Orua

as seems to have become a little family tradition for us we headed down to the Awhitu Penninsular and Orua on boxing day

the Pohutukawa were amazing this year

we were lucky enough to have some lovely friends come along which provided play buddies for our small people as well as good company for G&Ts in the evening and Bailey's under the stars on the porch at night for us

we did lots of swinging

spent a good part of every day in PJs

ate outside

played with Christmas toys

the winner's look

did some swimming although it was a little rough

climbed some huge dunes

made a very windy trip to the lighthouse

ran round as a little gang

and enjoyed some beach adventures

and some exciting activities like handwashing the dishes- they actually fought over who would do it

a show on the last night after fish and chips for tea

and a last night when the storm arrived and we listened to the rain on the roof all night, our guests bravely listened to it in the tent...thanks for coming adventuring with us Cormack-Neto Family

Christmas Day 2011

Early Morning Santa Sacks





favourite gift

helping Miss Isabella unwrap their present to her - a little vintage cane basket

pancakes for breakfast

presents from Uncle Pauly, Nana and Papa


the cousins arrive

presents with Daddy

and a picture of the Grans with 6 of their Grandchildren

there were many outakes, mostly involving Arlo, a small bird that fell out of a planter onto the deck, the cat going after said bird, me getting caught up in a rose bush rescuing said bird and Arlo only willing to stay in the photo if the bird could be in a box beside him ( Isabella and he then went and released it in the park)


much easier to photograph just two together


or maybe three

Gran's Christmas Speech

a few more pressies

some family shots




another lovely Christmas day filled with family and good food - thanks everyone for helping us celebrate and making it magic for the small people