Another Christmas over - Part 3

On Christmas Day, in the early evening, we all went up to Tanya and Davids for another get together with friends and more food.

They have just had the swimming pool completed so of course the boys headed straight for it.

Soon they were joined by Jim.

They stayed in the water as the sun went down.

Our host David getting the BBQ underway.

The long table is laid and the second feast of the day is due to start.

Nearly 30 people at the long table.

With the food out of the way it was time for some games.

Ben won a box of lollies which he shared with Henry.

Becky, Graham and our hostess Tanya. All old friends as Becky went to school with Tanya and David.

Don't laugh but the Hawaiian shirt is a tradition and I seemed to be the only one that remembered it this year.

Lots of great food and cakes. The two trays of Skanssons Temptation made by Jim were a success and disappeared very quickly.
 

Henry won a prize and I think he looks a real cool dude!

Another Christmas over - Part 2

Christmas Day and despite a late night Henry was up early. 

We usually wait for Becky and family to arrive before presents are handed out and opened but Henry couldn't wait that long. He opened just a few to get in the mood.

 Jim preparing Janssons Temptation in readiness for dinner tonight at a friends house.

Henry in his Christmas outfit, with his iPad, as Alex waits patiently for the family to arrive.
 

Boys of all ages are never happier than when playing with water. Water bombs in this instance.

Alex still waiting patiently.

Becky, Graham, Ben and Grahams mother Kathy finally arrived bringing Beckys Christmas cake.

 

Presents starting to be handed around.

 

 

 

Paper and packaging everywhere.

 

 

 

Alex with his new Dr Who sonic screwdriver.

Late afternoon and the cake tasting began. We were too full to appreciate them but although looking very different they were both judged to be as good as each other. Just proves that the earlier bake off was a success.

Another Christmas over.- Part 1

Christmas eve and all the preparations get under way.

Di and myself were up early to go and collect the meat before the rush started. The butcher was open at 04:30 and the fish shop even earlier.

The meat was put on to cook on the Weber outside by mid-morning as we decided that it would be best to have it cold on Christmas Day as we are in for some very hot weather.

All cooked and looking good, Pork and Turkey breast.

The tree is up and decorated by Henry and his cousins Ben and Alex. Some presents are already under the tree.

Jim and Henry passing the time until Santa arrives by dipping into the Lego box.

 Waiting for Santa and his helpers.

The candles are out and the excitement is rising. 

 

A gathering at the end of the drive.
Old friends of ours and Jim's were walking passed and recognized him. It was nice to catch up with Michael and his family after so many years.

 

 Santa's parade is starting down the hill.

 

 

Here's the old gentleman himself distributing good cheer and lollies for all.

Lights across the front.

 New lights on the tree.

More presents have appeared as if by magic under the tree.

Off to bed now as I think we will be getting up early. Henry is very excited, as is Alex who is staying over tonight.

Henry and Jim (Day ?)

Sorry but I have lost track of the boys visit down under.
As you can imagine its a very busy time of the year. We have been rotating time alone to get secret Christmas shopping done. Henry and Jim have been doing quite a bit of swimming. Henry has also been getting some woodworking practice.

He told us that at Dargis they shape pieces of wood with a potato peeler.

He than found that a knife was better, not too sharp of course, and this was on a nice piece of Cedar.

 While in the shed finding bits of wood to make into masterpieces, he discovered the drill press. Of course being Henry, once told what the machine did he wanted to have a go. I now have a shed full of small pieces of wood with lots of small holes drilled in them

The next day, in the late afternoon, while starting a BBQ, we had a wild storm and hail. We had 40mm of rain in 8 minutes with huge hail stones, as big as golf balls.

 

 

 

Henry and I had time to ourselves nest day while Di and Jim went off to do more secret shopping so we went to see friend Jumbo and his collection of cars and trucks.

 

This is a Dennis fire engine from the 1940's that has just been painted and is now in the process of having all the bits and pieces put back on.

 A model 'T' Ford that I made the timber frame for.

 

One of the reasons for going to Jumbos was to pick up some old sheets of clear plastic roof sheeting.
In the hail storm it punched holes through the sheeting in part of my shed and the roof of the front and back verandah.

Henry and Jim taking the Westfield for a run.

With that sudden downpour of rain and hail I noticed that one of the drains were over flowing so yesterday Jim, and Henry, helped me dig up and locate the blockage, caused by tree leaves and bark. Glad to report that everything is now flowing well. Sorry but we were too busy to take photos. Henry had great fun making balls of clay and rolling them down the drive and into the road.