Christmas, New Year and Walmley Dawsons

Its been a hectic couple of weeks as im sure it has been in most homes. So i wont waffle on too much. Not much text here sorry....

First was Christmas . Santa came as predicted and dropped off some smashing pressies for all the family. The boys received a climbing frame, basketball ring , train set and of course lots of Ben 10. Amelia now has her first real bike, a cubby house and of course some Barbies. Nate received a trike and Mr Potato head. The morning was spent at home and then onto Eyre court for lunch and then Mt Eliza for tea and a swim. Great day, very tiring though.

Nate had a little sleep in, and we didn't want to wake him so let the others open their gifts first. Then, when he finally decided to join in the fun, his brothers and sister were there to give a hand with the opening of difficult presents!

My Wonder Woman!!!This was the Sunday after Chrimbo at Gran and Granfas.

The New Shirvo (Linford Christie)

A few days after Christmas the Walmley Dawsons arrived for the annual Blog Conference. Here are some pics from a BBQ at Petes. The kids had a blast and the bigger kids played beautifully with the littlies. The boys and girls rooms were setting up a fierce rivalry.

A visit to Santa

We left it a bit late this year but we finally got to see Santa today and have a chat. He was very kind and was pleased we are leaving cookies and milk for him...

Last weekend

Iv'e been meaning to update the blog with last weekends activities for a while. Nate has got a bug and has been sick all night and Amelia is now in a proper bed, this has given us some interesting nights sleep.Last weekend we went to the local school for a Carols night. Unfortunately it doesnt get dark here till 8 -8.30 so we were never going to make it till then. Instead we enjoyed the other activities.

Xander at school

They certainly grow up quickly. Xander had his second day of prep orientation today at Don Bosco Primary School. He was very calm and cool about it all but still excited.I dropped him off at 12 for an hour and left him playing with blocks and meeting his new pals. Today he got to meet his buddy, an older kid who looks out for him in his first year. When I got back Xander was sitting chatting to Isabella, a beautiful little girl. She told me that she had a surprise for Xander in his bag and then he told me I had to keep it on the down low. She had put a chocolate, an eraser and a highlighter in a little box and wrapped it up. Very sweet.On the way through the quadrangle we hear , "Alexander" and Isabella comes running over, Xander throws his arms around her for a huge cuddle. I think they will be firm friends.She also wrote a lovely card.Dette is really starting to bump out too. Here is the latest on number 5, and a guest appearance by Ruben.

Christmas Carols

Well it really is approaching Christmas quickly and therefore a good ole sing song in a church is called for. The Academy certainly fits the bill and it feels really Christmassie in there, plus it was quite cold so it felt like the UK.

The first half was really just avoiding the kids getting too bored as we sang some classics and then the kids go up the front and sing some carols with the police band and wait for Santa. Xander , Marshall and Amelia got plenty of ahhhs as they all walked down hand in hand and sat down so meekly. Nate snuck up and stood staring at the policewoman and wouldn't move and ended up being part of the act as she tried to coax him to sit down, very cute.

Then the jolly one arrived and all the kids received a bag of lollies and another sing along. We decided to leave after this, as you really cant top Santa arriving. On the way in and out Amelia made friends with the Senior Connie on the security , a lovely chap who was beautiful with the kids.

Earlier on in the week we visited a Christmas Superstore and splashed out on a new tree and decos. I never thought I would completely warm to fake trees but this 8 footer is fantastic. Dette did a smashing job of decorating it. I think we only had one argument and I only had to go to the shops twice for more supplies. Great final product though, super festive.