Christmas

 Christmas is over for another year! All the preparations and baking have all been enjoyed and it has been nice to recover over these quieter days before New Year. Here are some pictures of the excitement. The gifts were ready!

It was a lovely hot day so the children enjoyed the pool.

I didn't manage to get many food pictures but here is afternoon tea.

And a few random ones! Alice and her gingerbread house, movie watching on Christmas eve and a game on Boxing day.

On the Sunday evening before Christmas there were carols in Telopea Park. It was obviously freezing. We were very lucky to have lovely warm weather for Christmas. Here are Janelle and I all rugged up!

Decorations

 Thought I had best share a few pictures of the festive house. I am always relieved when the decorations are up! 

Thought I would share this lovely glass birdie gifted to me by clever Paddy!! 

Paddy has also been making this felt bird and one in glass too!

Roni inspired me to use up some scraps to make some scrappy stars. I just love it and perhaps will have time after Christmas.

I have been having great fun stitching these Adventrees which is a free pattern on Instagram by Beatrice from @em_bea_roidery.

More parties

 Wednesday was fun as usual this week, though extra special as the afternoon girls and the night girls had their Christmas parties. There were delicious treats in the afternoon and delightful Secret Santa gifts too. Diana crocheted these lovely hearts.

Paddy cross stitched this beautiful cushion.

Roni wowed us with this cute reindeer and tiny house.

We all loved Jayne's gorgeous elves!

Beth made this lovely little purse and I was lucky enough to receive it.

I made this pouch with hexagons and my liberty scraps.

It was just as special in the evening. We met for dinner as usual at the club and then exchanged our Secret Santa gifts. They were just lovely. Weren't we spoilt? The runner was made by Lyn, the teatowels by Deanna, the decoration by Jenny, the elf mat and coasters by Margaret, the angels by Anita and the pouch by Barbara.

I received all of these goodies from Judy and my gift is the one below.

It was all great fun!