Stu & Christine's Stint in Sydney, Australia: First Aussie Christmas w/ The Simpsons

I spent my first Aussie Christmas up in Atherton, with Stuart & his family of course. I was really looking forward to it. It's always great to go up to visit Barb&Les, Glynis&Steve and the kids, but this time the entire family was going to be there which meant we could visit with Kendall & Cady as well. If I was to spend Christmas away from my family, what better to do it with the Simpson's. They always make sure you are well taken care of and that you feel right at home.

Stuart and I arrived late Thursday nite (we had to work during the day) so the festivities began for us on Friday. The first couple of days were spent touring around Atherton to finish off our Christmas shopping and also to hang out at the pub & Cuda's house so Stuart could catch up with his mates. In the evening, we all gathered for dinner and some drinks. We laughed, we cried (I didn't cry, but some people did...tears of joy I suppose), and we sang (really we did. The 'Pianola' was in full force!). Everyone picked on the Canadian (Kendall was the worst. Making me fetch his beer for him, forgetting about me when going to Glynis', etc. I could've retaliated with some things, for e.g., his inability to get up on water skis, but I didn't), there were great debates, but most of all we had a ball.

Christmas Day arrived and we all gathered to open gifts. Kendall was Santa distributing the presents with some extensive commentary (it was hilarious, you had to be there) and then we all sat down to eat an absolutely fabulous Christmas lunch. It was a massive spread prepared by Les & Barb. I haven't eaten that much at Christmas in all of my life. It was great!

Then Kendall & Cady, and Steve's kids had to catch their flight back to Brisbane so we had to say good-bye. We promised we would each visit each other's city soon, which probably won't happen, but that's fine, Stuart and I have accepted that :)

Overall, my first Aussie Christmas was great and I was so lucky to spend it with the Simpsons. I was worried that I was going to be homesick and sad, but I wasn't and I owe it to them (cheesy isn't it?).

Photo time!