And so Happy Christmas!

After all the frivolity of the end of school year (and end of school for good for Claire), December couldn't come around fast enough, heralding the wind-down of craziness and work, and increase of silly season activities.

The girls transformed from the blonde (orange) featured at the end of the school year, to bright colours (Claire later went dark / bright blue)

Whilst we were in the QVB (the girls were visiting dad at his office there), we recreated a memory from quite some time back - may 35 odd years ago...

And then it's Christmas - preparing, celebrating and eating!  Spud was first to get into the spirit, with a fresh cut and a beautiful bow tie!

It was then time for the Christmas Tree...this year featuring a beaver-topper - the true star of this household!

After all that decorating - Spud really needed a rest!

He's then been keeping a close eye out for any visitors (Santa - better beware!)

This year we finally got around to getting some lights up on the house!

We celebrated with the Sefton Group (as we've done for ~15 years now).

Claire whipped up some cute cupcakes...

And a pretty unique insta-post for the year end!

The girls even (voluntarily) went and took a Santa photo (at Ikea of all places).

And then...it was finally Chrismas!

And whilst we enjoyed a roast-lamb feast with the full family - we failed to take a photo of the food (or the family)... Though we did get one of a festive Pav which Claire whipped up!

Merry Christmas!  Now let's get ready for New Years!