Christmas Day – and the first time in the 30 years I have been with Earl that we have had Christmas here in Struisbaai! And yes – it has been stunning.
We usually celebrate Christmas with our kids in Kokstad and I, the photographer, insist that everybody is dressed before we open presents. This year the tradition with the support of Lauren and Allan was changed somewhat – everybody had to have an early morning run/walk/swim then return to shower and dress before present opening could begin. Simon, Shannon and Josh were up at the proverbial Sparrow’s f*&t and looked decidedly grumpy when they were told that present opening was not going to happen. They roused Jay and he was instantly alert and ready to go. Lauren roused her sister and a Christmas miracle happened. She came albeit reluctantly, to the beach with us!
Struisbaai Beach with the good sports going for a morning jog – Jay at rapid pace, Granny at steady slow slog, Josh encouraging Shan to hurry up.
Once on the beach were like playful puppies again and ready to enjoy the early morning low tide and sea breeze. Jay ran right on ahead, Shannon decided to wait for her parents, Josh kept pace with Jay for a while then ran back to get Simon and then caught up with me just before the Big B where I turn (Jay was already well on his way back to the start point) Sisi is only eight and was doing jolly well. Of course they beat me back but what a pleasure to see my grandsons enjoying an outdoor activity together.
Granny pace
Best part of the day
Back home once everybody was washed and dressed we started the present opening ceremony. Si did the handing out and I of course did most of the photography.
Waiting for Christmas
Look what Santa gave me
Oh Wow
Cool Stuff
Simon reading the names
How do I read this novel?
You don’t read it. It reads to you!
The gift chosen by Joshua was a tiny clock set in an old fashioned telephone. It came in a wooden box – so when Lisa opened it she thought it was jewellery box. Big surprise when she found another little gift inside.
An old fashioned telephone clock! Just what I always wanted
Laurie’s gift to Simon
Jay and Shan
Josh opening his gift
Thanks Kids!
The kids couldn’t wait to try out Simon and Shannon’s new game and there were shrieks and giggles as they tried to figure out the words from clues given in less than 30 seconds a go.
Kids playing Thirty Seconds
After breakfast we headed to the beach where the kids had fun on the boogy boards and the parents mainly lay in the sun. The tide was coming in and so the four cousins tried to fight it with their forts and castles. It was great to see that Jay and Joshua, in spite of being in their teens were quite happy to join the younger ones in this simple game.
Having fun on Struisbaai Beach
Josh
Shannon joins in
The tide finally came and chased them from their fortress and it was time to get out of the sun.
Our youngest, Laurie, had Christmas lunch with her father’s family and then drove up to join us in time for Christmas supper. It was wonderful to have the extended blended family together again.
Our Dinner was cooked in the Weber
Lauren prepared delicious peri peri chicken livers for our starter.
Getting the starter together
The kids were exhausted after an exciting and fun-filled day and after helping most efficiently with the cleaning up were all in bed by 9 o’clock. The adults relaxed with a cup of coffee and watched Love Actually and enjoyed the Christmas Lights.
Allan and Laurie enjoying the Christmas Lights
Diary of an Adventurous Retiree 