Christmas Prep

This year, the lodge was booked before us by another family and so we were to remain in Canberra for Christmas. For the first time ever we offered to host Christmas so on Christmas Eve there were a few preparations to sort - cleaning the house, last minute food shopping as well as table decorations to be folded and dessert to be made. All was completed in ample time, in fact we even enjoyed  impromptu Christmas Eve drinks on our deck with a few friends. All extremely relaxing!

More Advent Happenings

We scored a lovely balmy evening for our annual outdoor cinema trip at the Botanical Gardens. Susie, Patrick, Joshua and Mia joined us for a picnic dinner while we waited for the sun to set and the film to begin. The movie, The Star, was a cartoon animation of the Nativity Story. Provided lots of questions afterwards especially from Katy.

It's Very Quiet Here...

And so we left Guthega mid afternoon on Monday to return for our final days of work for 2017. Ella and Katy both remained at Guthega along with the 4 cousins and the grandparents!

Our mornings were extremely quiet and efficient - I found myself arriving way too early at work! Despite both girls having reservations about the 3 days away, they coped just fine. During the day we received various photos updating the adventures the kids were having in the mountains. Meanwhile in the evenings Andy and I enjoyed a few dinners out!

Walk to Porcupine Rocks

On our way to the Porcupine Rock walk, we released a visitor that was captured overnight from the inside of the lodge. Everyone was excited to see the little fellow emerge from the trap and into the bin. Grandpa was keen to identify and after studying the ears and length of the tail he declared it to be a Broad-toothed Rat, a native rat of the alpine region.

Over the link road we continued and on to Perisher for the start of the Porcupine Track. This 5km walk, climbs through open snow gums to an outcrop of granite boulders, known as Porcupine Rocks that sit at an altitude of 1900m and overlook the Thredbo River Valley. 

The kids chatted and wandered along quite happily and before we knew it we were there. The views over Lake Crackenback were impressive. The kids took to summiting the highest rocks possible. Saving myself from cardiac arrest, I tried not to watch them do so! Eventually they all returned safely after exhausting the different climbing options.

The alpine flowers were still out. Dave showed and educated us on the White or Anemone Buttercup, a perennial flower that has a vulnerable status due to the grazing of domestic animals. This flower likes a south facing slope, often growing near mounting celery and is the first to bloom once the snow melts. A pretty little thing.

Cooking for the Cousins

Sunday afternoon at Guthega saw a mass adult exodus from the lodge with only ourselves plus Nana and Grandpa remaining with all the cousins. As a result it was suggested that cousins from each family cook a dinner with Nana's assistance. Seeing though Andy and I were still there, we gave Nana a night off and helped our girls prepare a feast for the others.

Katy began with late afternoon tea - Joulutorttu - Finnish Christmas Tarts. We had to substitute the traditional prune jam filling for blackcurrant or strawberry jam. The tarts were not only easy to create but also delicious to eat!

Meanwhile, Ella was busy making gyozas, Japanese dumplings as entree. These little beauties are also so easy to make and cook and were devoured quickly.

As for the rest of the dinner, it was a simple one consisting of chicken schnitzel, smashed potatoes and vegies.

Well Worn Path to Illawong

Sunday began gloriously. Andy and Patrick were up early to head out for a run opting to go to the top of Mt Twynam, the third highest mountain on mainland Australia! Their trail took them over Farm Creek to Illawong Lodge, over the suspension bridge before climbing to the trig point. Patches of snow were still about.

Meanwhile back at the lodge, it was a cruisy morning as we enjoyed the absence of the morning school routine. However it didn't take too long for people to suggest various activities for the morning allowing for the numerous afternoon departures.

The group split into two - the oldies all ventured out on the Waterfall walk whiles the younger ones and the kids wanted to go to Illawong suspension bridge. Andy and Patrick returned from their run as everyone was departing and after a quick shower and bite to eat were on the track heading back to Illawong once again.

Nature is a fantastic playground and the kids had a ball playing in the river at the suspension bridge. It was all over too soon as we had to return to the lodge to bid farewell to all the Melbournians as well as Cathy, Bushy, Susie and Patrick who needed to get back to Canberra for work.

50 Years

The main reason for the weekend stay at Guthega was to celebrate Sandra and Dave's 50th Wedding Anniversary! Amazing! As well as their children, partners and grandchildren, Sandra and Dave invited their bridal party (and partners) share in the celebrations and so Jill (Sandra's sister and bridesmaid) with her husband Martin; Judy (Dave's sister and bridesmaid) with her husband Geoff and Geoff (Dave's uni friend and groomsman) all made the trip from Melbourne.

Dinner was a combined group BBQ with everyone pitching in with preparing and cooking food. We rearranged the dinning area of the lodge to accommodate the 19 people present and had a wonderful feast.

After main course, there were too many sensational desserts to choose from. We were then treated to a tape(!) recording of the wedding ceremony which Sandra had never heard! A lovely way to finish off this special celebration.

Good Ol' Guthega

Saturday morning was an early start for us girls as Andy was scheduled to arrive at Canberra airport at 8.30am. Prior to that we had an esky to pack, a car to pack and dogs to drop off, all of which took longer than expected. Luckily Andy's plane was delayed by 15mins and thus we were there to greet him at the bottom of the arrival stairs! It was then off to Guthega for a long weekend.

A smooth drive with a short stop for brunch and groceies at Jindabyne saw us arrive via the Smiggins Link road at midday where the rest of the family and a few extras were hanging out. Unpacking was quick thanks to the ability to be able to drive to the front door of the lodge without any snow.

By mid afternoon it was time for a small adventure with the kids wanting to walk to the flying fox on Farm Creek. We rock hopped up and down the creek, mostly avoiding getting wet.

Advent Calendar 2017

A few months out, I decided on a Christmas Cracker advent calendar and so started the collection of toilet rolls! Only just made it by the December 1st deadline.










The usual suspects were placed inside - decorate the house, lunch order, movie night, $$, trip to big splash, the occasional chocolate or lolly..... plus a few newbies recycled tin flower decorations, Joulutorttu (Finnish Christmas Tarts), Funny fill in, Frobelstern (German Christmas Stars), Kids Choice, Audio book....

The girls do love this now traditional event associated with Christmas.

We made the tin flower table decorations which was easy and fun. Mira joined in too.

The girls did a jigsaw to discover the location of their new tree ornament.