Christmas at our house

Paul and I thought that we were awfully clever to volunteer to host Xmas at our house this year. Sure, our offer was at least partly altruistic. Yvonne and Keith have had a lot on their plates since getting back from their holiday in the States, and besides, they deserved a year off from being the lovely xmas hosts. But I've got to admit that a small portion of our benevolence stemmed from the fact that we thought that this year's guest list was going to be quite a bit shorter than the usual contingent.

And then EVERYONE decided that they could come only at different times and we ended up hosting our usual Xmas Eve gathering as well as TWO meals on Xmas day. And you know what? It was really a whole lot of FUN.

Paul's new addiction: The Millennium Trilogy

Ollie jumped on his rocking horse from Gran and Grandad
 and immediately started chanting "Giddyup, giddyup, go go go!"
like he's spent his life in the saddle.

David, Yvonne and Keith being festive!

Ollie insisted on the shades to open his presents.

My little sous chef!

Elliot loved helping unwrap presents especially Daddy's big camping kitchen.

Still with the sunglasses!

Elliot when unwrapping his Toy Story Game: "I love it, I love it!! It's my very favourite!"
Nacho running around with his new squawking bear toy: "I love it, I love it!!! Wag. Wag. Pant. Slurp.

El was a super Santa's Little Helper this year, handing out the presents,
assisting with unwrapping, and showing the utmost enthusiasm for everyone's gifts.

El hamming it up with the gorgeous froggy slap watch
that Rebeka and Rhiannon bought for him in Thailand.

This is the face of a really happy wife when her awesome husband
surprises her with a brand new laptop. The days of waiting 15 minutes
for my computer to start up and connect to the internet  are OVER!!!!
"I love it. I love it. It's my favourite!!!!!"