Christmas 2019

We had Christmas 2019 in Highfields with the pleasure of all 6 siblings, partners and offspring. It was a tight fit, but not impossible.

Here we have Mary-Anne preparing part of her Christmas offering to the family. Others included the crackers, decoration, lights both inside and outside and two Christmas trees – one hand-made.

Cecilia arrived lunch-time on Christmas Eve. As the first arrival, she had time to recharge. Dinner that night was tapas for the early arrivals. Plus booze of course and a lot of loud conversations.

Jered must have given Rhea hers early as it is unwrapped before Ryn and Thea started in earnest. It is a rather fancy toaster made on an old design. We were not allowed to use it to reduce the toast queue for boxing day 🙂

Present opening is well underway. ‘Articulate for Kids‘ was played twice that day and once on Boxing day. Aki is about to get a present from Mary-Anne. It is still in Highfield for her next visit.

Mary-Anne admires her bracelet while Rhea and Jered open their give from the Pawsingtons. Sorry, Rhea for chopping off all but your nose.

The first hug was spontaneous, but Frances did have to ask them to post for a photographic opportunity. So, the emotion was real but the situation posed. Like all of life really.

There, Rhea, I managed better this time. Unfortunately, Jered is out of the frame this time – as it should be 🙂

I think Dave was the runner up in the present size competition. Perhaps he should be disqualified for having so many packing beads.

All seven Harry Potter books – and not one opened in the following week. Obviously too much fun (and TV) to be had at Ma and Pa’s place.

Roller skates are to Thea as Harry Potter books are to Ryn. She is still learning – having had only two visits to Peacehaven Park to give them a whirl. Knowing Thea it won’t be long before she gets the hang of it.

Sorry about the blur. Aki was enjoying her Christmas far too much to slow down. Our present for her is still here for her to enjoy on the next visit. She enjoyed the perpetual company and a large number of tribe members. Her tail was slowly wagging all day.

Ryn now has a scooter to ride – as long as he shares fairly with Thea. From my observance when walking to Peacehaven Park he is being very fair. GoodOnYa Ryn.

Cecilia’s present was comforter blankets with a cat motif. They will be much enjoyed when winter comes – even in Brisbane.

Another part of Mary-Annes gift. She made and decorated this tree. It was the perfect welcome scene at the front door. Any distortion to the lower section was due to the short but heavy downfall before Boxing Day.

Rob and Amy were the last to arrive. Erinn and Taufiq came on Christmas Eve but had not returned for the day yet. Yes, I know – I have twisted the facts. Let’s say that Rob and Amy were the last to arrive from Brisbane.

I could ask why we eat so much over Christmas, but in this case, it makes sense. Everyone was at least vaguely hungry and we could not start the true meal until Erinn and Taufiq arrived. Besides, it is a good way to catch up.

But not slow in bringing out the good stuff. And that red bubbly was a fine drop.

This is an example of Mary-Anne not slaving in the kitchen this Christmas. She has cut up the chook and now appears to be preparing the salad. I think she washed up about seven times on the day. Having said that she still enjoyed Christmas and had time with almost everyone. Thanks, Mary-Anne for a great day.

At last – food for all. Noone went hungry (as if that would happen on Christmas day at 9 Lillian Ct, Highfields). The crockpot and rice cooker are for the dahl Mary-Anne created for the vegetarians.

Is the phone keeping Taufiq warm or is he waiting for it to vibrate? Don’t worry, I agree with a pre-lunch nap and a post-lunch nap before the pre-dinner nap.

Sorry, all – it was my fault the crackers were so hard to pull. Our test one was wrapped correctly and it worked perfectly. When it came to production time I wrapped too much paper around making them too hard to pull. I promise to do better next year no matter where we Christmas.

Look at Mary-Anne looking on in concern because the crackers were so hard to pull. I cheated with Justin’s cracker. I pushed my thumb through the paper to make it easier to tear. It meant that I lost – but that was only fair given that I caused the problem.

Mary-Anne decided not to put hats in the crackers. The ones in commercial crackers are fragile and boring. But creativity wins out – with the paper used to stuff the crackers. We had hats, hair buns, beards and more.

No nap after lunch for hard-working gamers. First came a second round of ‘Articulate for Kids‘ followed by ‘Mysterium‘.

Jered’s contribution was an awesome Boxing Day breakfast. He started off with coffee and pancakes to keep hunger at bay until Erinn and Taufiq arrived. We then all got scrambled eggs with fried ham and Christmas cake. Pancakes kept coming until all were sated. You can definitely do that again next year Jered.

Here is the one photo where the targets definitely knew they were to be photographed. See how much better it looks.

Nicolas and Chopper really hit it off. I am sure Nic would have taken Chopper home if he were offered. Aki is comfortable in the knowledge that Nic would never change allegiance.

Gaming continues on Boxing day with a third game of ‘Articulate for Kids‘ followed by Mysterium and ending in ‘Settlers of Kataan‘ with the survivors after everyone had left except Erinn and Taufiq. It was the longest game of settlers I have ever played – and the first where I was in the running the whole way. Thanks to Mary-Anne for taking Ryn and Thea to the park, feeding them and getting them into bed.