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Managed to eat a lot less and a lot more healthily. It's great to be a glutton for a holiday, but don't want to do it all the time.
Boxing Day and the kids tried out their new skateboards for the first time. They are both very much into the Simpsons and I think want to emulate Bart in every way possible, but being a nervous dad makes this gift equivalent to giving them a small loaded gun each.
But they were sensible and cautious and took baby steps (or rolls) until they were both able to propel themselves along and then stand on the boards. And there were very few falls and no broken bones, so that is a win.
I'd taken them to the rec to let Catie have a rest (she returned the favour by having having a sleepover with them later), and I was in surprisingly good form. One of the advantages of not drinking is a hungover free Boxing Day. I doubt I had many of those until I stopped drinking. How do you even get through Christmas Day sober? Remarkably easily it turns out. Give it a go next year.
After the skateboards we played a game of basketball with me versus them, where I didn't fell quite so energetic anymore. If I managed to get down the court without being impeded or held back I had to shoot from distance and didn't have much luck. Phoebe and I then had a competition where we stood on the penalty spot with our back to the hoop and tried to score a basket. Each time the prize money doubled, but luckily we both kept missing, because the loser would have to pay. We got to over £1000 before Phoebe lost her nerve and suggested we play for a tenner and face the right way. I don't know what I'd have done if she'd fluked a basket when the prize was in four figures. We kept missing anyway so we moved closer and Phoebe scored, but it was my turn and I scored too. Then she scored, but so did I. After so much missing this was a remarkable turn of events. In the end she did get another basket and I gave her and Ernie a fiver each.
Ernie had been very reluctant to leave the house and when we'd arrived at the rec had said "I'm having a very bad day", but away from screens and chocolates and distractions we all had a great time. He was thrilled with his skateboarding and glad to be playing a part in the basketball. Like most of us, he had a nice time once he was out, even though he'd been sure he wouldn't. Same was true for me to be honest. I need to do more of this kind of thing.
First of 5 RHLSTP Best of eps to help you over the merryneum is now up wherever you get your podcasts. Please give them all a listen to help our end of year downloads and do share them with anyone you think might like this kind of stuff!
