Today we went for a drive to the Blue Lake (Tikitapu). We enjoyed seeing the ducks swimming on the lake.  There were also lots of seagulls and a playground. We all had fun playing in the playground. There was an unusual octoride with four swings off a centre pole – fun for the big people to enjoy as well.  Jennifer always loves the swings and had fun on the spinning disc, James’ favourite was the slippery slide. We found a nice grassy and shady spot for a picnic lunch and fed some bread to the ducks.

We visited the Central Mall and decided to post Jennifer’s letter to Santa as he was busy preparing for his big night.  There was a special postal bag with a red sticker for letters to Santa Claus. Jennifer decided to buy James, a Bob the Builder book called, “Scrambler and the Snowy rescue”.

When we got home Jennifer and Mummy baked scones for afternoon tea and made popcorn for our snacks.

In the afternoon we went to Lake Tarawera, it is a beautiful lake with another great playground. We played and had so much fun and thought we must come back again another day.  James loved running across the bridge

As a special treat we had a family movie and watched, “Mickey Mouse Once upon a Christmas”. There was a little bit of wrapping to do then we asked Ian if we could spread the Reindeer sprinkles that Mrs Trudgian and Mrs Taylor gave Jennifer in her Christmas Pre Prep Party bag.  He said yes so we followed the directions on the packet which said, “On Christmas Eve before you go to bed, sprinkle this magic Reindeer food on your lawn. The glitter sparkling in the moonlight and the smell of the oats will guide Rudolf and the other reindeer right to your door!”  We also put out some carrots for the reindeer to eat (or James whoever can get to them first!”) and a plate of cookies for Santa.