Feliz Navidad and Happy New Year!

In the words of Dora the Explorer, Feliz Navidad to you all!

We have just returned from a 10 day Christmas tour of the lower north island. 

First stop was Palmerston North, to wish Nana Raine and Poppa a very happy Christmas.

Poppa played catch with Orla....

... and had some special cuddles with Poss.

We exchanged presents. This is Orla's new torch, christened Elsie, and Poppa's Christmas biscuits.

Nana had some assistance unwrapping her special pressie....

... and making pikelets!

Meanwhile Poss had lots of fun with a bucket.

Next stop - Granny Dida's in Masterton.

Girls enjoying yummy homemade ice cream!

Helping Dida in the kitchen.

On Sunday we had a pre-Christmas Christmas party with Ro and John.

The girls loved their handmade nighties from Granny.

Here's Issy and Orla enjoying their dinner al fresco.

Christmas family portraits....

More parcels from Granny!

Sylvie opening her new bubba whom she has named Biddy.

On Christmas Eve we ventured north to Hatepe. After the long hot car ride, there was only one thing to do!

Jecky and Issy with Ely.

 Rosa, Orla and Millie.

 That night we planted peppermints in the lawn... 

...and sprinkled reindeer food on the grass.

Christmas Eve drinks at Kate and Mark's. Jecky, me, Millie, Rosa and Ella

 Ray, Jon, Stu, Sal, Ginny, Mark and Buster! 

Orla with cousin Millie.

 Christmas Fairies in waiting.

Walking home on a beautiful Christmas Eve.

On Christmas morning we were up at sparrows to discover our peppermints had indeed sprouted overnight...

.... and that the reindeer had been and gone.

But what's this?

The much requested princess shoes....

... princess crown, and handbag....

... and even a tent.

All that was needed was something to wear...

Exchanging pressies with the cuzzies.

Princess fairies having a breather on top of the pile...

The Christmas Table.

An entree of Japanese style venison, kiwi cooked.

The hungry Christmas Fairies

 Lunch!

 Eventually the fairies started overheating, so togs were donned...

... and we hit the beach.

The long bike ride back for pudding.

Grumpa cuddles.

Last day, family photo. A truly wonderful Christmas!

Happy New Year everyone, and lots of love from us xoxo