We have just returned from our annual few days skiing holiday in Sierra Nevada. It is only 2 and a half hours away, just past Granada. I always say the same thing, it's not really a holiday, it's more like boot camp. Absolutely exhausting! Especially now Willow is so heavy. When she gets tired she still wants me to carry her so that's 20kg plus a pair of ski boots that I have to carry, often with my own skis as well! The hubby loves it... it's something he looks forward to all year so I have to grin and bear it! I do enjoy skiing but it's hard work! Willow had her first lesson this year. One on one with Joanna, an English girl who was particularly good with children.  She worked for Jonathon at the British Ski School. Willow was fast asleep on my knee in the cafe at the time of her lesson so we had to put it back an hour. Apparently she spent half the lesson calling for me but was starting to chat by the second half. I watched her from above on the chair lift and she was doing really quite well. She keeps talking about Joanna so I think she enjoyed herself.

We were delighted that we were able to find a ski suit for Willow at the car boot sale in Benahavis the Sunday before we left, for 2€ (thanks Danny!) plus a fleece jumper for 1€ then on the way up the mountain stopped at a supermarket and picked up some mountain boots for 5€ so her entire ski outfit cost us 8€!  Definitely the only bargain of the trip.  Apparently Sierra Nevada is now the most expensive ski resort in Europe.  I think we will do France next year.

Tiara, Poppy and Willow enjoying an alfresco picnic

3 Wise Monkeys?

Willow taking Poppy and Lisa for a walk on her favourite pony Chocolate

Dressed up for el dia de Andalucia

Willow, aspiring make-up artist?

My gorgeous ones outside our apartment in the gorgeous sunshine

Well accessorised as usual

...making our Valentine's

Is this the largest pom pom you have ever seen?

Another portrait by Willow

A sensible dinner party...

Poppy and Willow, so cute...

Dia de la Paz!

Willow's nursery celebrated last Sunday's International Peace Day on Monday. They did lots of different activities and had to throw any violent toys they may have in a large bin at the gate and have them replaced with a new toy.  Of course Willow doesn't have anything, possibly a light sabre if we were pushing for a new toy...  Here are some pics, so cute...

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!  Hope this one brings happiness and health to all! 
Willow is 2 days back at nursery.  After such a long break it wasn't easy to prise her off me.  I know she enjoys the time when she is there but it is hard (for both of us) to make the separation!  Nearly all her friends have left and moved to their 'big' schools.  Although not a legal obligation until 5, as in other countries, the majority of parents put their children into school at 3.  Can you believe it?  She is doing really well learning Spanish at her nursery which is international but mostly Spanish speaking.  It's exciting to see her progress.  And besides, she is still on the list for the school we want her to attend in September, St Georges, so fingers crossed till then.

 We have had a downpour this past 2 weeks but Sunday was a day of respite, the sun came out so we made the most of it and enjoyed some outdoor activities...  Tanc and Willow hit some golf balls at the driving range...

 and we took Willow to her favourite stables.  She was delighted to be able to ride Princess Lobada for the first time.  She was a wonderful pony.  Willow insisted on wearing her jodphurs and riding boots that we bought at the car boot sale for 6€, what a bargain. They fit her a little bit better this time... 

I'm really happy with how my bunting for the baby shower turned out.  It's now in Willow's room!

Such a cute pic of Barbara and baby Lana at the baby shower!

The letters are all going in Willow's room too, in process of making the whole alphabet out of cereal boxes!

Willow is very proud of her new riding hat.  Supposed to be a Christmas present!

This is the cake I made for Mikey's birthday party

This is me at 8am in the morning decorating the cake!  Taken by Willow

I so love being mother to Willow.  She is a pure bundle of joy, however cliched that sounds and brings me such happiness.  I am loving her 3 year old self.  I do miss baby Willow though and still try to baby her at times but it's not easy with 1.04m and 18kg! 

An example of her gorgeousness....  I was sitting doing my blog entry (8.30pm) and she called out from the bed that she was finished with her DVD (I told her I would come and lie with her only when she had turned the DVd off).  So I lay next to her in the dark holding her hand and said goodnight precious girl and she giggled and said goodnight precious lady then said let's go to sleep shall we.  5 minutes later she was snoring and I came back to the computer.  Sweet!  I'm afraid I don't do things by the book at bedtime.  I lie next to Willow everynight until she falls asleep.  Mostly this is a short time and to me it's a wonderful peaceful time for both of us.  She can do it without me as proven when we have had a babysitter, but when I'm here it's our routine and I wouldn't change it for the world.

It's quite a luxury for her being an only child, so much attention!  I guess we have to watch that she doesn't get spoilt.  She doesn't appear to be so far.  She has inherited my shyness though.  After 2 years of the same nursery she is still shy every morning with her teachers and friends.  Apparently this doesn't last long!

Hubby and I had a barney of an argument this past weekend with lots of shouting (long overdue!) and poor Willow was in the middle.  Instead of getting upset she was so adorable and sat with me, stroking my head, wiping my face, telling me to drink water and saying it's ok, it's ok.  So adorable!  Although she did stand by me, when I told her to, she went and gave her dad a cuddle to make sure he was ok too.  And then when we kissed and made up she was right in the middle, arms around both our necks!