Merry Christmas

December has been a very busy month. Lots of activities going on at school, playgroups etc. We have seen Father Christmas more times than I can remember. He arrived on a surf boat for the New Brighton parade, on a vintage fire engine at our neighbourhood party, and on a Harley at the Parklands party. We also watched the big Smith's City parade in town and he attended parties at playgroup, preschool, Matt's work and playcentre!!!! What a very busy man!
Joe's school sang carols at the cathedral which was lovely - didn't see much of Joe as he disappeared behind some taller children. We then took 200 children to Hagley Park and they ran themselves ragged until it was time to catch the bus back. More than one of them (my son included) managed to get soaked in the pool (in their uniforms) so were a little damp on the way home. We had sports day and a final assembly to attend too. Joe had a visit to his new classroom and teacher. He will go up into a mixed year 1 and 2 class and is a little sad to be leaving some friends.

Sandrine and Daren came to stay with us for a few days and it was fantastic to have them here. They didn't see Christchurch at its best as it chose that weekend to pour down! We did the tram ride through town, but didn't get off at any of the stops because it was raining so hard :( We did manage to squeeze in some activities including a show at the theatre and a fantastic meal out. They borrowed our truck for the day and saw Akaroa on a nicer day, and we fitted in the Antarctic Centre on the morning of their departure. We'll miss them - come again soon! As you can see from the pictures the boys formed a real attachment. Joe insisted that Daren sat next to him at all times! and even did the bedtime routine!
We had a little get together at our house for Ben's friends - secret Santa included! The children gathered round our tree (decorated by Joe and Ben).

Christmas was the usual busy affair. Father Christmas got it just right with the boy's toys (Transformers, Bionicles, Hot Wheels track, Lightning McQueen, Mack, Clone Wars DVD, Skateboard gear .......) so they were very happy. We then scooted up to Katherine's place for a houseful! We decamped to Woodend Beach in the afternoon and braved the sea for a boogie boarding session. Great fun.

Matt has a few days off between Christmas and New Year so we are staying busy. We headed to the skate park yesterday and today met up with the Ralph clan for another few hours at the beach boogie boarding. Much nicer today as it has been a balmy 25 C and the sea was blue! The ocean didn't seem so cold somehow! Then we are off to the thermal springs at Hanmer. Forecast is hot hot hot so we shall probably stick to the cooler pools!

So although we are not quite used to a summer Christmas, we did feel a little bit better prepared this year. The festive spirit was easier to assimilate because of all the kid's activities and the community parties. Still miss the Christmas lights! (The picture below was taken at Ben's preschool party, outside at about 8.30pm!)

Happy Christmas to all!