Christmas Day and Boxing Day 2008

Stewart and Iris' House

Hi everyone and a Merry Christmas. Well, yes it was a true Aussie Christmas for us all with the temperatures above 30 all day. The girls were very excited as you can see from the photos as they left out the traditional mince pie and sherry for Santa. Luckily he managed to find us all the way over in Oz much to the relief of all of the family and we had a lovely morning opening presents and speaking to family and lovely Trish and Jules on Skype. Nat gave us a call from NZ which certainly put us all in a great mood for the day. It is different here, but it was still a wonderful day with the girls being just the same - too much chocolate and too little sleep. We had some Aussie friends around in the evening and our friend Catherine from the UK was here to help celebrate the festive season (too much celebrating as you can see). We had brunch out on the deck and then ate a full Turkey roast at 6pm when Paul whacked up the air conditioning so the meal was bearable. We partied our way through into Boxing Day and then went to see Iris (Dad's Cousin who lives 15 mins away!) and Stewart and son Callum and his wife Moira for lunch. We relaxed in their garden for the afternoon, but with temperatures over 35 outside we soon moved inside for some shelter. Can't complain - it is fantastic and nice to have something different for a change.

Anyway, we hope you all had a wonderful day. We missed home, but as you can see - we survived! Off to the coast for New Year so will post again soon. Much love xxxx

December in Canberra - Happy Christmas

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Went to Lake Burley Griffin this evening to take a Happy Christmas picture for you all, but I'm afraid it was not a good Dorsett moment as the girls were bickering and Chester was trying to chase the ducks whilst fighting with his tinsel. These photos were the best of a bad lot. Anyway have a fantastic Christmas and New Year, we miss all of you and think of you at home all round the fire watching the snow coming down as Santa makes his way down the chimney.............. ahh, forgot it never was like that was it!!!!

Well, it's nearly here, Christmas that is! However much we try, it just is not the same as a UK one and we can't work out whether that is because it is so hot or because we are not with the whole family. Anyway the tree is decorated and the girls are getting excited. We had some Aussie friends round yesterday for drinks and treated them to home made Mulled Wine, Mince Pies and Chocolate Log which they thought was so British. The temperature is in the late 20s now and the forecast for Christmas Day is 30 degrees, however we have decided to treat our guests to the full Turkey roast and trimmings in the hope that by the evening it will have cooled off - we will let you know. Just a few photos of what we have been doing this week.

Sal's trip to the spa with friends Dawn and Paula, no we didn't steal the gowns!

Holly at her Athletics Club yesterday where she competes every Sat morning much to the disgust of Paul who has to help raking the sand pit etc.

We are eating outside most of the time now which really is too good to be true and Paul and I constantly say "ahh, this is why we came here".

Sunday evening outside New Parliament, just us and a couple of Japanese tourists - a bit different to the Houses of Parliament eh?

AND FINALLY...... Look what we found tonight on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin? Thanks Grandma, I love it!!!! Holly xxxxxx :)

Katie's Ballet

On the lead up to Christmas we have been running Katie from one dance rehearsal to another (not helped by being in 2 dance schools and 3 shows) so we thought you would like to see her dancing in her latest outfit where she performed at the National Gallery of Australia to launch the new collection by the artist 'Degas'. How much has she grown up?? Hope you like the tree.

Sydney with Mum and Dad and home life

Well, Mum and Dad have had a lovely time and they go home in 2 days. We had a fantastic trip to Sydney last weekend as you can see and this week we have been enjoying time together doing routine stuff. Immi has had a new 'bob' and actually sat for the hairdresser which was a huge achievement. Christmas has come to Australia and it is really strange. We are putting up the decorations as I write and have carols in the background- anything to get into the spirit of things!