Ballina

What a relief for Isobel and Madelaine that Santa found them in Ballina. Word arrived at our van at 6.15 Christmas morning to say he had filled their stockings, so we made our way to the unit for the excitement.  A new scooter was being ridden around the room, a marble run was together and the helicopter was on charge, Santa had been very kind to them both, but most importantly he had left Isobel the tomato she had asked for in her letter.

After making our way back to our van to shower and dress for the day, we decided to ring our other grandchildren.  Elliot and Violet were in Wagga with their other grandmother and had been up since 4.30 with Santa’s gifts, so our morning suddenly didn’t seem so early.  We then called Tieri only to be told that Henry and Charlie were still asleep, 6.30 Qld time!!  Henry and Charlie rose not long after and we were able to skype to see their Santa loot.

The rest of the day was spent opening the rest of the presents under the tree, talking to the extended family not with us, preparing and eating food, and a little drinking and of course plenty of toys to be played with.  We did make it to the beach so the girls could try out their new body boards, Madelaine took a little convincing that you lie on it and not stand on it, but they had fun. Christmas is certainly fun when children are with you.

Kirsty and Carol made it to the shops on Boxing Day afternoon and found a couple of bargains.  Garry and Ben took the girls fishing one morning and caught 4 good bream much to the girls delight. Tuesday saw the weather turn.  The wind picked up to 30+ knots and we have taken our annex and awning down. Garry was so worried about the annex Tuesday night that he was standing out there holding onto parts of it. Carol was not prepared to do that, but eventually the annex was secured enough for sleep to happen. The beaches have been closed, but we were able to take the girls to the small protected bays for sandcastle building, exploring and swimming in the rock pools at low tide. The nights are a mixture of wind howling, tarps flapping and tent pegs regularly being banged back into the ground.  The joys of camping but no one appears to be packing up early and leaving, just riding it all out.  We are very surprised and lucky that our neighbours, at least 4 families in tents, are very quiet in the mornings.  We slept in till 9 and 9.30am Thursday morning!!

Ben and Kirsty left for home on Wednesday, so we drove as far as Byron Bay with them to have lunch (only a 30km drive).  Was that a busy place, so many people, cars and as most people would know Garry in so good in heavy traffic and crowds. So Byron Bay done!!!

We are now spending a couple of days relaxing. Cricket is on so that is Garry’s day taken care of. Not so early starts now that we don’t have 2 little girls knocking on the door at 7 to have breakfast with us.

We haven’t decided on anything for New Year’s Eve yet, but we will find something to do.