Seven Sleeps to Go

Now I'm trying not to panic... only seven sleeps to go and it is Christmas. I still have presents to buy, food to organise and packing to do. The crazy thing for those of us living in the southern hemisphere is that all our institutions finish up for the year at the same time as Christmas. So schools are breaking up and having prize givings. Dancing, music and sporting groups all have their end of year functions and concerts. There is a general feeling of panic as December disappears under an avalanche of diary entries. This year we also have a daughter in the Cathedral choir and Christmas is a particularly busy time for them. Not that I am complaining as we have been listening to some lovely Christmas Carols being practiced around the house.
Like many New Zealanders we will be heading off on holiday(vacation) once Christmas comes. We go and stay by the beach in a bach (kiwi word meaning simple holiday home pronounced "batch"). This year we have bought a tent that we will use as overflow accommodation for guests and as a bolt hole for the kids. This time of the year is always very unpredictable weather wise and camping really is an exercise in optimism. So with the bach and the tent we should have all bases covered.
This week I have two gorgeous photos of Luci, who is three years old. She is having a lovely time beside the lake in the winter time. At that age everything is a fascinating discovery and she's a real sweety.
The Toi cape also works really well in the summer. It is so easy to slip it over whatever is being worn be it a T-shirt or pyjamas. Not being lined means that the cape isn't too hot to wear in the summer and the velcroed sides keep the air moving around to keep cool. It is the ideal thing to keep in the car or bag when you are out sightseeing and essential if you are going camping.
I will head off now and start attacking my lists. I will try and do one more post before we head off for sun, surf and sand.
Ka kite