ChrIstmas, family and end of year wrap up.

Christmas came around far to quickly this year and soon it will be the end of 2016. I am looking forward to 2017 as this will be a big year for travel. 

This Is the year that I will indulge my every whim and travel when ever my little heart desires. Retirement will be well and truly underway.

On the lead up to Christmas we have a few annual Celebrations, and this year was no different as we continued on with our traditions.

My eclectic decorations around the house, I went all out, as we have a house full of guests this year

We love to have a Christmas dinner with our great friends and neighbours, we exchange gifts, wine, dine and chew the fat..

Always a great evening.

On the Sunday before Christmas we attended an event in Concord West, another excellent evening with friends and even Santa paid a visit.

Donna's Christmas decorations were amazing as always,

Our Christmas was spent celebrating with family, who travelled from Melbourne, Queensland and New Zealand. This time last of year is very special and a great time for families to come together to reminisce and reflect on how the years have flown by and our children who are now adults and are having families of their own.

On the menu was chilli crab, a favourite dish of ours, and as I have had to work the last few years, it has been missed so this year it is back on the menu.

Friday, DH, my sister, son, Nigel and Steven, travelled over to Cabramatta to do yumcha and seafood and fruit shopping, quite a successful shop with 3 mud crabs purchased as well as prawns.

Esme, my sister who is a wonderful help and a chef in her past life, helped me do the prep on Christmas Eve and everything came together nicely on Christmas Day.

Christmas lunch

Dessert.

On the menu, glazed ham, turducken, (fondly called swine turducken by my son, because it was wrapped in bacon) pork, chilli crab, salads, roasted vegetables, fruit platter and four desserts, so much food and enjoyed by all.

Our breakfast

Table set nicely by Nicholle.

Unwrapping the presents is always met with excitement, our little grandson "Logan" was only interested in standing on the box, so much fun to watch.

The rest of the day was spent eating, drinking, swimming and game playing with cards and Tri-ominos.

My youngest son Alex handcrafted a table for his brother, Nigel, a great undertaking and very well made, well done son !.

Another successful family gathering, now for the new year.