OUR FIRST AUCKLAND CHRISTMAS, 2011

The Christmas lily came out just in time...for Christmas!

We were lucky enough to have Mum and Dad visit up in Orewa with Dave and Aidy and the kids just before Christmas. So we hired the CCS disability house in Orewa for a night and spent some time with Mum and Dad and the kids with their cousins.

Dan and Grandad

Cameron & Tom

 Nic and Cate going boogieboarding

It was a cracker day on Christmas eve, so we took Mum and Dad to Brown's Bay and there was perfect surf for boogieboarding and our first family swim of the season. We even had an extended family game of pentanque and cricket on the beach.  Then back here a nice Christmas eve roast dinner.
Once Christmas morning came, it was sooooo relaxing being able to have a nice morning opening presents and having a leisurely chocolate for breakfast!

Then our first ever "Christmas on the beach" for Christmas day at Waiake beach with great friends, Sharron, Natt and families. Wayne took his boat out and the kids had fun on the sea biscuit (on my bucket list for next time!), then back to Sharron's for a pool party and BBQ - what an awesome Christmas!

Sharron, me and Natt - the three musketeers

Yes, Todd taken by surprise, rugby-tackled into the water by Sharron!

Nathan & Daniel chillaxing - how cute holding hands!

Boxing day brought yet another perfect day to share like tradition with the De Beers and put the pool up the kids got for Christmas. Of course they had a test swim, was perfect timing for the great weather.

Of course, as always, it is a busy week just getting over Christmas then straight into Todd's birthday and then the twins birthdays.

Check out the serviette birthday hat!

Goodbye to a great 2011, here's to another good one in 2012!