Slip slidin' away

Fun in the backyard with the slip'n slide on a hot summer's day. Even
Mum and Dad ended up getting in on the action - thankfully there are no
photos of that. Greg came up with a new technique to ensure maximum
speed - which sometimes led to the girls flying off the other end -
giggling all the way!

Christmas Day

After spending time reading about the first Christmas Day and thanking
God for that, we trooped over to the Eigel's for our Christmas breakfast
(and lunch this year). Far too many presents and far too much food as
always, with lots of fun and laughs as well. Grandad was quickly into
the first of his new books while the rest of us hit the pool for a
while. Afternoon tea saw us head to the Luxford's for fun on the slip'n
slide for the kids, followed by far too much food and far too many
presents again (there's a theme here...). A great day filled with the
joy of having family around us - we are so blessed!

Christmas community celebration

A fantastic afternoon at Grandma and Papa's church enjoying their
Christmas celebration with all the different activities to try. Ellen's
highlight was the rock wall, reaching the top easily this year, a number
of times. Lauren's highlights were the animal petting and pony ride -
(they were a little concerned with her being so young, but she sat up
there like a pro and took it all in stride), while Olivia looooved the
giant slide and must have riden it dozens of times in the end. The face
painting, jumping castles, cake decorating, hay rides and little fire
engine rides were fun too. We were all exhausted by the time we got home
that night - even Daddy had a couple of turns on the giant slide with
Lauren (man did he get up some speed!!).

School's out

The girls loved their first year at their new school. They both applied
themselves very well, and enjoyed all the various activities that were
on offer. Apart from the lower primary choir, Olivia was in Chess club,
dance club, skipping club and craft club...I think that left one lunch
hour free to go to the library or actually play in the playground! Ellen
didn't do Chess club but was a regular at most of the others as well,
and she was awarded the award for Music for Grade Two for her
contribution to the choir - something they only introduced for the first
time last year.
They both worked very hard and their results reflected that, the growth
in both girls in terms of their attitudes, application and maturity, and
their hearts to help and serve others has been lovely to see. Well done
Ellen and Olivia!