Day 358 - Christmas Eve

This is what happens when you work with kids I say! One smiling, one looking away and the other with a mouthful of food! Christmas Eve became our day for catching up with Mel and Patrick before the rush of Christmas. The three of them played nicely together for a while, considering the only time lately they see each other is at school. We enjoyed a delicious lunch together before exchanging gifts and heading home to sleep ready for a big day tomorrow.

Day 357 - Urban Art Exhibition

Today I had lunch with Sue, Bev and Bev's mum in New Acton before looking at an Urban Art Exhibition in a Penthouse apartment. There were some interesting art works on display. My favourite was definitely the view, although I am not sure that was actually art work on display. The floor to ceiling windows were amazing, just gave such a beautiful view of Canberra. If someone else were to pay the mortgage, I would happily live there.
Thank you Sue for taking us to the exhibition and giving me a little look at such a beautiful apartment.

Day 356 - Wrapping Time

Tonight was the official wrapping of all presents night ready for Christmas. I spread out all the girls presents from us and Santa and set about wrapping. I am all for keeping things even and encouraging sharing, so there are always presents for them to open together and share what it is inside. This year, we are sharing lots of puzzles and board games. I can't wait to see their faces on Christmas day when the presents miraculously appear under the tree.

Day 355 - Like Mother, Like Daughter

Today we attempted to finish all of our Christmas shopping. While we were at DFO we stopped in at Kate Hill, which most people know is one of my favourite shops. The girls have such wonderful taste, they picked up each bag on the shelf and tried them on. I even asked them for their opinion on which bag I should ask Santa for. Of course, they gave me good advice. I shouldn't be surprised I know.

Day 354 - Presents for those less fortunate

Today we purchased presents for the Bernados Wishing Tree at the Fun Factory. Together the girls and I purchased a present each and picked one for Shane to give to those who aren't as lucky as we are. Olivia helped me to package them up into the gift bags, ready for delivery to the fun factory tomorrow. I'll be doing my best to instill in them the need to continue this tradition while they are young, that when they are old enough to do it themselves, they keep the tradition alive.

Day 353 - Royal Watching

How nice of Princess Mary to take time out and glam herself up for me to grab one last photo of her in 2011. How lucky for me to go on a Staff Development day to the Art Gallery and lunch at the National Portrait Gallery which allowed me to capture a beautiful image of the portrait of Princess Mary which hangs at the Portrait Gallery. I just couldn't resist.
Thanks to Carlyn for the suggestion for my photo of the day.

Day 352 - A family photo opportunity

We took the girls today to have their photo taken with Santa. Of course they are still a little (or a lot in Olivia's case) apprehensive about the Jolly Fat Man. So it becomes a family photo with Santa. Even with the reindeer antlers on we couldn't get Olivia to smile. A few years and it might be a different story... maybe.