today we had a bit of a manic day! we started with latinetc and then went on a steam train trip. latinetc the bigger children put on plays in latin and learnt about saturnalia. 
at sb for forgetting everything about the 12 tasks of flavia gemina! the two plays were both fab, with the boys doing a sort of latin tom and jerry, and the girls had kit/rufus getting lost in the baths. the littlies did a beautiful jingle bells with bells, and they all enjoyed looking at things down the microscope again. roman bread was made – though we left too early to eat it!
having left early, we made it to the nene valley railway santa special. it was more magical with the snow!! as we got there, we thought the car park must be full, as cars parking miles away on the road, so chris decided to drive to carpark to drop us off… and it was half empty! result! so we got in, bought tea and ot choc to fortify the wait for santa grotto. i have to say, a lovely grotto, and fab presents [there is a surprise!] and both girls happy. we got bb a ‘boy’ badge so she didn’t get pink tat, but i think all 5 year olds [pressies were age and sex demarcated!] got a rather interesting game, which hopefully she will let us play one day. bb had a drawing by numbers set.
the train was a steamer, and toasty warm our carriage had some uninhibited carollers in it, so we all joined in! v festive. santas helpers brought sweets and juice for kids, and mince pies and alcohol or hot drinks for adults, so we were happily set! BB did fall asleep in the end though. nice christmassy thing to have done, though once in train you don’t get the steam thing fully!
home to watch the second half of the troll merlin, play bohnanza with SB and then when girls chased to bed, finish the tunis cake and wrap the last of the pressies. i must pack clothes now. kinda dreading the journey tomorrow, as the ‘most sensible’ route by far takes us onto the m25 – which currently seems least sensible!
Sounds like a lovely festive day. Bet the girls will remember it forever.