Holiday Travels and Family Fun - Christmas in Australia

It doesn't get much better than having all the family together to celebrate.  This year our youngest hosted the Sheppard Clan gathering, and it meant lots of travel for everyone else.  Flights from Western Australia and Far North Queensland as well as long road trips from Brisbane, and of course from the village.
Destination - Young NSW!

The South West Slopes of NSW in summer time can be a delight for the senses, and afternoon storms simply add spice to the experience.

The air is so clear and the colours sharper somehow, out in the countryside.  And after the storm we are treated to the occasional rainbow.

Xmouse Eve was HOT!
What better way to cool down than under the garden sprinkler.

Aphrodite and her helpers (my daughter and grand-daughters) ........................... and a bunch of Adonises (my boys and grandson) ................................. guns are us!

Xmouse Day - and breakfast on the front verandah.

Santa called in ................(really took a shine to my other daughter)

The 2012 Cherry Festival Charity Queen graced us with her presence ........................... (special thanks to Edwina)

Presents were handed out........................

The cousins called in to say hello to Gran..............................

Lunch was at Uncle John's and Aunty Val's.
Getting everyone together for a photo was something of a chore:

But it all worked out in the end:

Boxing Day was Picnic Day - a long standing Australian Christmas Tradition.

A game of bocce.............................

Throw a frisbee anywhere near water and ..................

And while the boys got wet, three generations of the family's girls went for a stroll:

Make that four generations ................

It was a fabulous recognition of family ....................... and a fitting way to celebrate the season of peace.

Here is some  John Williamson - Christmas in Australia -

Special thanks to the LOML for the use of many of her photos in this BLOG post.