Christmas Day

A fantastic Christmas day here in New Zealand. It started cloudy, but soon got warmer. It's 8pm and still 20C outside.

Kids loved the new playhouse that had been left in the garden last night - assembling it took longer than expected and involved over 50 mozzie bites. But it looks awesome.

After breakfast, we opened presents with the grandparents on Skype. It was great being able to share opening the kids presents with them, and both kids were showing off as if Nanny and Grandad were in the room.

Both kids loved their presents. Youngest son was so excited with presents he got, he hasn't opened them all yet as he was happy playing with the ones already open.

Mrs Hurtmore bought me some great gifts including a Dangerous Experience to look forward to, and a Power Tool That I Wanted.

A couple of drinks and some chocolate whilst doing odd preparations.

Mrs Hurtmore prepared an awesome "light roast" of Chicken, Smashed Roasted New Potatoes, Kumara, Peppers, Homegrown Beans and Baby Carrots, with some Devils on Horseback on the side, followed by Plum and Apple Crumble with Icecream. Yum. 5 hours later and I'm still full.

In the afternoon we went outside and played in the garden for an hour, with the sprinkler running to keep the kids cool. I think I've got a little bit sunburned on my face. Saw loads of butterflies, lizards and birds in the garden.

Then we came inside, youngest so tired that he was begging to be put into bed (seriously, he was pointing to cot and trying to get in himself). Mrs Hurtmore is taking a well deserved nap on the sofa. I'm exhausted myself and planning to have an early night.

Merry Christmas to all of you wherever you are... I hope you have (had) a great day!