the colours of summer...

Rock pools explored and shells collected...crabs sighted and sandy feet.

Our Christmas vacation was quietly enjoyed...mornings at the beach, afternoon walks in the drizzling rain, quality time with family.

When the sun came out and smiled we had intense heat that needed the use of our new beach umbrella...each afternoon i could not resist the call of a lazy nap snuggled in 

with the my boys and my little baby bump. 

summer rain...

Santa delivered well...a surfboard was requested back in September. The first surf was in the rain 2 days after Christmas (i took photos whilst huddled under a huge umbrella)

With stiff legs and tightly clenched hands...he desperately wanted to surf with his Daddy.

 He was determined, unsure, cold and simply gorgeous. x

sleep sweet santa sleep...

you have much to do...

Wishing you all a festive Christmas sprinkled with magic and love.

When you all pop by my little space...it makes me smile and your sweet words are just so kind! Following your creative spaces inspires my everyday...and i can't wait for more in 2011.

x Merry Christmas x

 Special gifts...

We have been busy wrapping, creating, baking, and singing and so much more ...life has been busy. 

I have only had such limited time to visit all my favourite blogs and popping by the lovely Amanda from Homely One just made my evening. Amanda passed on the "You Are Gifted" award to me, and her kind words really made me smile. Amanda's blog is full of warm homely inspiration and she has the sweetest little girl called Grace...pop by and say hello...you will love Amanda's warmth and creativity.

What i love about these awards is being able to make sweet blogger friends smile...without a doubt my favourite blog to read at the moment is sunshine and ceremony. The gorgeous Denise (and she really is) i am lucky enough to know this very talented girl personally and call her my dear friend. 

Denise writes about her 2 little sunshine's, showcases stunning images, beautiful objects has a flair for finding little treasures and has a real love for life and family. 

So Denise my inspiring, thoughtful, generous friend...you have been gifted (although i feel i have been gifted... to have you as a true friend) x

There are so many amazing and talented bloggers out there...and they all deserve this sweet award. Thank you Amanda for thinking of me!

Speaking of gifts...we really have enjoyed wrapping and crafting and a little bit of handmade gifting this year. I found vintage fabric that i turned into little swing tags and used as gift wrap. Also had fun making little bibs and body suits into fun Christmas gifts for little one's to wear...during the festive season.

Only 4 more sleeps....we have been counting down.
I hope to be back before the magic of Christmas Eve x

Creating Christmas memories around the home...

Our first batch of ginger bread cookies seemed a little crumbly...we had lots of fun though. We placed them in a tin and took them to Playgroup and decorated them with little friends. yum!

  

I enjoy collecting Christmas decorations....they remind me of fun times and old adventures. The little ski's are a reminder of two wonderful white Christmas's spent in France. And the wooden decoration below is from the most magical Christmas store.

We love celebrating Christmas as a little family...but where has the month of December gone? x

The magic of the reindeer...

Oats and glitter....gives extra energy to the reindeer's 

(ensuring Santa makes it the whole way around the world)

oh, the concentration and determination!

We packaged up the reindeer food for our little Playgroup friends....we prepared gift tags and added little bells, string and a fun little message!

To my friend Santa...

We thought, discussed, typed, printed, decorated, stuck down, almost re-opened and finally posted!

Creating Christmas Magic...

Christmas celebrations are now in full swing at our house...the tree went up with the help of eager little hands. Angels are hung, candles have been lit, fairy lights are twinkling and a turkey was cooked and enjoyed. We even had the enjoyment of Nana's Christmas pudding which we topped with warm custard for dessert. The best part of our weekend was turning of all the lights and eating Christmas pudding together under our twinkling tree...admiring our gorgeous decorations, lights and humming "One little Christmas tree" and "Let it snow"

A time of giving, hope and joy...

A thrifted find on my son's very first Christmas two years ago...this year he understands the magic.

 It's simply perfect, sweet and warms the heart.

 At night we take an evening walk...the fairy lights are twinkling, we light little candles and listen to carols as we play. A little Santa bell hangs by his bed...sometimes the Santa bell joins us on our walks. 

Christmas is a time for giving, hope and joy. 

Christmas is the time above all others, when peace may visit earth and find a dwelling place in every heart. 

Let's hope so anyway!

ps. Find a copy if you can... the author is Joan Walsh Anglund

 and i am back from a bloggy rest...and delighted to be back. 

x