Christmas Day

Christmas Day is usually the same for us: Liam and Beth wake up to find stockings in their rooms left by Santa; then it's pancakes for breakfast; followed by present-opening by the Christmas Tree. After this, it's over to Andrew's parents for most of the day, then over to my side of the family for the evening.

O Christmas Tree...

Beth and her new musical jewellery box. That little ballerina inside has
hardly stopped spinning about to the wind-up music since!

Ahhh. Ready to open presents at Granny and Grandad's place later in the morning.

Beth and Granny opening presents together.

Two Top Gear fans delighted with their Top Gear gear - Tshirts, magazines, DVDs.

Christmas Day continued...

First job after present opening is always to have a play with what you got... so Beth donned her fairy skirt, bracelet, wand, and hairclip, and then proceeded to do the vacuuming with her new toy Dyson. Pity it is only a toy, as she (and Liam too) are quite keen on using it. I have tried to convince them that whilst one uses Beth's Dyson, the other one can use my real one at the same time, but they seem to be able to smell 'ploy' somehow!?
For dessert, Liam and Beth had the job of making these interesting fruit balls...

...lots of fun...

Christmas at Bribie...

We usually get together with my brother Aaron, my Mum, and friend Elaine each year on the weekend before Christmas to celebrate together. This year was at Mum's place at Bribie.

L to R: Mum, Elaine (Aunty E), Liam, Andrew, Beth, Aaron.

A game of 'Guess Who'

Aaron also has a digital SLR camera. He and Andrew spent
a while out the back taking pictures after lunch.

Summer holidays...

The summer school holidays began at the beginning of December...
Here's a little of what we have been up to...


...devouring mangoes...

...making gingerbread cookies (first time ever!
Liam and Beth loved putting on the mini MMs after I drew the icing on)...

...sucking on home made juicy ice blocks...

...cooling off in the wading pool/ sprinkler on hot afternoons
(using water from the water tank, of course!)...

A Mum has to be proud...

Liam was awarded his first certificate at school last week. As you can see, he was extremely chuffed - he got to go up on stage in front of everybody at chapel to receive his award. As for me... definitely proud as punch!!!