Christmas has come and gone, and I am gearing up for using my new camera in the coming year. It received quite a workout in fact, yesterday, on our trip down the Great Ocean Road as I fully discovered the addicting pleasure of the click-click-click of an SLR. But before I move on, I'd like to post a few more pictures of our time with my family over the holidays.
We have been told that the temperature today will reach 40 degrees Celsius, 104 degrees F. Considering that we wore jackets yesterday on the beach, and that at the time of writing this (7am) it is 57 degrees F, we find the forecast hard to believe. We have been repeatedly assured, however, that such swings in temperature are not only possible, but common. Fortunately we have an invitation to spend New Year's Eve poolside.
After much pleading and elaborate justifications on the part of our older two, Ross and I allowed our children to open presents from the Wilkin side of the family on Christmas Eve.
Christmas morning involved an almost unbearable wait as we insisted that Ross be allowed to sleep until 9am. Somehow the children survived, although they did not appreciate the lesson in delayed gratification. After the long-anticipated flurry of emptying the stockings, we settled down for our traditional family brunch.
Four Generations:
Oldest and youngest of the group:
We celebrated my niece's fourth birthday on the 26th of December.
I am back at 9pm on New Year's Eve to report that the wind did kick up from the north well before noon, causing a forty degree jump within three hours or so. The pool proved a wonderful place to spend the afternoon, with the added bonus that we have some tired kids on our hands. We are well on the road to adjusting to the new time, but I suspect all will be asleep well before midnight. In any case, we wish you all a very Happy New Year.
Really excellent pictures, Christie. I know you like the new camera, I've witnessed the joy at first hand, but I think we regular readers of the blog are going to enjoy it, too.
Posted by: Greg | 01/01/2011 at 12:02 AM
I agree - excellent pictures! It was great to see so many closeups of my cousins. I miss those brothers of yours! :) I could just hear the voices and laughter in that living room as if I were there. You did a wonderful job of capturing the spirit.
As for the New Year, we have yet to celebrate but will be in 12 or so hours. The temp is supposed to be high here - possibly the 40's in Pittsburgh, but I would prefer the poolside New Years party! Looking forward to some of that 90 degree weather.
Posted by: Suzanne Pannelle | 01/01/2011 at 01:31 AM
Hi Christie, I am typing this as we travel back home from a visit to NY for Christmas with our families. I love your pictures....all the good close ups...I showed J and E the one of C opening his legos. Katie looks more mature, so pretty with her earrings and bright happy face. I see S has a new AG doll. Loved seeing your Gma and the 4 generations. SO GLAD you got home for the holidays.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Shanda | 01/02/2011 at 08:02 AM
@Shanda---good to hear from you, and I wanted to respond that I had to show Cameron the pictures of your boys' presents as well. Hope you have a safe trip. I thought of you frequently yesterday as I used my new telephoto lens to take hundreds of pictures--especially when I was photographing the seagulls, butterflies and flowers,
Posted by: Christie | 01/02/2011 at 09:08 AM
You have a big new camera AND a telephoto lens? Goodness! Now you're inspiring me to get one of those lenses. :) Isn't photography fun? Thanks for thinking of me, friend! I'm in the process of reading your latest blog entry and imagining the gorgeous Australian weather.
Posted by: Shanda | 01/03/2011 at 08:37 AM