Once we got back from our holiday we enjoyed our last few days with Lucho before he starts school with all the big kids.

This day was all about dress ups with La putting on her fairy outfit Christina and Charlie gave her for her birthday...
...ta da! I love it!
Lucho went for a hood look from my very sparse and unimaginative wardrobe - look closely for the rats tail!

The lovely, hot summer weather drove us all down the beach in droves - everyone got in the water this year! But, I don't have a lot of pictorial evidence so here's just a taste of life down the beach...

Toby the Sand Muncher and Runaway La on the beach with Aunty Lou.
Nights spent around the dance floor - Jacqui had some stellar moves...
La was doing her best to keep up - great times everyone - see you next year!

Christmas is just the beginning of a marathon month of celebrating in our family - with birthdays every other day we just sit back and enjoy one long and delicious celebration.

First Toby turned 1 and we let the chooks out at Louie's to mark the occasion.
A combination of family who turned out either for the love of Toby or the love of food.
The Boys.
Pa taking in the chook view too.
All singing now for the birthday boy.
No party is complete for La without the blowing of the candles.
Matt's birthday started out incredibly hot so it involved getting cool beforehand. Lexie and her crew turned up at New Years for a long weekend so we were all together again - yay!
La has a party dress for every occasion.
Lexie keeping herself out of trouble.
The girls honing their constructing skills.
The heat stayed for my birthday too - mum's wee little pool got a workout this year.
La and Pa.
Mum put together a lovely choc cake for us to enjoy - could have probably done without the numerical reference though...
La and the new man in her life - her adoration for Uncle Matt knows no bounds...
Here we are climbing up the mountain at Aunty Carolyn's for Uncle David's and Pa's birthday.
I see you A. Carolyn - you can't hide from the camera when I'm around!
The invitation apparently said "Clothing Optional" according to La...
She's trying her best to get those candles out!!!

Christmas Day was on the farm and then we all trooped down to the beach for Boxing Day with the Altus clan. Still not into the up at sparrows territory as yet so made the most of a good sleep in before getting stuck into the gifts.

La got some play doh (finally!) from Father Christmas...
...busy, busy, busy with all the new toys.
Poppy Hop and Old Pa watching from the sidelines.
At Aunty Cath's the next day down the beach. Just a small example of all the shenanigans.
Nic and Dad chillin.
Down the beach in the afternoon for a swim only the kids would even consider.
Watching the Speed Sand Castle Championship Final between Mad Matt and Speedy Steve - trying to keep one step ahead of the kids. Thanks for a great couple of days everyone!

Summer on the farm is fun! Hot, hot weather and cousins by the hundreds means lots of water sports and having a splashing time!

Toby with his back to the enemy.
Aunty Julz brought along a great idea that didn't really get squirting.
Ahh, sweet Jacky.
Morning tea time at the zoo.
Should I tell her or you?!?