Grace has been wanting to try ice skating for a little while now, so while Donné and the boys stayed at home, I took her for a daddy-daughter ice skating date.

First time at the ice rink

I did surprise myself that I was still able to actually stand on ice skates, and Grace gradually grew in confidence while we were there. She actually progressed pretty quickly and had good stable feet, even throwing a back sideways leg out when she got a bit unstable. She held onto my hand for most of the skating, and we just got gradually faster as the session progressed.

The face after her first fall

She was even able to be a bit silly at times….

We both really had a good time together and she thoroughly enjoyed the ice skating. For most of the rest of the day her words to me were, “Dada, I really enjoyed the ice skating,” and then later she was really sweet when she said, “Dad, I didn’t only enjoy the ice skating, I enjoyed the morning with you.”

And to end it all off? Ice scream!

Other than kite flying, our summer sport range is expanding – now we have both swing ball (thank you Gogo and Gramps) and cricket on the menu. Swing ball has definitely been a hit (only minor injuries so far), and the cricket season just opened today, so we’re still practicing in the nets.

We went down to the beach to try out Eli’s new kite. Grace got some decent air time, but we didn’t really get it to fly. Time to figure out how to fly a kite properly…. 

A few days ago at bedtime we could hear Grace and Eli plotting. “Okay Eli, it’s going to be a surprise.” 

And the surprise was? Our first Christmas gift from the children, planned on their own, bought with their own money and helped to the shops by  Gogo. 

A yummy box of Turkish delight 

It was a very kind, thoughtful and special gift.

Christmas was a very peaceful day shared with the family. Food, swingball and cuddles. 

Cuddle time for Addy 

Loves for Keren 

Delicious chocolate pavlova 

It was a day of Turkish delight – we made our first Turkish delight ever as gifts for Grampa and Gogo. 

Have a blessed Christmas! May it be filled with peace and happiness, love and joy. Thank you to all of you who have supported and loved us through this year – we appreciate you so much. 

Have a beautiful day, however you decide to celebrate. 

Lots of love from the Drennan’s 

Gramps, wondering why Eli doesn’t eat hamburgers, says “Are you a vegetarian?” Eli answers, “No, I’m a person.”

Flying the couch with Captain Eli

Having a moment with Gogo and Gramps

Snack time!

Getting some Chipski love

Grace and Eli take Addy for a walk to the sea

Grace took Eli on this walk when he was 15 months, and now that Adam is 14 months, he gets to do the same. And it looks like when you are 4 you have a very particular pose for the walk

This is, quite literally, how Adam rolls (that is a mattress on the floor next to a sliding door window, with some cushions pushed into the gap to prevent him from rolling off, which he decided to use as a pillow)

My two sweet girls, spending time together reading their books