Chrissy Phase 2

Rachael arrived pretty well on time on Wednesday morning but the airport was manic. Wall to wall people meant we were not out of the car park until 11 or so. Some shopping followed later that same afternoon and some more on Thursday (Christmas Eve!!) meant we nearly had everything we needed.

Except the kind of good sense and composure which should accompany the celebration of Christmas...

Pressies were opened and far more food than was required was consumed.

Then we got down to trying out the presents. Judy has always wanted a pair of the shoes sometimes seen on the feet of small boys - the kind which allow the child to speed around on small wheel in the heel of the shoe. Here she can be seen trying out the new "skates" with a little help from her daughters.

We have a booking for the hip replacement the new speedy shoes will inevitably necessitate.

Chrissy Phase One

We have already begun our Christmas celebrations with a season of overeating with Jonathon, Danielle and the boys in Bellingen. We travelled up last Saturday and have an apartment at Sawtell, close to both the beach and the family.

On Monday (14th) we had a Christmas celebration tea with them. Grandma and Grandpa picked the boys up after school and had an ice cream with them at what we were reliably informed was Bello's best ice cream shop (can't disagree) before setting out on the 45 or so minute trip to their home.

Presents first - some were hard to open.....


Sometimes what the other had seemed more interesting


And some required quite a bit of concentration.



And some; eg the fish which spew up arms and legs or maggots were both fascinating and gross!



After presents we settled down to prawn kebabs and tiramisu (not all at once).

When it came time to leave we were presented with mid north coast at its very best. Lightning and heavy rain which left us without power back at our apartment for a short while. Camping has its moments but last Monday night we were glad we were not under canvas.

A few more days here and then we head off home to what should be (cartpet and painting aside) a completely renovated house.

Getting there....

Well we are just about there, today the tiles began going down upstairs. Not yet finished but incredible progress for one day's work. A few square metres and grouting to go. The tiler is an amazing tradesman and has done an incredible job.

Downstairs both batrooms are ready for the final fitout, the plumber and electrician will be back to finish their parts of the work in the next day or two. Below is our ensuite.

And here is the main bathroom. The shape has been changed in both to good effect.

Saturday we head up to Jonathon, Danielle and boys for a week to catch their end of school year functions as grandma and grandpa. By the time we return it should all be finished - only painting to go.