Christmas Lunch

 On Christmas day we arranged nearly perfect weather (it was a little too hot) to have the Garnetts over for Christmas lunch.

Lachlan had managed to secure one of the prizes from the Christmas Game and was able to demonstrate them in action.

We all had plenty to eat the previous evening but we topped it all off just to make sure!

A couple of newly acquired board games were tested out during the afternoon.

Christmas Eve Dinner

 Our family Christmas was held at the Garnett abode this year on Christmas eve.  Lisa and Mark had put in a huge amount of work to set it up.  

The tasting session was to be about Cheese and Chocolate this year.  Again, Mitchell had set up the App to tally the votes

We all seem to be refining our selections for the Christmas Game.

We came up with a variety of interesting and/or desirable and/or hilarious presents this year.

We managed to get a couple of family photos while we were all together.

Then on to the main event with masses of food to ensure we all overindulged in the time honoured Christmas tradition with dinner under the stars!

Lake House Action

 Mark, Cooper and Lachlan went up to work on the Lake House for a couple of days.  The new retaining walls are in place and the screening back fill needed to be moved up from the road.  The boys became quite proficient at driving the excavator for the task.

There was even a little time for a paddle on the Lake.

It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Christmas

 Christmas approaches and a new recipe is being put through its paces.  In this Christmas Cake, the fruit has been well soaked in Baileys Irish Cream so there is a level of eager anticipation for the first taste test.

Lachlan's Last Day of Primary School

 We were able to attend Lachlan's last school assembly where the Grade 6 students were farewelled by the school.

All the students were called up and presented with their final gifts.

Then the final exit to the applause of the students, staff and parents.

Lachlan Graduates

 This year marks the end of an era with Lachlan graduating from primary school.

It also marks the end of our long association with Antonio Park Primary School.

The Graduation Dinner was a remarkable event with the school hall set up and decorated by Lisa and Mark.

All the students were presented in front of the parent group. 

The dinner was followed with dancing.   It was a spectacular night.

Christmas Carols

 The Whitehorse Council seems to now be running it's civic events in the nearby Tunstall Park.  So last night it was Christmas Carols.  A large stage and sound system was installed for the performers.

People came and went all night as the younger children were taken home to bed. There was a variety of vendors selling food, drink and other Christmas related decorations and lights etc.

Final Basketball Round

 Basketball arrangements are somewhat counter intuitive.  The season runs with a four or five week gap in the middle for a Christmas break.  So Jack and Cooper had their last games last night.  After a bit of a scare, Jack came away with a win over a team lower on the ladder.

Cooper's team got off to a slow start but made up ground over the game.  Unfortunately not quite enough to come away with a win.  Cooper played well and has improved a lot over the season so far.

Cooper's Stage Band

 Cooper and the Stage Band were the entertainment for the Mullauna College Presentation Night last night.  They played as the audience entered then did a number of pieces before the formal part of the evening.  We were blown away with a very impressive performance!