A serene setting...

Over the Christmas Holiday we managed to sneak in a quick trip to the Bembridge Cottage. There was a pretty good amount of snow that fell overnight, and we had a beautiful walk in the woods with the kids. Pictures like this make me think that winter can sometimes be more beautiful than summer.

Fiander Fondue

It was a special event for us to host a majority of the Fianders at our home for a Fondue. The kids weren't entirely sure at first, but once the chocolate fondue arrived, they thought it was pretty fun.

What's Christmas dinner without the silly hats?

Jackie, Meredith and Olivia enjoy their turkey dinner.

Guitar Hero 3

Findlay tries a few licks on Guitar Hero 3 with the help of his cousin Mark. The game was a lot of fun, but I prefer the exercise factor involved in DDR (Dance Dance Revolution)

After warming up on the guitar, Findlay moved on to the drums. He was in his glory visiting a house full of BIG boys!

The Christmas Morning Melee

Once the stockings are hung by the chimney with care everything goes to pot! The chaos our poor tree went through this holiday is evident by the garland gone awry. Thanks to the cat. Below is just a sampling of the loot on Christmas morning....

The stockings were hung....

Christmas Eve Dinner

Findlay and Olivia posing for the camera. Our dinner was fabulous, but a little bit later than we had hoped. Next year we'll eat at 4 p.m. to make sure we fit in supper!

A snowy Christmas....

Rowan is all grins during a Tulloch family gathering which included some seaside sledding. Innis played catch at the bottom of the hill to ensure no one went over the edge!






Tullochs like to up the adrenaline quotient with any activity!

The Pyjama Party Cake

Olivia's cake matched her pyjamas that she wore for the party.

Watch for the drool....

Rowan snuggled up very close to Olivia to ensure his chance to sample the cake. Olivia and Rowan share a special relationship and it shows at these types of family gatherings.

She's TEN!

Some days it's hard to believe Olivia is ten, and then other days she seems 14! She had a blast during a number of birthday celebrations and the excitement from her birthday just seems to help with the building of the Christmas excitement!

Winter has arrived!

The snow this early in December has been a real blessing. The kids love playing outside again, and they're getting so much more fresh air than they had been even a week ago! The snow gear has taken a beating though and we've had to replenish our supply of mitts, hats and boots to allow for drying time!

I can't say the snowy weather has kicked my Christmas readiness into gear though. I'll get there. I always do, just a little later than most.

Enjoy this photo of Finn playing in the first snow that stayed this season....