Christmas 2010

We started a new tradition this year. 

18 Christmases ago Dan brought home a scrawny little live pine tree for Elizas first Christmas. Afterwards it was planted in the garden and now stands about 20' high.
The following year we purchased a plastic tree and it has serviced our needs faithfully every year since. This year when pulled from its box, comments were made about how old & shabby it was looking and collectively we decided it should be retired & replaced.

When push came to shove and she was headed to the bin and us to the shop, I couldn't do it! 

Christmas wouldn't be the same without her and once dressed in her bling she stands as proud & perfect as any of her newer shinier contemporaries and besides I LOVE old and shabby!

Out of this the new tradition was born - a display of Elizas Tree will adorn our Christmas table from now on.

On the 25th this year we celebrated with breaky here at home with my mum and sister. 

We opened presents in stages, partly because the Omelette Bombs were taking longer to bake than expected and because I'm a sadist and like to draw out the opening of presents!

Eliza stole the show, when after partially opening her present from Dan & I, she burst into tears.

In part it was the shock of receiving her very own Laptop but more so, in that moment, she realised her Mum & Dad accept & support her choice to live independently, that we love and are proud of her. 

There wasn't a dry eye in the room! 

  It's predictably hot here in the West this time of year (38º-40ºC) so Christmas Day for us is not spent too far from the air conditioned comfort of the couch while Boxing Day is spent at the river with family - another tradition.

I save up my light reading for the occasion, knowing that there is nothing to be done but kick back once we arrive and unload, food, kids, & Kayak.

It is such a joy to see my beautiful girls reconnect with their gorgeous cousins....

...while sharing moments with their darling Dad & daring Uncle!

 

Todays another day and I've now got to brave the heat and post-Christmas shoppers to pick them up from the movies

Hope you're enjoying your Christmas break!