We are on the waterfront in Hobart TAS for New Years. A front row seat to the city fireworks. The “kids” (9:30) show was pretty spectacular. It will be great to see what the midnight show will be.

Laura had a friend come over the other afternoon to decorate cookies. Colin was happy for his turn after they were done.

Colin and I headed out for a bicycle ride yesterday.

We did 12 km, found a new path, and stopped for slushy drinks.

Showing off some Xmas morning surprises.

Headlamp in the stocking:

Chocolate frogs:

Melbourne footy team hoodie and new astronomy book:

Colin set up his own bedroom for free stuffy snuggles during the open house, just in case any of the kids needed a snuggle from one of his stuffed toys.

“Free Stuffy Snuggling. Just ask! (kids only!)”

I am a volunteer guide for the colony of penguins that live nearby. I advise people not to take flash photography and stay back from the penguins, answer questions, and so on. It was a beautiful night and the holidays, so there was a lot of crowd control tonight. This is what it looks like when penguins want to cross the path.

I got to see plenty of penguins tonight and nobody was a jerk, so it was a good evening.

We spent the afternoon on Christmas in our Ugly Christmas Rashies at the beach. It was a great way to get out some energy.

The kids had fun burying Sarah.

The kids are having a great time again this year completing their advent calendars.

They love doing the tree that Grandmother made for them, and the Jacquie Lawson one on the computer from Grandpa.

We all went to the Australian Ballet Company production of Nutcracker.

It was different from any of the other ones we’ve seen which was a nice change. It was well danced and everyone enjoyed it.

Colin and Laura and I are taking sailing lessons this week.

Part of sailing is rigging down the boat at the end f the day and storing everything away.