MEMORABLE MOMENTS OF CHRISTMAS

We had an early Christmas with Kim and Charles and William, who were off to Wellington to spend the Festive season with Karen and John.

William had made up his mind that Christmas was "ACE!!"

This Norfolk pine tree is conveniently growing (self-sown) in a bed right next to the patio - we could not resist decorating it for the festive season!

On Christmas Eve, in the evening, we went to the airport to welcome the first of our visitors, Mary'sister Sally and her husband Roy.

The next morning, Miriam, Rob, Sarah and Emily arrived from New Zealand.

We had awaited their arrival to start the gift opening.

There are always a few laughs during the present opening. This time Peter was the practical joker, and Sarah and Emily were his victims!
Later Tom called in to share a Christmas drink with us.
The table was set on the patio for 15 people!

And the food was beautiful - all the traditional menu, plus lots of extras, including John's Tahitian Fish, and fresh corn from Dean Fitzy!!

There was an ice cream Christmas pudding, as well as a yummy traditional one made by Sally using our Mum's traditional recipe! The day was an absolutely glorious one, and it was lovely to relax under the Poinciana tree.

There some games on the lawn. Brandt had brought his beer fridge on the back of the truck, and to my delight, his "piped" home brew included some apple cider!


The little ones cooled off in the Paddle Pool. Later there was a second present-opening session with the Lyles and the McRitchies.


Everyone was delighted with their gifts.

Sienna loved all her new fairy outfits.

And Teddy was quite absorbed in his new books!

Tina loved her new top! And Bernie was pleased with his new tie!!!

What a lovely warm thank you from Teddy!!

Later there was a welcome cuppa with some of my traditional "Yule Log," and some mince pies.

We were all full and content.

It had been a lovely family Christmas.

Don't you wish Christmas could go on forever?