Merry Christmas

Santa once again thought the girls had been well behaved this year leaving their Santa sacks filled with very generous gifts. Each received a coding robot - Katy a mouse and Ella a Sphero Ball.

After the initial Santa sack excitement, we dragged the girls out on a family 'run'. Up to the horse paddock we trotted, where Andy peeled off for a real run. Katy and I remained chatting to a couple who were attending to their horses while Ella wandered back home. Katy was pretty impressed when she was asked if she wanted to brush the horse called Patrick! 

Back home a few more presents (from interstate) were opened before readying the house for the arrival of the rest of the Hogg family. Ella was in charge of table decorations and did a fantastic job with the rosemary, orange and jasmine floating candles as well as the fresh cut maple leaves.

Arrival of the 9 guests saw the Christmas tree nearly disappear under the presents! Food was gathered and initially prepped before we began the traditional gift giving.

With all the excitement over, our focus turned to cooking the roast dinner. We had the chicken and lamb roasting in the weber on the deck; the potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes in the oven plus an assortment of vegies on the stove top. Timing was the key and it all went smoothly to plan. By mid afternoon we were all enjoying a roast Christmas lunch on the deck.

To help digest the feast we had just devoured, we all headed down to the Cook oval for a match of cricket. Fun times.

Returning back home we enjoyed the desserts on offer - orange and chocolate cake; coconut, lime and mango semifreddo and fruit platter. Definitely no need for dinner! A very relaxing and enjoyable day just as Christmas should be.















Unfortunately for Katy, the end of the day spelt disaster. As she was being swung in the hammock, the rope broke resulting in her crashing to the ground with her cheekbone taking the brunt of the force. Luckily she escaped with only a graze and bruised cheek rather than a fracture.