Never mind Santa, my family came to town.

I am the youngest of four and Christmas week, all but one of us were in my house. Kids and one partner included. My eldest sister lives overseas so coming home very year is not a possibility, especially with her own extended family in her adopted home.

As a family we all get on pretty well. There are always plenty of laughs and loads of fun. Not so many arguments. Whether that is from not needing to say anything or diplomacy it doesn’t matter. Even the kids get on well, with few issues.

It is during these times of big family get togethers that I am happy I had my kids early, or at least that they are the eldest. Makes for a few less things to worry about. Back in the day when I was the only one with kids, it was awkward for me. Several times over the past week it was mentioned that ‘No, we do not want any more kids..’ As cute and lovely as our nieces and nephews are.

The ages of the kids last week were, 16, 13, and two lots each of 9, 5 & 2. Yeah, our house was busy and noisy and only a couple of times when the Mr 2 got a little rough. Because of this age gap, my older two were in their boy cave mostly until we dragged them out. I am not immune to their negative points, but they were polite, helpful and played well with the younger ones. Teenagers maybe, but good kids none the less.

You would think that with this meany people all hell would break loose. Not so. It was amazingly well organised. We never ran out of hot water between showers, baths and constant washing up. A routine of sorts was set quite early on, and it seemed to work. I even had to fight my way to the sink a few times, I like washing up, and have never been beaten to it in my own house. I think am definitely the home body out of all us. They kept telling me to sit and relax, and even scoffed at how neat their folded washing was ‘did you iron this?’ I just do it if it needs doing. And in a strange way, enjoy it. Necessary evil, but why hate it when it still has to be done.

My brother and his family came with the idea to just sit and chill and do pretty well nothing. This was done easy to accommodate and a date night was included. With 3 extra baby sitters how hard could it be. Mr 5 and Miss 2

My sister arrived with plans to visit a few friends and other family. Misters 5 & 2 and Miss 9

while I just potted about and kept the washing machine and coffee pot going as required, and enjoyed hubby’s company – he came home earlier than expected!

One day was spent at Huonville, just under an hours drive away, where we commandeered the bbq hut and spent a lovely day of family and fun. After lunch all but mum and I went for a ride in the paddle boats before ice creams were bought and devoured in the warm afternoon sun.

Back at our house kids dragged various parents down the hill to the beach where they could hunt for crabs under the rocks, or explore the bush line. A few times we got our timing wrong and the tide was in so no playing could happen.

The house was very quiet the day they left. Everyone had driven out by 8.30 for either a long drive or an early flight out of Hobart. A few misplaced items were found, but by all accounts packing was done with minimal left overs. Gotta be a first.
Now, as I write this, hubby is just a day away from heading back to work for 3 weeks in PNG and my eldest has arrived in Qld for his holiday. We had a very lazy New Year’s Day which included a short walk with the dog and a game of beach naughts and crosses.

Jennifer

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