Australia & New Zealand - Day 44 - 9th July

DAY 44

Now, it is usual for this group of people to celebrate a second Christmas in July which is the coldest month of the year.  This year was to be no exception and today was the day.

The veg was all prepared, so, after a breakfast of croissants, toast, tea and coffees some of us walked into the village while arranging to meet the others when they drove in later with the kids. A pleasant morning was spent in the village visiting the quaint shops and checking out the local pub and pie shop.

THere they are again. I wonder why it's called Kangaroo Valley?

An array of small shops

The English, Scottish and Australian Bank 

Lucie and Amy on their way to the old record and book shop where I was lurking

The English, Scottish & Australian Bank Limited was a former bank which was founded in 1852 by Royal Charter in London and was known as the English, Scottish and Australian Chartered Bank, colloquially "ES&A Bank". It was merged with the Australia and New Zealand Bank in 1970.  It is now a fudge house. 

We all had a pie in the pie shop, mine was steak with roasted mushrooms accompanied with mushy peas and gravy. Delicious.  The pub was called the Friendly Inn and it certainly was.  

The Pie Shop

Ellie enjoying something in the pie sho

The boys arranged to meet there later in the afternoon for a pint before the Christmas Dinner so when we were ready we headed back to the house to prepare for the meal.

There are plenty of colourful birds over here 

A timber dwelling 

Here come the girls - lagging behind 

Amy, Lucie, Nic, Ellie and Cerys finally make it home

Amy had earlier prepared the veg and later would tackle the clean-up single handedly, Alex looked after Ellie and Cerys in the Jacuzzi while Alfie looked after the other kids.  Lucy, Adam and Super chef Nic set about cooking the meal.  I was the official photographer.

The audience in the gallery

Master chef Nic making the apple crumble

The table set for Christmas dinner 

After the girls were out of the Jacuzzi and the dinner was well under way, the boys went back into the village for a couple before returning home in time for dinner.  The pub was a typical Aussie small town pub with the additional attractions of accommodation, family dining room and a take away bottle shop.  It would have been great to stay here longer, but we could not. We had to get back back after two drinks.

Main entrance to the Friendly Inn

Part of the main bar

When we got back Nic was in total control and the others chipped in to assist and it was great that 7 adults and 5 children were able to sit together at the same table.  The meal really was excellent and was enjoyed by everybody.

Dylan and Rosie waiting patiently

Rosie and Alex 

Dinner is served 

Dylan getting stuck in 

Arlo, best dressed by far

Ellie and Cerys about to pull a cracker

Dylan, Alfie and Adam 

Cerys and Ellie had done the place cards

Lucie finds something funny

When dinner was over, Kris KRingle took place when small presents were exchanged.  It really did feel like Christmas. After which the children were made ready for bed ands the boys plus Nic moved downstairs while Amy and Lucie stayed in the upstairs lounge. Amy was later to do the clearing up all single handed.  An immense feat.

The kids getting excited

Adam opening his

Rosie gets a present

Nic and Arlo 

Those of us down below enjoyed a 'party' game introduced to us by Adam and Nic and we all had a laugh after which we just chilled, drank and chatted.  What a great day.