Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

We went to sing Christmas Carols at the hospital again for Christmas Eve, it's always so rewarding.

Then we had our own Christmas Eve service at home as we didn't think we could handle the midnight service and still get up early enough to have presents and make it to Tablelands for lunch.

Communion

Josie's Advent Calendar from Dr. Ann and Ellie's cutouts from New World.

Margaret, Meg and Hugh all looked dapper Christmas eve.

Christmas morning - the stockings are full!!

The little girls patiently waiting for the big girls to get upstairs.

The annual reading of the Christmas story.

Christmas Day in the Wairarapa

Jane, Alex and Hettie looking gorgeous as always.

Our beautiful daughters.

Present time!

Hugh likes his Star Wars droid.

Fresh lettuce from the garden for salads.

Meggie passing around whitebait fritters.

Liz always sets a gorgeous table.

The boys setting out the meats.

After lunch the kids do the dishes - they are a fantastic team! 

Hugh and Reuben washing up.

The kids setting up the dessert table.

Hugh Jr captioned this "Christmas, Cousins and Bitches" on Facebook.

GUSSSSSSSSSS!! My fave.

After lunch it was time for a swim.

Mary and Barry out at "Mary's Rest" for pre-dinner snacks and drinks.

Ollie, Liz, Hettie, Megs, Ellie, Jo, Katie

Jane and Charles looking fine.

Ellie and her daddy.

The woolshed.

Sunset at the farm.

The orchard.

Dinner.

Josie.

Our last Christmas at 238

We didn't know it at the time but the weekend we went to have an early Christmas at 238 would be our last. It was a beautiful day and Margaret and Hugh were both in good form - all was as it always was at 238 Victoria Ave. . . there was laughter, cricket, good food, funny stories, and love. Lots of love. We will so miss both Margaret and Hugh and the welcoming family home they opened to all of us all the time.

Ellie going through the pop outs Grandma had been collecting for her from New World (the grocery store). 

It was great to have Hamish back for Christmas - here he serves up some delicious salmon for a starter.

There was always cricket on the lawn.

Something's happened.. . . not sure what!

Grandpa holding court from his chair with Dugald and Ant.

Hamish entertaining the girls at the table.

We had presents and tea after our meal.

Who knew this would be our last photo all together?

The girls take a selfie with Uncle Hamish. 

More Christmas Prep

We drew names one night for Advent and then had to do a service or good deed for that person in the next 24 hours.  I drew Josie and made her breakfast in bed.

Another weekend Ellie opened "Rose Cafe" with Meggie as her very capable chef. 

My breakfast

Lloyd's foundation bought and donated an ambulance to the city of Wellington and Julie invited us all to see it presented.

Julie and her gorgeous kids - l-r Vita, Maddie, Julie, Ottilie, Elliott and Bella.

The girls with Ottilie- they adore her. 

Julie being loaded onto the ambulance.

Starting on our gingerbread house.

Katie starts the icing foundation.

Ellie not too involved - but her hair looks cool all curly now that she has taken her braids out.

We took it inside to decorate - didn't want the icing melting in the heat.

Dugald was in charge this year as in past years our house has completely collapsed.

So far so good.