Gnome Festival 2012

January 26th is a day to remember as its Australia Day and also the annual International Gnome Festival at Glenbrook, in the Blue Mountains.

Unfortunately we have had very heavy rain for a number of days and we thought it may be canceled but today was forecast to be showers so we took wet weather gear and headed of. Despite the weather there was a great crowd to welcome all the Gnomes.





The Head Gnome Helper being interviewed by the local press.





More Gnome Helpers.





We were entertained by the local choir, unfortunately their voices don't carry very far.



One of the crowd caught "planking".



Gnomes everywhere of all shapes and sizes.






The Head Gnome Helper having a break from the paparazzi.

We were supposed to meet up with Alex and Ben but they were running late. We had just finished seeing all the Gnomes, stalls and attractions when the sky went very black and the heavens opened. We were very lucky to beat the rain back to some shelter as it was a very heavy shower so we decided to call it a day.

2012

A very Happy and Healthy New Year
to all family and friends.

Christmas Day

Christmas day started late this year as Alex stayed over last night and we were going to have our first ever Christmas Day away from home. This year it was at Beckys and it wasn't until mid morning that we all gathered, by which time the boys were going frantic. Soon there was wrapping paper flying every where.


Too many presents to go under the tree.





Not too sure about this one!



Alex is a Whovarian (very keen Dr Who fan) so most of his presents had a Dr Who theme.



In November I had a letter from Santa. He had received a request from Alex for a Tardis, which he couldnt promise, as he explained to Alex in the following letter. Santa, his Elves and myself came up with this solution.







The flat pack Tardis in position.



Opening into a bigger space, his bedroom. A happy little Whovarian.



Ben testing the new trampoline.


The master photographer.

The day ended with friends dropping in and the whole food and drink cycle started again.

A great day!!

Christmas Eve

Becky, Graham and the boys came over early and had dinner with us before helping to put out the street decorations. Alex and Ben had a great time and this year Ben had more understanding of what was happening.



Lighting the candles with the help of Graham and Ben.



Every house puts them out and when they are lit, its like looking down and aircraft runway. I'm sure that one Christmas Eve we will have a locally based Hercules drop in!



Sitting and waiting for the arrival of Santa and all his helpers.







Here he is!!!



Graham trying to catch a bag of lollies thrown by Santa. Santa threw a bag especially to Ben who was over the moon!






Nana and the boys following Santa down the road.