Christmas Eve - we went to our bishop's home and had shrimp on the Barby. John and the kids swam in the pool and then we ate a delicious dinner, lots of meat (the bishop is vegetarian, but the rest of the family are carnivores), lots of sweets and lots of Australian humour. Dinner began with someone saying that he had very sensitive question about Americans...ummm, "why are their teeth so white?" Everything went downhill from there, topics of conversation included the merits of Australian sports (e.g. Cricket, Australian Rules Football, etc.) vs. American sports, the worst Christmas gifts ever received, and a special Festivus like airing of grievances session. We had a lot of fun spending time with the Smiths and Partons.
After the children went to sleep we had to set up a blockade to make sure that we would hear possible prowlers during the night. The last two Christmases, Colin has gone into the living room before everyone else is awake, has gone through his stocking and looked at everyone else's presents. This year we wanted to be prepared, but no one woke up.
One of the unexpected things we missed about being on the Northern Hemisphere during the holidays is the short days. Because we are in the middle of summer here, we were only able to enjoy the lights on the Christmas tree for about a half hour each night. Even at 7 in the morning (when this picture was taken)...it was too bright to see the lights.
Overall it was a fantastic Christmas. The kids each received a scooter (or tooters as Jared calls them). The girls got Diamond Castle barbies and outfits for their American Girls. Colin got a boogie board and a footy ball (Australian Rules Football). Jared got Lollies (lots and lots of candy), a cricket set, and lots of balls. Jenny got hats for the beach and a new purse. And John got a boogie board, flippers, and an Ipod player for the car (personally, I think that that was the best gift and most useful!)
7 comments:
Merry Christmas! So fun to see the pics of your family.
Sounds like a lovely Christmas down under! You guys (or y'all) look great!!
Yeah! I was wondering how you guys celebrated Christmas in Australia. That's so funny that they questioned why Americans' teeth are so white...wonder if it has anything to do with Flouride in the water? I'd love to see a photo of your new Christmas purse, Jenny. Glad you enjoyed yourselves, does sound like a great time!
Me too me too. I got a Diamond Castle Barbie and the dvd that goes with it. Thanks to mom. Merry Christmas (and john happy birthday) we didn't forget we just didn't know how to best get a hold of you!
Those sneaky elves getting into the stockings before everyone else has a chance. Sounds like you had a great day and that santa was very good to you. Can't wait to ride "tooters" with Jared, play with Mia and Bella, build sand castles for Barbie with Brooklyn and watch Colin and John blast across the waves with their boogie boards. I guess Jenny will have to model her hat and new purse and life will be grand. Sort of like a down under fashion show featuring the Norton6 group. What fun.
Looks like you had a fantastic Christmas! I love the luggage stacking idea, I'll have to remember that next year as we have the same problems here! Let's talk on skype soon ;)
Merry Christmas, mates. We miss the Nortons, but so enjoy the pics and updates. So, no new speedo for John this year? Now we know what to get him for his next birthday!
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