Getting Friendly With Santa

We have been letting Clay lead with Santa interactions this year - we didn't want to push / scare him.  Every time we went to the shopping centre Clay would approach Santa himself - started off by getting close, then waving, then a hi 5, then today Santa asked for a cuddle- he wasnt too sure but let Santa pick him up for a quick chat, then put back down when he asked.

Hopefully we gave a drama free Santa photo this year!

Getting ready for Peppermint

Only a few more sleeps till Clay's elf Peppermint arrives from the North Pole!  

Kristy enjoys Peppermint's antics and brought some props for this year :D  She gave us some goodies when she was here for her card camp - some shoes and a figurine friend, plus...

A tent, sleeping bag, fishing rod amd camp fire set

A bath tub!

Wine?!? 

When we were in Yeppoon for Bec's birthday she gave me some scrapping goodies and another prop for Peppermint - a Flamingo pool float lol 

I got this cute elf door set at Kmart a few weeks ago and the sweet tea set.

Looking forward to another year of Christmas fun :)

Santa's Arrival Parade

This morning we went to the shopping centre where Craig works to see Santa's arrival / parade.  Clay has shown interest in Santa this year - pointing him out on TV ads and even approaching him and waving at the shops.  This is a huge improvement to last year, when he would see Santa and start yelling "no no no" and try to get away from him. 

He really enjoyed the parade (apart from a drum band - too loud / noisy for him) and was excited to see Santa :)

                               

                             

It's not the best angle / pic, but I love the expression of awe on Clay's face as Santa gave him a high 5 ❤

Hopefully all these positive interactions with Santa will lead to a happier / less traumatizing Santa photo this year - fingers crossed!!!!

Layout

After I finished making my OTP I had some time to scrap.  I was feeling inspired by some recent pics of our weekend away and managed to start and finish this LO!

OTP - Box and Candle

Today at Simply Crafty Jessica did a Stampin' Up! demo for us.  We made these cute boxes and decorated a candle.

Everday Moments

Warmer weather means it's time to make some iceblocks - love these reusable moulds!

My desert tose has bloomed.

After lots orf rainy weather, crazy work rosters and a yucky green pool - we finally had the pool cleaned and an afternoon off - so had our first swim for the season!  Look8ng forward to lots more :)

Clay and I spent the day with Ma Ma for her birthday last week - some fun splashing in the pool and silly fun with glasses.

Veges roasting in oven ready to make pasta sauce

Thrifty Thursday

It's been too long between op shop visits, but recently I had 2 separate times where I got to pop in for a look :)  one shop I only had 5 minutes to look, but did manage to find this game (no missing pieces!) - $4

Last week mum, Clay and I spent the morning together- we went to 3 of my fave op shops followed by delicious Chinese lunch.  Some Christmas theme goodies.  Wrapping paper 50% off original price - $2.50

Light spikes $1.00 - got 2 packets of these.  Craig's already started talking about how he's going to set up the Xmas lights this year :)

Sequin pack $2

An Australian themed christmas book 20c - love having these in our collection.  Two books 50c each - to use while the cousins are here for holidays.  I thought the science book was experiments- so think I will offer that to a friend that teaches primary school.

A gorgeous top for me $6

A stunning dress for Becca from the same shop $6

A very sturdy stool $4 - mum is going to cut it down for me to use as a foot step.

A rotating cushion to put in the car - to help get in / out easier $4

Have you found any op shop goodies lately?

Super Cell

Late yesterday afternoon we were hit with a super cell storm.  I've never seen / esperienced a storm like that - it was insane!!  I was still at work when it hit - so didn't see the storm rolling in, but there were some amazing photos posted on Facebook.  These 2 are the most stunning!!

(Photo credit - Inzane Images)

(Photo credit - Sandy James Horton)

The shopping centre where Craig works was evacuated due to water coming into the building.   On the way home we saw power lines down, whole trees pulled up from the roots, fences knocked over- all from 30 mins of storm!!  We got home and found the only damage was half the tree at the front had been kocked down.  

We didn't have any power so got the torch and glow sticks out :)  I love this picture of Clay!

We eneded up getting power back at lunch time today - 19 hours after the storm hit.  We are lucky - there's still a few people without power.

Cards

The last few unfinished cards.

Cards

I added the finome cards I started at