Christmas feasts!!

Last night we went to cousin Ash and his wife Sue's place, sat outside under the pepper tree till dusk, and the mozzies started paying visits, then inside to a great dinner. Sue is as dippy about Christmas and ornaments as I am, so I had a great time looking at her large collection of items from all over the place- some charming things there.

Photo: Sue, Ash, and 2nd cousins Maddie, Lachie and Alex.

Lachie hits the table after dinner.

Auntie Nalda and Auntie Beryl outside last night.

We decided to visit a few of the "Christmas Light" houses in the area, yes, they are a bit "gawdy", but some real work has gone into them. This particular one (only showing half of it here) was the winner on the Gold Coast and was packed with people. Guess what was impressive is that this particular display had already raised $9,000 for the Gold Coast Childrens Hospital, and their aim for Christmas Eve is $10,000. Nothing wrong with that!!! Tonight in this same area streets will put little candles in bags and light up street after street - here we are in really warm temperature, yet so much effort is being put into exciting the kids, and a few adults about Christmas.

Santa (in front of the house) was great with the kids And I loved this little "tike", she was trying to stop this Polar Bear from singing his carols - she just kept poking him, she eventually got bored, but all through her torment he rocked, sang and jived his way through!!!!.

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CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING

At 6 a.m, about to head out for a walk, and I get the call, "bring your camera quickly", I obeyed as usual and there right above our house were 2 of the hot air balloons. They were so close we could hear and see the bursts of fire from each one.

AND ON BOXING DAY

The weather changed whilst they were on route, but unfortunately these 17 "Ballooners" had an unfortunate landing after hitting power lines - 4 passengers had some minor injuries.