We have now experienced our very first Boxing Day Holiday, and I am still fuzzy on just what one should be doing. I was under the impression that the shops had heaps of clearance sales, but when we tried to go shopping - everything was closed. ?? So, we went to the beach, and found out that was where everyone was. Not a bad way to spend the day in any case. Dan was able to go surfing ... so he was happy. Abby lost another tooth today, so she is eagerly waiting to see if the tooth fairy will bring Australian currency, and how much.
We had a LOVELY Christmas day, as we were so fortunate to be invited to Christmas lunch with friends & family of a friend of Dan's in Eugene. It really is true about the Australian culture, they are so genuinely friendly and good natured. We felt so welcome and included in their celebration even though we had just met them. They even gave little gifts to all of us. Jack and Abby had a fantastic time, and made fast friends with the other kids there - by the end of the day they were running amuk under the deck and in the gardens - no shoes on, with their new mates looking for critters. At one point, a water dragon (very large lizard) about the size of a cat went running across the yard on it's back legs, the sides of its head all frilled out like something you would see on the nature channel. The meal was out of this world, highlighted with the most amazing seafood, fresh prawns, and oysters! So good. For desert, we sampled from some of their cherished dishes - including a scrumptious plum pudding with brandy custard. A walk down the street to the beach rounded out the day where the kids were able to try out their new boogie-boards that Santa left under the tree.
We are thinking of friends and family back home and wishing they are having a happy and wonderful holiday. We have heard that it is a white one!
OK you guys, fess up! Just after I asked you about sharks in the water around the beaches, that very night on CNN they showed the video of the sea kayakers close up encounter with the Great white shark outside of Sydney. One of the guys even fell out of his kayak and had to scramble back up and get pulled in by a fishing boat. Tell me that occurred outside of the "net zone."
ReplyDeleteAnyway, so glad you had a great time on Christmas day and no doubt had a wonderful New Year's Eve. Dad is thrilled I am sure with the Ducks impressive win. We are anxiously pacing around here and just hoping the Beavers don't disgrace themselves or the Pac-10 in the Sun Bowl. Kick off is in two hours! Go BEAVS!
Catch you again later--Jen