Christmas Jingles

This year Christmas for Luke's family was held at our house.  It was a group effort with everyone supplying a yummy dish.  We started the day with seafood cocktails, followed by roast chicken, lamb and vegetables on the spit barbeque.  For dessert we ate a scrumptious pudding with custard, ice cream and berries.  Luke's dad also supplied us with an ever-so-smooth French red wine.

Fortunately, the weather was perfect - but of course there was still the need for hats in the Australian summer.  Amaya, at last, wears her hat with little complaint when she is outside and in the sun.  She is so fair.  I tan easily.  In fact, I often sunbathe.  Having a daughter that is extra fair requires a totally different mindset.  And she LOVES to be outside, so her skin is going to be a constant for her for the rest of her life.  She certainly is her father's daughter.

Our backyard is now also set up ready for the children to play, and even cuddle - Grace and Harry above.  Luke's niece and nephew count is quickly growing - four grandchildren for his parents in two years - so there is a strong need to have an area to entertain and allow children to run and play.  Of course, bubbles never go astray in a child's imagination (Amaya below).

After all the unwrapping and festivities, it was too much for Amaya.  She took to the ground, laid on her back, and spent some time resting and breathing it all in.

Unfortunately for my family's Christmas, one of my brothers and his wife and children were terribly ill with gastro-flu.  Our Christmas is taking place this Saturday at my parents' beach house.  It shall be another fun day.