Christmas Day

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Now we know what Christmas is like down under, and all done while you lot slept! Didn't see a single footprint in the snow, but when we popped our heads outside, there were 2 stockings on the doorstep. Good old Santa found us despite us being in the wrong place. Stockings were opened as usual with a cup of tea in bed, and we suddenly noticed that Alex's beard had grown rather quickly during the night - we'll have to look out the razor this evening. After breakfast, it was time to wander over to Robyn's where everyone had one present to open - we put names in a hat to see who got who. It was all good fun, and obviously a lot of thought went into the $40 dollars allowed. Coffee time, then the rest of the family arrived for lunch - everyone brought something and it was a real feast. There were 25 of us for lunch, and I stuffed myself as usual! You have to try everything when in a strange country don't you? Then on to cricket which was played noisily outside, until the threatened rain stopped play - no I'm wrong, rain didn't dampen the spirits, Ben lobbed the ball into a bush and it couldn't be found. We've thoroughly enjoyed our day here in Whangarei, and this branch of the family have made us really welcome! So happy Christmas to all of you for whom the day is yet to come!
PS. tomorrow its the beach for this family, not the sales! (kayaks and fishing gear are ready)

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Photos

here we all are
left to right:- Patrick, George and Beb, Joseph and Stacey, Robyn and Jen, Ben, and Alex in front.

opening stockings
Sophie, you'd be proud'of your brother. He did well with presents, including a brolly, which has already seen some use.

bearded wonder
Alex said he'd grow a beard while he was over here. What do you think of it?

what can this be?
Just what he needed, some metric spanners for the new tractor.

Another parcel
Beb bought Alex's gift, and she chose well.

Joseph and Stacey
but I can't remember who bought this parcel.

here I am
Luckily Alex got a snap of me.

Isn't Ashlee clever?
Sophie take note for next year???? All cross stitched by hand and turned into a Christmas cracker with hand made chocolates inside to boot!!

caught chatting
- while we thought they were making cups of tea! Robyn and Tineke

what a gang!
James, Tineke and Amy in party mood.

leather on willow
The wicket had been specially mown, but the bowling was a bit eratic! good fun was had by all, and those not playing, clapped and shouted comments as necessary.

can you see it?
There's always one who hits out wildly! the team took it in turns to go up the ladder, but no luck! never mind, another day .....

Comments

[Robyn]

What a day!
Well I think you captured the day perfectly although a mention of Ashlee's cross stitch and baking skills would be good! Also the noise of the children all cooped up inside with rain definitely stopping play!! It was fun and very relaxed for the hostesses!