December 2009

As a momentus occassion, this is the first year, since living in this house that we have put up our own Christmas tree.  Usually, we end up being away for most of December, so we never really bother as we'll only see it for a few days.  However, this year, we made some decorations and a tree-topper (a simple crown that Kaleb made that says 'Jesus is the King').  While we didn't have many decorations, we did have some gorgeous stockings made by Aunty Coral.  I just love looking at them .... beautiful. :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Kaleb and I made a few batches of gingerbread...which disappeared really quickly!

Even Tonka was in on the Christmas theme...

We had a few bush fires and smoke around due to the hot weather and lack of rain. 

Thankfully, none were too close.

We spent the day with Shaun, Trudy and the boys at Peregian Beach.  It was a perfect day, gentle breezes, warm water and perfect waves for swimming!  Great company too! :)

Perfect day for 'surfing' lessons...

Matt and Kaleb (in the foreground) and Trudy and Danny (in the background)...

Just some photos of my beautiful children...

We spent a weekend with Laura's family at Burleigh Heads to celebrate Christmas together.

Our (early) Christmas day started with sandcastles on the beach.  This is Kaleb in the K-mobile, carefully designed and built with Daddy. :)

We looked up and saw Grandad taking a stroll along the beach.

Grandad has a good shoulder to lean on...

Little Indi ...

The easy way to get your kids off the beach ... with no complaining! :)

Back to the unit to give out the pressies!

I love watching everyone open their gift and especially the expression on the children's faces...
Kaleb is carefully unwrapping his present...

James is happy with his new scooter...

Wow!  Look at this!

Even Uncle Ian's sporting a big smile! :)

But wait...there's more!!

Indi slept through Christmas again..

Back home again....a beautiful moment captured.

We went on a ride - all together - down to Marcoola park.  Kaleb loves to ride his bike and makes it there and back all on his own.  I'm very proud of him.  On this occassion, he informed us that he was going to climb the tree at the park.  He loves to climb trees....even the spiky pandanus trees! 

Later in the month, we went to spend a few days, and Christmas in Stanthorpe with Ma and Pop.

A few days before Christmas, Poppy was called to help out with a local bushfire.  In the car, on the way up to the gate, Kaleb wore Poppy's helmet.  At first, I think Kaleb thought he had to go fight the fire...and was much happier when Matt reassured him he didn't have to go.

Kaleb with Poppy (just before the fire truck came).

Christmas Eve, we borrowed some canoes and went for a paddle on the dam.

Matt, Kaleb and Tonka ...

Indi had fun paddling on the grass...

Merry Christmas everybody!

Poppy put on the santa hat this year...

Ma, opening her present...

Playing with Indi's new shape sorter...

What could this one be?

"Ooh!"

Even with all the new presents, Indi was kept amused by the beeps and lights on the phone...

...or finding Daddy's eyes...

In the afternoon, the boys went to set the lobby trap in the dam.  Boxing day morning, they'd hit the lobby jackpot!  They brought them back to the house for a while before releasing them back....for next time!

Later that day, we drove to Lennox Head....it was a wonderful trip... :)

We spent the week at Camp Drewe with friends. 

New Year's Eve, we had fish and chips at the point.

Kaleb enjoying his potato scallop...

Laura and Kaleb...

Matt and Indianna...

Two precious munchkins!

The year has drawn to a close.... a moment of reflection, before putting tired children to bed and a great night playing games with friends to see in the new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!