Christmas with the Cousins

It was a little chaotic finishing work at 7.30pm on the 23rd followed by departing the next morning for Guthega where we were to join the rest of the Hogg clan for a few days. Although Andy did a great job of last minute food shopping, packing the camping stuff, packing the girls bags there was still a fair amount to organise.

Suffice to say, we managed to fill the roof box and all the available space Loopsy has with food, presents, camping stuff and clothes; drop off Pippa to her adopted family - Isa & Diego before embarking on the 2 hour drive to Jindabyne.

One noticeable change on this trip was listening to the girls individual playlists created with the help of Andy while I was at work. Choices were made from our limited music library....ABBA made appearances on both playlist with Katy adding a few more, while Ella favoured numerous Beetles hits. Both unfortunately loved the one hit wonder Barbie Girl by Aqua (not sure how that one made it into our music library!) happily singing along in their own interpretation of the words!

We rolled into Jindabyne with Susie and Patrick close behind in time for lunch and coffee before purchasing a few last minute items and a national parks pass. Then it was a short 30mins before arriving at Doorack Lodge where Sandra, Dave, Cathy, Maki and Luca were already settled.

The most important task, as far as the kids were concerned was to set up the christmas tree. While we finish unpacking, Grandpa took charge as well as the six kids to find and decorate the stick tree.

Still with the sun still shinning and energy and excitement levels running high it seemed like a great idea to walk down to Farm Creek. The kids climbed on the old flying fox and explored the river.

After a delicious pasta dinner, it was time to get down to business and prepare a plate for Santa and his reindeers. The menu consisted of laming tons, gingerbread man and special reindeer food (oats and sprinkles!) Then is was off to bed with much anticipation....