CHRISTMAS 2013

Christmas 2013

December was a full month.  We had many activities so I am going to do a big post for the whole month of December -- Get ready for a long one.  It was the "FIRST" of many wonderful traditions down under and so I decided it would be great to just "highlight" each event with a picture otherwise I am going to get really behind on the blog and we will be halfway through the year by the time that I finish what happened in the month of December.

12.1.13 - We decorated the tree.  It was a little strange with the HOT temperature outside.

12.6.14 - We went to visit David Jones Department Store in downtown Sydney.
They decorate their windows with marionettes.  

The puppets were gorgeous and fun to see in "ACTION".

12.13.13 - We held our annual "TENT" dinner.
It was a little unique to eat dinner by candlelight however, it was still very light outside.  

Appetizers for dinner are their favourite meal.

12.14.13 - We went and saw the Life of Christ/Temple Lights at the Sydney Temple.
 It was amazing to see the beautiful lights and not be "FREEZING" from the winter temperatures.

12.19.13 - The girls had begun their "HOLIDAY - SUMMER VACATION".
We decided to kick things off with Gingerbread Houses - it was definitely a "FIRST" to make gingerbread houses in our swimsuits.
Jane's creation is the far left, Grace's house is in the middle and Claire's beauty is on the right.

Jane was so happy to be able to build house out of wafers just like bricks - they don't sell graham crackers in OZ.

12.23.13 - Gram and Papa Bruce Wardle arrived in Sydney to spend Christmas with us - we were JUMPING for joy to have them here.  
Feeling the LOVE!

12.24.13 - Christmas Eve we went to Manly Beach.
We enjoyed our lunch and purchased a few Australian hats to protect from the sun.

12.24.13 - Our Christmas PJs!

12.25.13 - Christmas Day - opening gifts together.

12.25.13 - Christmas Dinner

12.26.13 - Boxing Day - we went to Chinatown and had a delicious Chinese lunch.

Our 2013 "FIRST" Australian Christmas!