Meri Kirihimete

Meri Kirihimete to all. This is Christmas Eve and we've had a busy week. Matt's office had their Christmas Party on Friday afternoon and the kids received presents. A minor mix up - Ben got put down as 18 - not 18 months! Luckily his present of an over-sized frisbee (as big as he is) will still be well used! Matt now has 2 weeks off so we started exploring early and had a day out at Akaroa on Saturday.

The picture shows the view of Akaroa Harbour as approached from Christchurch and YES it is stunningly beautiful. We had a lovely day and the highlight of it all was a boat trip out into the bay. We saw pods of Hector's Dolphins, Fur seals, seabirds, blue penguins and much more. The boys loved the boat too and Joe was thrilled when we finally took off for home at high speed. No photos I'm afraid as the camera batteries died. (The dolphins were so quick anyway - we may have video footage if we're really really lucky).

Today was filled with lots of last minute jobs, but after dinner we popped down to the beach for 45 minutes before the boys went to bed to dream of Father Christmas. The boys stripped off and took to the surf. Ben runs away before the waves reach him and only just outpaces them toddling as fast as he can.

Well, they are tucked up now and I'm sure we are in for an early start tomorrow! Off for a swim (brrrrrr) before lunch! Not a new tradition that I'm quite ready to embrace. Thinking of all our family and friends. Happy Christmas!