I'm back in the US of A and I have a lot to share with you - so hold onto your potatoes, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!
Flying is fun. Providing you are a baby, and not the owners of a baby, nor the passengers in the immediate vicinity of said baby. To be fair though, I thought my behavior was pretty good, not like the old lady in front of me who threw up all the way from San Francisco to London on the way out, or the man doing sneaky bottom burps behind me on the way back. Actually, during the stringent security check on the way to the States, I got my first ever frisking.
Needless to say, it was an enjoyable moment for both parties, and phone numbers were exchanged.
So, what went down in jolly old England?
Well, it snowed. Interesting stuff, snow. Kinda fun, kinda wet. The jury's still out on its usefulness.
It did teach me a thing or two about the hardiness of the locals though - although some might mistake this for stupidity.
It was fun seeing Nanny Annie again. She taught me how to use dangerous implements to mark furniture,
and introduced me to her pet fox in the back yard.
The best bit about the trip was being able to catch up with friends and family in order for them to fawn all over me and shower me with praise and jaffa cakes.
Here I am with my auntie, uncle and cousins...
...mum and dad's friends, Geoff and Sui, and Bruce...
...grandad Baker...
... and all of us tearing into our pressies with auntie Christine and uncle Dave.
We went to Christine and Dave's house for xmas dinner, which was a lot of fun.
Mum led me to their house, which is about ten houses up the street from Nanny Annie's place.
It was here that I encountered my first full turkey dinner. Blimey - I could get used to this! Cheers!
Unbelievably stuffed, I took a moment to relax at the table...
...before indulging in a spot of cat-tormenting.
I got some great presents for xmas, not the least of which was this knitted stealth cardigan from uncle Dave's mum. Unfortunately, its powers of invisibility are only effective when I am standing in front of Dave's mum.
Wow, this trip was such a lot of fun!
I played with auntie Julie a lot...
...until it all ended in a punch-up.
I read my Star Wars book with Bruce...
And got mercilessly tickled by Sean.
I especially enjoyed indulging in a spot of English television. I'm really not sure what these CBeebie programmers are on - but daddy wants some.
I had many likes and dislikes during my stay.
I loved dad's bizarre, yet barely attempted, party balloon animals...
... but wasn't so keen on some of the stuff that passes for baby food over there. That said, if you've got any spare Farley's Rusks laying around, feel free to send them my way!
I was delighted and touched by the huge supply of toys and equipment that had been rustled up by mum and dad's family and friends...
But I didn't like the idea of having to renounce my nationality while living under Nanny Annie's roof.
All in all, I had a splendid time, and was sorry to say goodbye.
I can't wait for our next trip over-seas.
Having said that, it was nice to get back to the balmy weather of San Jose, and go for a walk in the park with uncle Paul upon our return.
We had a lovely time over the holiday period - thanks to everyone who made it so special!
I'll leave you with the reason for my excited face...
I'm getting an apprentice!
Happy 2010, y'all!
HJB, out.
