The 2012 holiday season started unusually early for us, with a one-week break on the Red Sea (also unusual, as we normally go for two weeks) along with daughter Sara & son John and their families, making a family party of ten. For the first time ever on the Red Sea, we started with a couple of breezy, overcast days, although we were still out round the pool on the loungers, as the temperature was still in the middle 20s.. The rest of the week was back to normal, as the breeze dropped and the sun returned.

This was the first visit to the Royal Albatros Moderna for John and his family, and  I was particularly keen to find out how granddaughters Katie and Amy would enjoy the Water Park and other facilities there. Because of the time of year and subsequent water temperature, both were kitted out with wet suits, so were able to fully enjoy the water park without feelilng chilled.

Everyone had a great time, and as usual Madge and I picked up a good tan and, inevitably after an all-inclusive holiday, a few pounds in weight !

Pics below show Madge relaxing by the pool, Amy and Katie in their shades, and a shot of the resort at night taken from the restaurant balcony. 

Had a "Turkey & Tinsel 5-day break at Bodelwyddan Castle, a Warner's resort in North Wales in December. Lots to do with dancing, indoor bowls, table tennis and first-class evening entertainment.

Nice to have an early practice at Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve before tackling the real thing with all its planning and effort !

As always, the staff made it a very authentic experience, putting on superb seasonal meals with all the trimmings, and creating a great Yuletide atmosphere.

Pics below show the rear of the castle, the indoor swimming pool and the indoor bowling rink.

Instead of our regular October break on the Red Sea at the Hyatt Regency, Taba Heights, we chose this time to go further south to the Royal Albatros Moderna resort at Sharm-el-Sheikh, as we had such a good time with the family at this resort in April, and the price was so good with a saving of more than £600, plus the advantages of an all-inclusive holiday.

We were not disappointed. The Red Sea climate, as always, was perfect with non-stop sunny skies the whole time.

 Morning breakfast, ice cream and soft drinks at the pool bar, lunch down at the beach bar, afternoon tea on the terrace, evening meal with wine when the sun went down, lots of games of table tennis in the games area, and card games and drinks in the terrace bar area before having a hot chocolate and then retiring to our room. And we managed to keep this up for a fortnight !

Pics below show part of the Water Park, the pool area near our loungers, the main pool area looking at the steps leading up to the restaurants, our room, Madge "chillling out" on the pool lounger, if that's the correct expression at 28c, and the outside view of our apartment building near the beach.

Currently enjoying our annual September break at Estartit, Costa Brava, as guests of Niece Gayle and husband Brian in their second caravan which is permanently sited there.

As always, the weather has been perfect, sunny every day in the low 30s and balmy evenings, a perfect precursor to our November trip to Sharm-el-Sheik on the Red Sea coast.

Pics below show views of the Old Town,the harbour, the camp pool and we two chilling out on site:-

Had a lovely three-week Grandchildren experience in July.

Started with a week's visit to Son Paul's home in Battle, East Sussex,

taking daughter Sara's younger son Tom to visit his cousins Jake and twins Lauren and Dan.

Although Tom and Dan live over 200 miles apart, they converse regularly as they play joint games online on the X-box several times a week.

We had days out on the beach, at the beach fairground, and the swimming pool, and with the weather being warm and sunny the whole time, we breakfasted al fresco every day on the garden terrace and had barbecues on two lovely sunny evenings.

One memorable feature of our visit was Finlay (Fin), Jake's new Miniature Schnauser puppy. His tiny size, big floppy feet and friendly nature made him an instant hit with everyone.

When we returned home, we brought Dan and Lauren with us up to Yorkshire for a couple of weeks. First week they spent with us, along with Tom and elder brother Sam, (and for acouple of days Katie and Amy over from Cleethorpes) with fun in the garden in the tree house and a visit to the local park for a picnic.

Hard work for us, though, with from four to seven grandkids to bed and feed for a week !

At the end of the first week, we all went over to daughter Sara's for an indoor Barbecue, after which Dan stayed over at Sara's for the week with Tom, whilst Lauren went over to son John's house near Cleethorpes for the week to play with Katie and Amy, John's little girls.

All in all, a great three-week family get-together, honing up my breakfast waffle and pancake- making skills.

Now back to the quiet life !

Pics below show  Finlay looking cute, five of the Grandkids in typical Disney Channel-watching mode, and activity during our picnic in the local park back home in Yorkshire.