The year's end came around quick and after returning to the farm for the summer a couple of weeks earlier than planned, we've hit pause on the blog until next year. We hope you all enjoy a wonderfully fun and festive Christmas and New Year and we'll be back on the airwaves come February.

Stay safe folks and see you soon! xxo

It will be a bittersweet Christmas for us all this year as Old Pa, died on December 7 after a short illness. He was a beautiful 88, having spent his whole life building a robust, perfectly diverse and fun-filled family and life with Old Nana.

 With La.

 With Leyla.

 With his great-grandies.

We have been blessed by his steady presence in our lives, his undeterred faith in family and love. Old Pa created a legacy from this foundation that will put us in good stead for generations to come. Thank you Pa, you won't be forgotten.

After the rush of November and December rolls around, it's time to dig out the Santa hats and get decorating!

 I outsourced the tree assembly to La and she fast realised why haha. Decorating is much more fun apparently.

 A Christmas catch up with the Foreman's up the coast. The tribe are growing like weeds bless them.

 After lunch and it's time to head down the road to the bay for some paddle boarding and kayaking.

 Max, Sami and I were the only smart ones not inclined to get wet.

 La and Charlie are like two peas in a pod - haring around the streets on bikes and now the bay on a board. We hardly saw them most of the time.

 Larissa and I must have been telepathic this year as we both went for a water play theme for the kids. Everybody will be entertained this summer!

 Leyla and Max had fallen asleep by the time we opened presents so they had a lovely surprise the next morning waiting for them.

 We had the lovely joy of Warren, Fi, Charlie and Sam stop in overnight as they headed down south on their holiday. After a long, hot day in the car, the slip and slide was a perfect remedy.

Always happy to be a port in the storm of an interstate road trip - thanks for the company happy travelers!

The end of the year brings to the end all our activities with a few fun things to add of course.

 Leyla with her dancing trophy in her dancing costume for her ballet concert and photos.

 Her dance for the concert is "Let It Go" from Frozen - an unbelievable coincidence for Leyla's first foray into ballet as she is Elsa mad.

 All my years of dancing came flooding back as I got her ready for her first concert.

 All set on the night - Leyla's one song (out of nearly 40) was in the second half so we got to sit and enjoy the show.

 Back stage scouting...

 ...not nervous, just excited apparently.

 A star is born.

 La had her gymnastics presentation, a play on the equipment for everyone and then the medal ceremony.

 Spot Leyla pretending that this was all about her...

 La's still keen on her gymnastics, I told her she can't get too good though, I don't want to be there 3 times a week!

 Lacey turned 5 and held her very own teddy bear's picnic.

 Everybody brought their teddies and Jimayne had organised lots of fun games at a great park with a big water section which was perfect for this hot day.

Leyla had a special ceremony to go to recently - graduating from preschool, ready to go to primary school next year.

 Specially chosen dress for the occasion.

 Proud as punch we all are.

 Crossing the bridge, symbolising the transition from little to big school.

 So happy and ready to move onward and upwards.

 Lacey, only days apart in age, best friends from the day dot. Leyla also had preschool and playgroup friends that have kept her company all year Lacey and Mak, Lucas, Bailey and Izzy.

One milestone done and dusted - here we come 2017!

So, as the weeks end rolled around, La had her turn to celebrate her birthday in her own way. She decided to take three friends (plus all of us!) on a bush walk for lunch and a swim.

 All excited and raring to go!

 The official start of the Paradise track near Linden in the Blue Mountains.

 We only got a little lost at the start - we're blaming Steve for that wrong turn haha

Arrived at Paradise Pools - aptly named, albeit a little icy, but refreshing after nearly an hour of walking.

 La, Toby and her friends had a blast. Poor Sienna started to feel a bit unwell throughout the day but she was a trooper and made out OK in the end.

 Steve just can't help himself when it comes to risky behaviour. The jump rock was a fan of the teenagers and men-who-can't-help-themselves-but-act-like-teenagers.

 Stopping off at Yogurt Land after the long hike back for a well-deserved treat.

 Backyard fun before La's birthday dinner of nachos.

 Aunty Lou had to put on her thinking cap with La's requested book cake. Not that the book was hard, just thinking of how to (simply) create a cover. We settled on a bush walk theme (if you can tell!)

The end of an epic birthday week, full of fun, adventure and family with always a little drama thrown in. We love having everyone to visit and share in the celebrations as well as our usual activities. Till next time...