Christmas has come and gone, and it was wonderful!

The Christmas celebrations started at our place with a beautiful Christmas Eve service at our church - so good to get your focus on the most important One right from the beginning.

We had our first Christmas at our new home - and despite fears "it just won't be the same", it was great (1 big bonus was not being woken up at 2am then 4am to check if it was okay to get up and open presents like in previous years)!  We then had a full day of hanging with my side of the family, first at my parents house, then at my Aunt and Uncles home.

Boxing day was Christmas round 2, hosted by my awesome sister-in-law who graciously let us skip hosting this year due to our house being in a bit of a 'renovation disaster' state still (next year!!). Little kids definitely make Christmas, and it's so cute now seeing the next generation getting all excited about presents!

The children have all had such a fabulous Christmas, and I just love those days following where you eat leftovers, don't bother about strict bedtimes, everyone is occupied with their new toys/books/games, and you can just hang with family!

Apparently this coming summer in New Zealand is going to be crazy hot, so we are looking forward to lots of beach trips, local water hole visits and fitting in some renovating amongst it all.

One of the biggest gift hits this Christmas was our youngest getting her biggest dream of some pet frogs!  She has 4 Southern Bell frogs named Jelly, Kevin, Kermit and Rocky.  Her and her dad are having heaps of fun setting up their tank, catching flies and researching all about frogs (continue to keep me in your prayers people - I can sense that after finally having cut down the pet obsession to 1 dog and 1 cat that there is a resurgence of pet addictions coming...).

So wherever you are, sending my holiday love and have a safe and wonderful New Year!

 John 3:16  For God so loved  the world,  that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.