Christmas Day AND Boxing Day! Danish decorations adored the Christmas table. Lots of sun, sand and (sort-of) surf. Lani watched Bluey with an actual Bluey, and Jemima enjoyed being a skater girl for Christmas. We said goodbye to the Symons clan as they headed down to Albany for the rest of the time we are in Perth.

The Pattens hosted us, Aunty Fi yet again laid a beautiful table, and everyone brought delicious food to share. Presents and swimming followed! Christmas Eve service at Grandma and Grandpa’s church, St Albans (where Emily, Jemima & Lani were baptised).

In Dwellingup. With all the cousins! Christmas present to all the (grand) neices & nephews from Aunty Sissy! These two were of the ‘stay closer to the ground’ age. Jemima needing a fair bit of rescuing but managed to go on the higher ropes with the bigger kids.

St Nik’s in Rockingham. The girls took part in the service. Genevieve (Mum’s goddaughter) is cute as a button.

Only slightly less as wonderful as if Jade, Jas, Reuben, Siena, Tamyka, JoJo and Noah had come too 😉 SO grateful that Jen came all the way from Brisbane!

(Always fun when we have Carmen Joy, Abby Joy, and Rachel Joy in the same room! And sometimes Lindy Joy is there too!!)

Aunty Carms, Emmy’s godmother (and Mum’s long-time dear friend), came bearing (homemade!!!!!!) gingerbread house pieces and assorted delightful decorations. The girls got to assemble them, together with Wesley, Abby & Hamish, and glorious masterpieces were created. The children had a LOT of fun. And cuddling squishy Hamish was a wonderful bonus.

Mina came all the way over from Sydney to see us, and it was WONDERFUL. Mama and Miinsy did a whole lot of walking and talking and eating. Just perfect.

LAST DAY OF BEING NINE!!!!!

Waking up at Grandma & Granddad’s, Ems had snuggles in bed with her fam then tea-in-bed with her grandies, was gifted a very much desired pink leopard print bum-bag, followed by a wonderful party with extended family (and Carms & Co) at the Hunts. Aunty Bon made an amazing cake (as she always does!), superhero masks and capes were distributed, and games were played.

Other gifts included her also-much-desired SuperGirl costume, a “gymnastics” LEGO (with Tania figurine), and an all-girls superhero t-shirt.

Mum & Dad gifted the four grandies with three lovely girlies, allowing them some uninterrupted time, by going away all by themselves. Down South. Into beautiful nature. Nature plus air-conditioning plus two lovebirds. A perfect combo.