Christmas in Invercargill

Christmas day began with the stockings, like in the good ol' days. Peter had organized a $3 limit, so there were lots of mood rings, plastic weapons, pocket tissues, and travel toothbrushes gleaned from airline packets. The hit was the back scratcher that had a noisemaker in it that Karen got.

Although, the canned string was a close second, especially after James and Peter got through with John.

John & Sara with fire starters and helicopter guns. These later evolved into a contest outdoors to see who could get it to fly the farthest. With a tail wind, they managed to get it to fly across the street.

James & Ami enjoying Pete's demonstration of the proper use of the weapon (in his case, a plastic ork ax). They spent most of the morning sitting in the same chair. Karen & I tried it later when we were watching TV -- until my leg went to sleep. Ah, young love (or is it just young skinny bodies?)

Scarves all around were a treat. We were amazed at the variety of patterns, styles, materials and overall sophisticated restults that Libby & Molly were able to achieve.

Karen's scarf was light as a feather and so soft. Mine was very rugged and masculine. Was it made out of hemp?

Christmas crackers were new to us when we got here, but have become a holiday favorite. The little prizes and paper crowns in them are as much fun as popping them.

Although I think Libby has us beat with her Christmas Quackers.

During lunch, I stuck my head out the window to try to capture a photo of the rain peppering down, without much success. The back yard just seems a little hazy here. In 10 minutes it was all over and the sun was shining again. Merry Christmas everyone!