That Time of Year.....

I can't imagine any of my friends who used to check this blog are still checking it because it has been so long since I posted anything, however, if anyone does check in: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I hope it is a safe one and full of lovely memories.

Holidaying in Byron Bay

Tom at the playground in Byron

I always get exceptionally nostalgic at this time of year, my boys are extra angelic (even if they are not, which is more like it), everything is full of wonder and I am very thankful for all my blessings.  See what I mean?  It's just that time of year, I refuse to get caught up in commercialisation and I ensure that I spend lots of time setting up family traditions and spending time with family and friends. I did my Christmas shopping on the last week of November and I haven't been back other than for groceries.  I will not get caught up in that, 'just one more' mind set, or 'last minute gifts' that marketers drum into us.
We've put up the Christmas tree, and in the past two years we have made a tradition of going to a local berry farm with friends and berry picking some fresh raspberries and strawberries.  Mums and kids love it equally and it's just fun.  So that's going to be an annual thing.  We had a Barbie with friends (19 inc. kids) and which was great.  I didn't quite cater enough, but there was plenty of wine and beer, and the kids got to stay up late, so everyone was genuinely happy.  We've had Christmas lunch with my family last weekend because we are spending Christmas day with Jim's family.  My sister is home from OS with her family which is also very special as it's the first time in 4 years.

Fun in the Sun

It's a wonderful month if you don't get caught up in the stress, I really do love Christmas time.
I've done my Christmas Cards, but don't stress if you don't have yours, some have only just gone, so they will be late but they are coming!!
Jim is taking a break from work over the next couple of weeks, but we are staying home and hopefully enjoying the beach and spending time with friends.  We are lucky enough to live in a coastal town, so no need to go away for holidays (vacations).

U2

I went to my first live concert for a long time a couple of weeks ago too.  I saw U2 for the third time.  The first time I was 13y.o.  The next time I was about 20 y.o. (they don't come to Australia very often!)   I missed the third time they were here because we were in the US and do you think I could get a ticket in Chicago.  They did about 15 shows and I could not get a ticket - unbelievable!  Anyway, I went this time and only because a friend suggested it and bought the tickets.  I'm so, so glad I went.  I had forgotten what a huge U2 fan I am and I loved, loved it.  It was an amazing show, and the sound was fabulous and I was just so excited to see them and hear all their songs.  It was fantastic.
I also was spoilt in November and had two nights away from the boys.  One Saturday I went to Melbourne and caught up with my Uni (College) friends.  We are all on different paths and don't live nearby so we don't catch up as often as I would like.  It was great to go out for dinner, share a couple of bottles of wine and a laugh.  I really enjoyed the night.  I stayed up with one of the girls in a hotel and headed home the next morning.  The following weekend, I did the same thing but caught up with my High School/Secondary School friends.  Once again, a few bottles of wine, many laughs and a beautiful dinner made for a great night.  Stayed  up in Melbourne again ( and did a bit of shopping on the Saturday in the afternoon which was fun and just not possible with two little boys!) but was up early the next morning to head home for a Fun Run.
Yep - up at 6:30am to drive down and meet up with my friend Julia and run 12km (about 7.5 miles).

Me and Andy at the Races

I did it last year and wrote about it.  It's called Run Geelong and it raises money for the local Children's ward at the hospital.  Similar vein to St. Jude in the US.  Anyway, Julia and I run together when we can, which is so unreal.  She's a mum too, so finding co-ordinating times is a challenge but even if we don't run together we text each other for encouragement which is great.  So we did the run and in strict contrast to last year the sun was shining, there was a cool breeze and it was just a beautiful morning, we got a better time than we had anticipated so we were stoked.  I think the high lasted about 3 days for me!  I'm entered into three beach runs over January.  I did one last year which I really enjoyed, so I gave myself the challenge to do all 3 (one each week) this year.  They are between 8 - 10km each and because a lot of people are on holidays, they get good crowds.  Exciting!
That's about most of my news over the past couple of months.  We went to the races again too (see last years post) and had another great day - love getting dressed up.  November and December have been jam packed and good months.  Winter is always quiet here, but once the sun starts to shine again I get really motivated to get out and do more.  I should be more consistent about it I suppose!
Best wishes to you and your families for Christmas... thinking of you all.

Angus

Reggie xxx

Love Nai and her boys