Right, time to wrap up 2016, a year which saw many changes and stress, multiple newsworthy moments and a closer look at what makes the fabric of society ebb & flow.
Here's our personal wrap up though, fortunately no deaths - but only because we saved Paul. Though if he doesn't return the hoover upstairs soon maybe 2017 will see an early development in his status.....
Cats somehow lived throughout the year, especially Jet who of course managed to find more places to Jetty bomb, we had some cleaners come in to "winterclean" this week and they managed to freak out the cats, no surprise that one was Poof, who ran downstairs, however in protest Jet decided to crap first in her bed, and 2nd under the tree. She seemed surprised not to be getting any treats for 24 hours. Actually Poof had 2 bad experiences this month as we finally got our carpet replaced after the flooding, and when they came to complete the job off scooted Poof downstairs, to find the door to the room of doom shut, so he hid under the futon, which of course was the 1st thing they grabbed to move, which saw a screaming Poofy run upstairs, to find the door shut on him there too, cue mass hysteria and eventual scampering into the room of doom when the door was finally opened, whereupon he hid for 6 hours. You know he's scared when he's in there for 6 hours!
Kids enjoyed Christmas, Ryan of course got several Lego items, missing his Grandad this year he was forced to rely on Mom (mostly) and Dad to put bits together, so far so good, only 1 is incomplete due to missing parts - we'll sort them out later somehow. He also got a couple of games on the XBox which I'm sure he'll enjoy playing. Hannah got several noisy toys and a ride on car which she prefers walking alongside right now......
Jessica did well, and she even managed to miss the obvious fact she stinks as nearly all her presents were "bath" related. She also got a trip to Anita's for a breakfast, make special by the lack of children in tow and not made special by the shitty service attitude, as reflected in the level of tip.
As for me I came out ok as well, got my Chocolate Brazils - yum, and a sweater that Jessica has already worn more than me (and spilled food down of course) plus some more XBox related gear so all is good.
Back to 2016 recap and Hannah has enjoyed CBA (not Can't Be Arsed - that's entirely Dad's reaction to being told to do something) but Chesterbrook. This year she's obviously begun walking, talking and causing havoc, she's learned important things such as "Mine" and "Bye-Bye" and can recite her favorite songs. Things to improve on in 2017 include biting less, throwing less Wubstrops and stealing Mom's food.
Ryan has had a hard time in 1st grade, the transition to full day school has been difficult with the sometimes excessive expectations of learning pushing him into meltdowns, however he too has made some great progress and his speech is now probably near 95% age appropriate. Things for him to work on in 2017 are reading & writing, plus learning how to accept sometimes Daddy's a twat - that's just how he is, so don't be upset :) He did manage to move up swimming classes and hit a moving baseball several times, excellent work!
Jessica plodded on at work. Somehow. She also remained a point of contact for several friends in need and took on the role of Class Mom for Ryan and Bingo Chairperson for the schools most popular event.
I plodded on at work too, actually I didn't plod on, I kicked ass. Took on board comments made in 2015 and put them all into play and at the end of the year got my reward as I was promoted - YAY! Not saying I knew it was coming but the XBox does make a nice bonus for achievement and as I feel I earned it, it makes it more important to me.
Here's to 2017, I hope yours kicks ass!
J,J,R & H.
PS 13 posts this year - 1 on the 1st day, 1 on the last. Read them all, there's a chance 1 might be mildly amusing.
