I was lucky enough to know Jean for 20 years. She became my Mother-in-Law, and I have so many wonderful memories of times we shared. However, 1 particular one I'd like to share with you, was when Rob & I decided to take a Christmas break at a local hotel, The Grovefield House Hotel, in Burnham Beeches, and Jean & Alan joined us. It was a 2 night break and a bit of bargain really, and Alan, particularly, was worried it was too cheap to be any good, and I knew he would complain to me about it forever if it was, so Rob & I took a drive out to check it had a roof, and so on, before we went for real. Thankfully It did, so we went!

We arrived on Christmas Eve, Rob driving Jean & Alan over with him (stopping, en-route, to buy me some lovely slippers in Berkhamsted). I had been in London celebrating my friend, Karen's birthday, with Afternoon Tea somewhere lovely, so got the train there. It was so cosy and festive, walking in from the cold to be greeted by a fire and happy faces, in the decorated lounge. It was a traditional hotel, with a cosy bar and dining room, complete with a resident 'Colonel' just like Fawlty Towers!!

We had dinner, then Jean and I retired (I was pregnant with Daisy so was feeling shattered), and left the boys to enjoy the bar! Christmas morning, we all took breakfast together and then enjoyed a walk around the frosty village (to clear some heads!) then returned to the hotel to exchange presents. I had (very excitedly) prepared stockings for everyone .. lots of lovely (yet rubbish) gifts for us all ... Alan got bored after unwrapping his 4th or 5th plastic trinket, ha ha, but Mum and Rob played the game. I got my fab new slippers, which I loved.

Mum had put us down for 1st sitting at lunch (much to the boys disapproval), but we were lucky she did as they ran out of turkey for the later sittings .. I believe the reason was they dropped a whole turkey on the floor and couldn't serve it!! Stuffed full of our Christmas lunch, Mum & I sat in the lounge (in our slippers) and chatted and people watched whilst the boys took a little nap upstairs. At some point, Christmas cake was served and we enjoyed this with several cups of tea.

In the evening, we changed for dinner (more food, this time a buffet .. I was in my element) and we all had a great time playing Bingo and taking part in a Quiz. I seem to remember we did rather well, winning lots of prizes. We laughed so much, it really was a fun night. Mum, as you can can all imagine, had got to know almost all the other guests, and knew everything about them, their neighbours and beyond, so we really felt like we were amongst friends.

The next day we, again, enjoyed breakfast together. Sadly, it was a very shocking morning as we woke to images of the Tsunami in Asia (something else I will never forget). We were heading off to Kempton Park, to see the annual Boxing Day fixture, featuring the King George VI Chase. My dear friend, Karen, drove over to join us, and we had asked the Hotel to provide us with a packed lunch for the occasion. Well, I expected some cling film-wrapped sandwiches, but we were spoilt with a picnic fit for royalty, with fabulous goodies and treats, including fresh strawberries and drinks (see, Alan, it wasn't shabby after all!!). I drove us all in Rob's beloved Range Rover, and we had a fantastic day in the winter sunshine, bagging some winnings too, if I remember rightly, with Kicking King doing his thing in the feature race.

Back at the Hotel it was the final evening Gala Dinner, with a James Bond theme. Sadly, not all the guests seemed to realise this, but Rob & Alan were resplendent in their tuxedos (Rob's a white one, borrowed from a good friend, and Alan's a more traditional black). They both looked so smart, I know Mum was bursting with pride at her boys. We enjoyed a lovely, formal dinner, with dancing and it was a really memorable way to finish a wonderful Christmas experience.

Final morning, another fab breakfast and presents left on our pillows from the Hotel, what a treat, and not a hint of plastic trinket in sight ... pen & pencil set for the men, and a beautifully scented candle for the ladies (Alan, I seem to remember, got both!!)

Some people struggle to get on with their Mothers-in-Law but I can honestly say I loved mine and genuinely enjoyed spending time with her. She was such a warm and friendly lady, and this Christmas break (as with most things) was enhanced by her presence. I remember those special days fondly, and will treasure their memory.