Christmas Accomplished

It is a beautiful morning here in Russell.  The cyclone-induced storms are behind us for the moment... or still ahead, depending on how you look at it, since more bad weather is on the way.  But, right now, it is lovely.  The family is still sleeping, so I sit here with my cup of tea, and wave a cheery greeting to you, dear reader, on the last day of 2012.  What do you mean, that's tomorrow?  Well, Papillon and New Zealand live in the future, and here it's almost over.

Many of our younger readers have asked, did Santa come?  How did he find us?  Fear not, young nibblets - Santa found us, and delivered presents under our very noses.

Omi made Stollen, which is essential for any decent gift-giving affair.

Blurry from sheer deliciousness.

The girls got new wetsuits (extra vest and hood not shown) and boogie boards, and have already logged a hundred hours with them.  (An extra shout-out to the good people at Wettie in Auckland, who specially-made a small wetsuit for Indy, and did a fabulous job.)

"Which way to the waves, dude?"

The ladies each received a scooter.  Stylish was a past expert, but this was something new for Indy.  After a few initial difficulties and one barely-averted tantrum, she was merrily zipping along just like her big sister.

"Ride to freedom, amiga!"

And Erik got his dog clippers.

Hooray, hooray, hooray!

Oh, you think I'm joking?

Do you think they'll add Erik's picture in with the horse and those poodles?

Yes, Erik is eager to have a go with the Oster Golden A-5s.  They don't have the plastic guides, as you would for human hair, so we are going to have to be pretty careful not to clip him down to nothing.

Today, we are taking the ferry to Paihia to visit the Waitangi treaty grounds.  We're making the most of our non-cyclone weather while it lasts.

Happy New Year!