Family | The Lattimore Acre

Christmas Day 2009

The anticipation for Christmas this year was enormous. It was the first Christmas that Ben understood that Santa was coming. He didn’t totally understand as he had us up early everyday for a week before Christmas. One morning I heard him wake and hurry to the lounge room where he said ‘Been naughty no presents’ and then he began to cry. But of course Santa did eventually come and Christmas day was magical. Ben woke early and we all hurried out of bed to see his response to Santa’s offerings. But it wasn’t excitement….. Ben was in Santa shock. He stood (still half asleep) observing all the loot. It only took a few minutes to warm up and then the Santa sack was being emptied, and he was on his trike. We had to wait for family to arrive to open the presents under the tree. It nearly killed me. Once again Santa was very kind to us all….. thanks Santa xoxo.

The weather man predicted rain on Christmas day, which I don’t think anyone really thought would happen. We traditionally have high temperatures. But to our surprise the weather man was correct and it did rain….. which was just so lovely. Mum, Dad, Andrew, Ben, Darrin, Carly and myself all indulged in Christmas lunch to the sound of rain on the tin roof. I think it was an extra present from Santa. I also had made a fabulous play list of Christmas carols on the ipod. Christmas just isn’t Christmas without carols….. well my brother doesn’t think so. I wondered how long it would take Darrin to crack. To my surprise he survived nearly the whole lunch. It was the Christmas Macarena that did it and fair enough it did have us all in hysterics. Our lunch included baked glazed ham, chicken, pear and beetroot salad, Mum’s special salad, rolls, rum balls, icecream pudding, ginger bread, fruit mince pies and the odd beverage. By mid afternoon we had had our fill when we retired to the lounge. Some of us had a snooze while others watched DVD’s that Santa had given. Al, Claire, Hugo, Auntie Lorriane, Sterle and Grandma Coles popped in from the coast for a late afternoon visit. We all indulged in a little more food and beverage. There really is nothing quiet like Christmas – family, friends, food, laughter and I can’t forget Santa.

Santa…….

Presents…….

Lunch…… (he’s not related)

Snoozing…..

Santa…friend or foe?

Why do parents insist on the annual Santa photo? Why can’t we just leave it be when your toddlers clings to you for dear life when you try and put them on Santa’s lap? We had a few goes this year. Thanks to Joseph, Daddy and Grandma it didnt end in tears….. just slight terror!

First attempt was with his little friend Joseph. Joseph went first to show Ben how it was done… but he was still not that keen.

Second attempt with Daddy. He looked ok….. but lucky we kept the glasses on you can’t see the fear in his eyes.

Third and final attempt was with Grandma. Ben started to warm up a little… maybe we should have gone for a forth attempt?

What did melt my heart though was every time we went to see Santa he asked Ben what he wanted for Christmas. Ben would respond ‘Just a present’. I had a tear every time!

Helping??

We recently spruced up the house and yard a little before we put it on the market. We are very lucky that it sold before we had to do any advertising but none the less it looked lovely all tidyed and polished. I will post again when everything goes unconditional (bit nervous about the whole process). Of course Ben had to assist with the process. Here he is helping Dad in the garden and mum with the interior photos… got to love him!

Snip Snip

Never leave toddlers alone with scissors – what was I thinking!!

Construction Site – Ipswich Children’s Gallery

The Ipswich Art Gallery’s current children’s exhibition comes straight from Ben’s dreams. It is all about construction, hard hats and remote controls! You can design and build your dream cubby, dress up in construction worker safety clothes and drive the radio-controlled construction machinery. I don’t know who enjoys it more…. Ben or Daddy! The Ipswich Art Gallery are continually offering exhibitions and programs that are designed to reflect children’s interests and provide opportunities for children to make their own art works, discover new ideas, interact with their families and play. I am continually overwhelmed by the Gallery’s generosity. It really is an exceptional experience for young children.

Cool Tricks….Cool Tricks

We can blame this one on YO GABBA GABBA (a particularly strange children’s television program on ABC Kids). Ben had been eating his breakfast and began to play with his spoon – breathing on it and placing it on his nose. I asked him what he was trying to do and his response was ‘Cool tricks, cool tricks….’ He had just watched someone do the same trick on Yo Gabba Gabba. He thought he was so clever, especially when I tried and I couldn’t do it!!