Anticipation

I know that smugness is not a very pleasing quality, but I am pleased that I have (nearly) all Christmas shopping done so that we've been able to enjoy this weekend at home and with friends, relaxing instead of stressing/battling the crowds.

Saturday had a Swedish focus with Swedish fika, glogg and some Swedish Christmas food. I made red cabbage (rodkal) and Mark made a beautiful Janssons temptation, we also had meatballs, ham, gravad lax and all the condiments. It was lovely for me to have a taste of home before we set out for Ireland next weekend.

We also gave Vera one early Christmas present. As we cant bring all the presents in all the packaging to Ireland, she got to open her doll on Saturday, which already has become a firm favourite and companion.

Yesterday, after baking and relaxing we went to Ana & Mark's to say hello, swap some Christmas presents and of course meet the gorgeous Ariane. Ana's mum is also over from Portugal, so lovely to see her again too!

Vera had about 20 party sausages, enjoyed running around as well as being "wrapped up" by Mark (see photos below). All in all, a most lovely afternoon!

 Vera and her doll. Vera also enjoys wearing my new hat!

 Swedish Christmas glogg fika

 Mark and Vera playing with the wrapping paper

 Maria Alexandrina, Ana and sweetest Ariane (nearly 5 weeks)