Mon, 25th Dec, 2017 House&Dog sit, Eaton (near Bunbury), WA (Christmas)

Up early to video chat with Mum, Dad and boys who are having Christmas morning together. So nice to see all their faces though Jess had gone home as she wasn’t feeling well. Will call her later. Fran had to work so will try her later too. We opened our presents from Mum and Dad in front of the computer so it felt like we were with them.

Mum read out a card from Fran’s parents – it was so lovely it made Mum and me cry. So wonderful to hear from someone else how wonderful our sons are. Greg, Tracy, Matt, Tim and Katie were there too which was great to see them all again – technology is great at times.

I got Fran’s parents’ phone number, Val and Hank, and gave her a call. She sounds lovely and we look forward to meeting them next year.

Had our cereal then Steve cooked the ham (tradition – boys cook Christmas breakfast as the girls do the lunch) and I did the eggs.

Rang Erica, Terry, Dave and Amanda at Woodgate – the kids were somewhere having fun. Looking forward to seeing them all in July.

Another tradition – Steve doing the washing up (Dad always does the Christmas washing up).

Took the dogs for a long walk as they will miss the afternoon one.

Bob and Margaret arrived for a cuppa. I got my potato bake cooking and prepared the corn on the cob and BBQ vegies for lunch with Kev and Linda and the clan. We also took the icecream and my wine of course.

Kev and Linda are house/dog/cat sitting a lovely big home at Leschenault which is not too far away from us. Their two girls, Helen and Loretta and their families were there too so we all had a great time chatting and eating. Should have taken more photos but we were enjoying ourselves too much.

Helen asked me about Brian - she has a great memory as it has been many many years since she had seen him. That reminded me that I was going to ring him as he had the kids coming over for Christmas lunch. Got onto them after they had just finished a yummy trifle that Brian made – I think he was very proud of himself. We had a great chat with everyone.

Had a swim after lunch – it was lovely. Great to spend time with the girls again and their families are lovely.

Played a Finish game, Finska which was great fun. Steve won the first and only game he played – go out on a high he reckons.

We had a wonderful day and headed home about 7.30.  Found some lovely Christmas lights in the estate. Checked the dogs and gave them a treat as we had given them their dinner before we left. No need for dinner tonight for us – just a Christmas chocolate with our coffee.

Marlene (homeowner) had texted and had left us wine and chocolates too which was lovely. Kev and Linda gave us some presents – naughty but nice of them.