Well, it's over!  Christmas has been done & I hope everyone had a merry one!

We started Christmas Eve, with a carol service & BBQ, then a tour of the lights (very disappointing this year I thought!).  Christmas Day was breakfast at a friend's mum's place, then lunch with family, dinner with my best friend (& a bed at her place).  Then Boxing Day, lunch with family again and supper at my friend's.  Then home (late!) and again the next day with the in-laws. 

We are very fortunate to be among the few that have families that love and will get together with a minimum of fuss, friends who will welcome us over and presents to share with each other.  May we always be so fortunate.

Today I have a huge pile of washing and presents to sort and put away and all I want to do is sleep!  Time for a well earned rest for all the parents who have put hard work into making Christmas special for their families!  Still it is all great fun and I have some great ideas for next year!.......

OK so Monday it was so hot the kids were in undies/nappies. Then Tuesday we had out the winter coats and beanies. Wednesday likewise. Thursday was hot & humid and we spent the afternoon at the pool. Today it is raining and freezing! I can't keep up with the clothing changes! We have had the fan & the fire both going this week - crazy! Anyway, thank God for the rain BUT please can it keep raining??? We have a water delivery booked for next week for the third time this year and the garden is almost all dead!

Here are some photo Friday pics of Bella's baptism & SpidermanBob.....

We have been so busy with Bella's baptism, my Mum & Dad arriving (to stay!) and preparing for Christmas.  I finally got the tree up on Tuesday and have started wrapping presents (see the tree here! the-christmas-grotto.minti.com/blog/54136/Our-tree/)  It is horrifying when you think you are ready and suddenly realise all the people you have missed!

I was very pleased with RJ yesterday as he saw the (wrapped) presents and asked me if they were for his friends.  When I replied that they were for him he asked me if we could get presents for his friends.  So we went through my stash and he picked out presents for his friends (including his sister and cousin) and we wrapped them.  Very sweet!

Now he is asking when he can give them to people!  I keep explaining we have to wait until all his boxes are empty (seethe-christmas-grotto.minti.com/blog/49834/Advent-Calendar/) but it is a real test for a three year old who has no concept of time or patience!

I can't believe how organised every body else is.  I haven't put up our tree, decorations, lights or done our cards yet.  Too busy preparing for visitors!  My Mum & Dad arrived home today and tomorrow they meet their granddaughter for the first time!  I can't wait!

We had a Christmas party at the weekend for my mother's group, and one of the Dads dressed up as Santa - it was very funny.  My son was convinced it was a birthday party so I explained we are celebrating Jesus' birthday.  He replied "but he already had his party, Mum' (last week).  So I just said that he was soo special he had more than one party!  This is really the first Christmas he understands what is going on (kind of anyhow)...

I have just done our Christmas Cards online.  For about the same cost as buying decent ones we are getting personalised ones with a photo.  Anyway, I chose this photo:



I just like how natural and happy it is.  Aren't they gorgeous??