CHRISTMAS DAY.

After drunken Skype conversations

(they were drunk not us)

We finally unwrapped our presents.

We got lots of wicked ones. But the main ones

have to be the ones that reminded us of home.

From Pam and Steve we had a London collection,

including socks for Claire (that Ben stole) and for

Claire of course a Liverpool calendar.

At lunch time we headed to Glamarma (Tamarama)

to Gaz and Cands.

What a spread they (well Cand) put on.

There was 9 of us for dinner. It was awesome.

We played Scene It (A movie game - get it).

But the real star of the show was George.

George was literally a puppy for Christmas.

He was in a pet shop and Cand and Gaz would

take him for a few days and hopefully fall in

love with him and not return him. Or if they

do they've got a puppy sitter for a few days.

He started livening up as the night wore on.

The whoopie cushion game (don't ask).

George - working it.

Chilling out (nice socks).

Crazy Cand.

Adorable Cand.

George getting rowdy.

Then cute again.

Thanks for a wonderful Christmas Cand. x

CARDS CARDS CARDS.

The best one by far was Toby dressed as Santa.

This is a throw back to Esk Valley, my childhood

Christmas's (from mum).

BALMAIN CHRISTMAS BBQ.

It's Christmas eve eve eve.

What would you do?

How about a BBQ by the water in Balmain?

Matt, Pitty and Mrs Akers (to be).

The city.

Ahh the Anzac bridge. Balmain is cool.

SWIM WITH TIM.

There he is. Still wearing his white T-shirt.

Down to the bottom we go.

Nose bleed?

Is that the Timmah Fish?

Or Shark bate?

Dun Dun... Dun Dun....

.......Oh no it's Ben.

Oh yes, I look gooooooooood.

I'm hungry...... let's eat.

CHRISTMAS BUS.

I didn't get to photograph the inside but it was

all decked out as well.

How cool.

TIMMMMAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

You'll never guessed who turned up at the flat,

Timmmmmmmmmmmmmahhhhhhhhhh.

Well he did tell us he was coming, he came over with

Kara to see her family in Brisbane but fancied a few

days in his old home Sydney.

Being an old vet of Australia you thought he might

have remembered the sun block.

Oh no. it could be worse, he could have burnt his feet.

Oh he did.

Well why not Carols at Coogee beach.

My Ben what a big head you have.

That's better.
It was wicked having him, and the highlight must

have been the worse Carols I've ever heard.

It was so strange in the sun listening to Aussies

singing "White Christmas" and "Frosty the Snowman."

AHHHH PORTMUCK (ISLAND MAGEE).

So Mum and Steve have added to their property

portfolio with this little gem.

It made me home sick seeing them all.

Maybe one day we'll see it properly.

It looks lovely.

Not sure about the horses heads.

It's perfect though.

Ahhhh the family.

Strike a pose.

A LITTLE BIT OF ART.

These two master pieces were created by a

"very talented" local artist that Claire decided to support.

To be honest I'm not convinced.

But I'll carry on painting.

MEANWHILE.....IT'S SNOWING IN LONDON.

Thanks to Rug for sending us a little

prezzie from home.

Snow. Oh it's so beautiful.

Wish we were there- for 10 minutes,

then we'd come back to the sun.

THANKS MUM.

We've had some great gifts and cards after

announcing our engagement.

Des and Carole sent us a fabulous hamper

(including some bubbles)

and we've had some great cards.

Including my mum mastering the internet

with this little beauty.

Thank you all.

x

JELLY FISH AND ATTACKING SEAGULLS.

While Emma was still in residence at Wolseley Rd, Claire

and her saved some seagull chicks on the Jetty next to ours.

Claire decided to see how the little blighters were getting on.

The wildlife didn't like this, and started attacking us

(obviously this isn't a bird attacking us, we thought

it was a penguin, but that would be just ridiculous)

Almost as ridiculous as a Jelly fish 2 metres

from the shore?

Or how many card I got from the UK.

Thank you to everyone who sent a card.

It meant a lot (and probably cost a lot too).