Pre Christmas

As many people have mentioned December seemed to fly by in a vague mist. Our December is always slightly mad but this one seemed even more manic than usual.

We spent time doing our annual Christmas tree decorating - each year we get our Christmas hats and shirts on and put on the carols to decorate the tree. It was kind of bittersweet this year as most of our decorations have memories/thoughts of people attached to them. Each year the kids make a new decoration with their name and the year on it and this is also done for those sharing the dressing of the tree with us so when we unpack the box we have not only memories of our kids but also of those who have shared the time with us previously. So we have decorations from nieces/nephews/friends/past housemates/mum etc etc
Also in December I finally got to see Spicks and Specks. I had tickets to see a live showing last year but couldn't make it to the studio so had to miss it - when I heard they were touring I knew I just had to go. It was a really fun night with John, Haylee and Gail and I am so glad I was able to see it. Lots of singing and dancing as well as all of my favourite games from the show.
Tasha had her end of year dance concert for Le Pointe Dance Academy. Once again it was an amazing show - very professionally done. The theme this year was a triple tribute - Elvis Presley, Judy Garland and Michael Jackson. Tasha's dance for hip hop was Beat it and for Jazz was jailhouse rock. She put in so much time and effort in practising over and over and danced beautifully - well done Tasha
As I had the week before Christmas off work and the kids were both on school holidays we headed off on a road trip! Tasha has been asking me for some time to spend some time with my cousins (the only family left on my side) as the last time she saw them was at Mum's funeral and she wanted to replace those memories with happy ones. Tony and I had seen them since but the kids weren't with us. Unfortunately Tony had to work so it was just the kids and I.

We drove out to Cowra and spent time with Dave, Tanya and her boys Lachie and Thomas. It is always wonderful spending time with them and so much fun.

The next day we had planned to go into Canberra for some shopping before heading to Goulburn to see Mick and the kids. As normally happens with Mick there was a last minute change of plans when his kids decided they wanted to do some shopping so we all met up at Belconnen Mall. Then we spent the next morning with Mick in Goulburn before heading home.

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Then two days before Christmas we bundled in the car (Haylee, Kyle, Tasha, Tegan and myself) and went out on our annual Christmas light pilgrimage. We had the carols playing and the festive mood flowing...... I do wonder whether Haylee will join us again after not only did Tash and I sing..... loudly.... but Tash also yelled out "Merry Christmas" to EVERYONE we drove past.

Oh and in the middle of all this

* I turned 39 .... scary!

* Work continued to be manic organising building and the lead up to Christmas

* Tony had to travel to Sydney to see the specialist for his shoulder

* I spent a lot of time thinking of Mum as I wrote Christmas cards to her friends

* The kids and I went to carols at the church