An Early Family Christmas

My goodness, two posts in as many days! Well we had another family get together, barbecue at Vicki and Travis's because they and Trev and I, will miss Christmas Eve, for the first time in years, and celebrate Xmas in Bali instead.(They leave Tuesday, we on Wednesday.) Thus we had our gift giving, just from us .Lovely things appeared from parcels, Esky, special wines and preserves, delicate brooches, lively plants that cannot die, Miniature lemon tree, perfume, soap, chocolates, football radio, dollies, rainbow ponies and some great vouchers and wonderful books. Father Christmas did not mind being early, saves him some time on Xmas Eve and morning.Ofcourse , the others here will still celebrate on Christmas Eve, as normal. I think we were all thrilled, pleased and surprised by the gift each family got from Vicki, Travis and Caitlyn...a book containing images of our lovely family holiday in Thailand, last year.

Cushions everywhere. Started last year but lost in storage, I have now finished them, 11 in all and a couple half way which I might finish for the kids when they have their market stall.

Concerts for my Dancing Queens

We went to the girls dancing concerts, 3 weeks in a row and they all did so very well again. Zoe's was held at the John Curtin performing arts theatre, the school where I was one of the original graduating students,a great many years ago. Zoe took Ballet for the first time and it was good to see she did quite well. Was also nice to have Denise there to watch the show. Would have brought back many memories for Denise who was quite a star in her days. Zoe , the hippy, ready for the finale.

Zoe, so grown up, waiting for her next dance.

Zoe and friends, Chinese ballet.

The youngest, Caitlyn, starred in her concert in Kwinana. She told her Mummy she had tried sooo hard all year and indeed she had. She won the overall trophy for pre schoolers Jazz and Tap. Her Mummy & Daddy were so proud and Oma thought she was pretty good too. Was nice to have my eldest granddaughter Zoe, accompany me to this concert.

The last concert was that of Bella and Sarah, held in the Kalamunda Performing arts centre.Simple but well done,they did not miss a beat.

Small gifts for all. They deserved them.

Bella dancing the EgyptianThe Egyptian girl.

Tuesday I attended the Presentation assembly at Zoe & Riley's school.It was very efficiently run and you could see it had been well practised.

Sarah 's class and the other little ones had a special concert assembly, last week. They all performed their favourite Xmas songs and plays. Was well done and the kids seemed to really enjoy it.

A job well done. SARAH SAYS HER PIECE

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FROM THE CUBBYHOUSE

The Christmas Tree, symbol of Joy and Peace and Love and Family. Just ask any of our kids. Sorry I won't be there with you all but we'll think of you for sure. The call to a Christmas overseas was too strong so Bali, here we come. (in 19 more days.) Celebrating Life. The little boy had a visit in the big paddock , near the big horses.

Mah Jong Club dinner setting,by Kathleen, was lovely and the company was great.Riner, the village Cafe Chef really did his best and the meal was very good.

Just a few lights on the cubbyhouse, next year it will be ablaze with lights, this year we're in Bali for Christmas.

More events with the Cubbyhouse

She' s 12 now, our Zoe.

Caitlyn under Aunty Jo's arm

A lovely day was had by all at the annual, Branch / Donnes get together. Yes we DO like the family bits.

Host Steven,checking the Lamb on a spit.

Fathers, Mothers,sisters,brothers and cousins.

Sophia, the youngest member of the family, with uncle Rick, was passed a round like a parcel.

Mum & Baby,Jacqueline & Sophia.

The proud new parents

The two little ones, Caitlyn & Ella

Australian 'Native" Blue tongue Ella!

Oh Oh, Zoe bashing Father XmasFinally , presents around the tree

The mare,2 doors away had a foal at 2 am today. Saw him at the start of my walk and at the end.

5 hrs old, just resting

6 hrs old and he's on his legs,so cute

Family day at the Cubbyhouse

Sorry to say I am still unable to download photos from my phone. What a shame, had some lovely photos at Kings Park, when we took our Dutch visitors, Adrie & Jan. They had their flight to Christmas Island cancelled and had to re-book via Singapore instead of KL. That cost them $500 plus what they had paid for hotels in KL , I suppose. I did suggest those charter flights were not reliable but they are cheaper than the trip from Perth, We went to see Bella & sarah at their swimming lessons, then were treated to dinner at an old favourite foodhall, Spencer Street Village, for some good Chinese indulgence.

Sarah

We had a farewell barbecue for Jan & Adrie on Rick & Karen's deck. Was a nice day with nice food and nice family.

The other end of the deck.if you can see them despite Scott!Bruce, Rick,Travis (just) Adrie , Vicki & Jan.

Karen,Kasha & Net

Gentleman OI.

Pixie was getting too small and is not able to canter or jump so ..the search for a new pony resulted in this beauty, she is called Pixie too.Now, Pixie one is up for sale.

The familiarisation tour,Bella and Pixie too.

Pixie too ,she's pretty and likes the pats.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Rememberance day at the Cubbyhouse.

Do have some photos to sort out but what impressed us was the schoolchildren who yesterday, placed an AUSTRALIAN FLAG on EVERY plaque in memory of the fallen soldiers, when we were in King's Park. A great sight to see. What a wonderful way to remind kids about the reason that they are free and live in this great country. A pity some of our newer immigrants don't appreciate that in the same way.

A day in Freo,the cubbyhouse mob and visitors.

I think these 2 were not published either,on the wedding post so here they are. The older (wiser?????)of the next generation Joh,Dan,Julie,Kelly,Rachel,Chris.

Rick & Grace

On Sunday, when the boy was feeling a little better, after his wedding wine tasting, we went for a drive to Freo. Had ciffee and something to eat at the E-shed food hall ( always recommended and always very reasonably priced.) We had a wander around and the visitors managed a few more small purchases. Before E-shed (which,incidentally, is where we arrived from Holland , on the Johan van Oldenbarneveld, 57 years ago on September the 11th) We walked to the Welcome walls where our family's arrival is engraved, saw a big container ship leave and checked on the training ship, Leeuwin.

The Leeuwin

Maritime museum & container ship, Fremantle Harbour

the writing on the wall

THE wedding ,with the Cubbyhouse family.

Here my pick of the photos of Michael and Kasha's Wedding. It was a beautiful day, a beautiful setting, a beautiful bride and a great dinner aND A BEAUTIFUL PARTY. Everyone else looked pretty snazzy too. Was lovely to see Vicki and Karen in very chic dresses. Raven proudly leads his mum in to "Give her away".

The Ceremony. I was one of seven,chosen to tie a ribbon around their wrists to bind them together. I was very very pleased to be chosen.

Anna and more Anna ,she did a great job.

Anna with Aunty Denise

Kasha & Michael with flowergirl Anna

That gorgeous cake

The nicest Halloween setting I've seen.

Us Net gives her speech

The Bridal Couple take the floor Net & Gary, Julie Had more here but lost them and it is bedtime,up early to look after the girls tomorrow so must go to bed.