excitement and activity opening the gifts and seeing what they got. We spent the day at home overindulging as expected :)

On Boxing Day, with the weather rather chilly but clear, we drove over to Mill Hill Local Nature Reserve which we had passed by but never visited, and really was quite stunning walking around there with the sun slowly setting in the distance. And then on the 27th, despite the cold, we headed over to Nymans for a wander through the gardens and house. On the way home we decided to stop at The Clayton Windmills, known locally as Jack and Jill, just to briefly see them (from the car since it was closed) and also the view from there. The next day, Sunday, was just a chilled out cosy day at home.

Yesterday we decided to attempt drinks and dinner in Brighton, so got the train into town late afternoon and stopped first at the Heart and Hand in the North Laine area, and then at The Cricketers which dates back as far as 1547 making it the oldest pub in Brighton. After the two drinks there, it was over to Pizza Pilgrims (a favourite of Ellen and Ian's) for dinner before heading back to the station to get the train home.

Today we had Greg, Kim and the boys over to ours for our Christmas catch-up, so after some time at home and lunch, we took a walk down to Southwick Beach for a stroll along the promenade while the kids enjoyed the beach and pebbles.

That brings an end to my updates for 2025 - no big plans for New Years Eve tomorrow, just a quiet one at home but planning on having some friends around on Friday for a New Years catch up then. But for now, happy new year to everyone and all the best for 2026!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! After a fairly mild December, the weather has turned a bit and the temperature dropped quite a lot - tomorrow is meant to be rather frosty and icy, but makes for a nice chilly Christmas day - still not quite as cold as the Merry Christmas image I found below, but cold enough for us :)

Here's to a joyful, fun and happy Christmas, with lots of love from Southwick, Brighton!

Two weeks ago on Wednesday, Ian had his school nativity play which was the Donkey Seller and he had the role of Joseph in the play. It was very cute with both the reception classes taking part, and Ian did really well in the leading role :)

On Friday we had the Cinderella Panto show in Worthing, so all headed off there that evening, grabbed a bite to eat beforehand and then over to the Pavilion Theatre. That Saturday was just a relaxed easy day at home around the house, and then on Sunday we drove over to Walton for lunch at Greg, Kim and the boys before heading to their church Christmas show that afternoon.

Last week Wednesday morning Ellen had her school Christmas show which was very good, less of the nativity theme but more musical and singing, which they all really got into.

Last week Friday was the first day of school holidays, so after the kids had a lazy day at home and I finished work, we drove into Brighton for a walk around the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink and then up to MEATliquor for dinner before heading home.

This past Saturday Ellen had her PQA musical show 'Wish Keeper the Musical' which was in the Barn Theatre and included a performance from all the PQA groups. After the show we stopped in at the Manor Cottage where Santa was, so the kids got to meet him and reiterate how good they've been this year :) After the grotto, we had lunch at La Tavola and then a couple of drinks at The Cricketers before heading home.

Yesterday was a more social festive meetup at Dennis and Laura's house, with a total of 30 people there for the afternoon, so it was rather chaotic with the number of kids, but a good afternoon catching up with others.

On Friday before last, Will and Aggie were over in London and had organised to meet up at Mulberry Bush pub near to Waterloo. So Friday afternoon I headed into town and met them, Duncs, Paul, Carol, Lozzie and Kimmie for some drinks and food and a catch up. It had been ages since I last saw them so it was good to see everyone again.

Saturday was just a home day with the kids' activities and a bit of rugby in the afternoon, then Sunday we all headed out for lunch at Brighton City Airport and watched a few of the small planes taking off. Afterwards we bought ourselves a Christmas Tree and headed home to decorate it.

This past Friday Una and I had tickets to see Dara Ó Briain at the Brighton Dome which she had gotten me as a gift. So with Ben picking up the kids from school, Una and I had planned to head into town, except with the passing storm and pouring rain, the idea of some pre-drinks in The Lanes seemed less than desirable, so decided to drive instead. We had Tapas for dinner at Brisa Tapas & Bar, then basically ran over to the Dome to watch the show, which was called Re:Creation and a good night of laughs as usual!

On Saturday, while Ellen was at Lola's birthday party, the three of us decided to get out while the weather wasn't raining and headed over to Hove Lagoon for a walk around there and some time in the playground with Ian, despite the cold wind! But it made sense considering the heavy rain yesterday, no chance of getting out of the house, so glad we managed to get out when we did on Saturday!

On Thursday the week before last, after the day in London for work, I headed down to Borough and met up with Gav at the King's Arms. It had been ages since I'd last seen him, so it was good to eventually manage to catch up. After a few beers there, in the pouring rain, we decided to grab a bite to eat and headed down towards Bermondsey but everywhere was crazy busy so returned back to London Bridge and grabbed food at Honest Burgers.

On Saturday we had a busy afternoon of rugby on the TV, with Italy vs South Africa first, then England vs New Zealand followed by Ireland vs Australia. So after ignoring the kids staying indoors all day, on Sunday we headed out for lunch at Fatto a Mano in Hove which we'd spoken about going to ages and all thoroughly enjoyed it.

Last week Monday the cold snap hit us, the temperatures turned really icy, dropping by almost 10°C from the weekend, so always a bit of a shock for the system. It was always predicted to last just the week, and then return back to normal November temperatures.

The past weekend was busy again with usual kids activities on the Saturday, followed by a tense rugby game of Ireland vs South Africa that evening. Then yesterday we had Greg, Kim and the boys over to our place for a catch up which was good to see them again.

And at least today the usual November temperatures have returned, so it's not so bitterly cold with ice and frost everywhere!

On the Thursday before last, Davies was over in London for work so had organised a meetup in town that evening. So that evening I headed up into town and met him, Mark, Lozzie, Carol and Stacey at BrewDog Chancery Lane for a few drinks, burger and catch up.

Then on the Friday, which was both the last day of school as well as Halloween, Una took the kids trick or treating in Southwick Square, followed by a Halloween party at Adrian and Geri's place and then over to Tom and Elle's place, where I met up with them there. After some time there, we managed to get out for some trick or treating despite the rain, so the kids managed to stock up on their sweets and candy supply:)

On Saturday 1st Una and Ellen had tickets to see Wicked in London, so they headed off fairly early for their day in town, while Ian and myself had a boys day a bit more local. We started off at the Hove and Skate Park for a couple of hours, followed by lunch out at The Marina Five Guys and then over to Funplex for some indoor softplay running around.

Some pictures as well from Una and Ellen's day out :)

Sunday was a bit of a quieter day after a busy Saturday, with Ellen heading over to Lena's place for an afternoon Halloween party with the girls.

Last week Monday the kids returned back to school, but also Una started her new job, with her staying up in London from Monday through to Wednesday to get set up and meet the team. Then on Thursday was Eastbrook's Fireworks night which, despite always being a bit hectic and chaotic with kids, they always put on a good fireworks display.

This past Saturday was just a home day with a few rugby games on in the afternoon, so between the projector for the kids and the rugby for Una and myself, that took care of the afternoon for us :) Then yesterday was a really nice sunny day, and still fairly mild, so we decided to head into Hove for lunch and went to the new Meeting Place Cafe on the seafront which was really nice, plus the kids had the beach in front of us to play while Una and myself enjoyed the November sunshine.

That sunshine and clear skies quickly disappeared overnight and we were greeted with heavy rain, wind and grey dull skies today, but at least we managed to get out over the weekend and make the most of it :)