The whirlwind has stopped

Okay, I'm tired. Probably mored tired than I am after a good race. The tiredness though has all been worthwhile though. I have been totally blessed to be able to spend it with family on all 3 days and eat more than my fair share of good food and definately more than my fair share of alcohol. But, if you can't do it over the festive season - WHEN CAN YOU DO IT.

On Christmas Eve we all spent it at Dad's. I had a great night - food was just delicious. Dad's partner is Lebanese and the food is always to die for - and one is never short of a good feed by any stretch of the imagination. There was Taboulleh, baby lebanese sausages, hommous, salad, My potato bake, BBQ chicken, Kibbeh (a national Lebanese dish which consists of raw meat, ground onion and wheat). Sounds gross but totally the most delicious thing I have tasted in a while.

Kids got to enjoy spending time with their friend and they really enjoyed the evening. We didn't get home on till 1:30am and by that stage I was totally knackered. Christmas Day we all woke up a little later than usual and had to wake the kids up to come open their presents. Stephen and I were chomping at the bit to see their faces when they opened up their presents. The eldest 2 got a new mobile as their last one's we bought when they were in Yr 7 and were just about on their last legs. Kyle got a PS3 game which he had been hanging out for. They also got clothes galore - will they ever stop growing.

At 11:30am we made our way to Stephen's sister's house with my Mum and once again the feast was laid out before us. BBQ chicken, Ham, x3 salads and the best damn desserts I have ever tasted. After we all rested it was time for the kids to play some classic catches whilst I got roped into it by means of just being in the way. They also played backyard cricket and tennis - that I had to play. I totally suck at tennis, so I had them running all over the place.

By 7pm we headed home and it was time to just put our feet up and rest. Another great day done and dusted. I headed to bed rather early knowing full well I was to get up nice and early for my morning girls ride.

That was not to be. As my alarm went off at 5am and my brain adjusted to being awake, I could hear the faint pitter patter of rain on our tin roof. However as I opened the window it was not a faint sprinkle but rather a decent drenching. After a text message to all - I rolled over and went back to sleep till 8am. I had slept in for the first time in ages and now I had to rush around like a headless chook to tidy everything up and get food prepared. I had another family gathering, only this time at home.

My cousin and her 2 children, my Aunt & Uncle, Mum, Stephen's Dad & brother and us 5. Only this time we did a South American BBQ - that we call ASADO. Basically the cow ribs are cut cross ways - so different to the lengthy American style pork ribs.

We also had salad, ham, chorizos, desserts - you name it and it was on the table. Mum also took the opportunity get group shots. My mum is always snap happy.

3 generations - Mum, myself, Taillah

Mum and I

My cousin Rosario and I

The clan - Top Row, mum, myself, Stephen, Evan (Stephens bro)

Middle Row, Barry (Stephens Dad, Aunty Sonia, Uncle Elbio, Rosario, Sebastian

Bottom Row, Taillah, Kyle, Kurtis, ChiQui (the dog), Lorenzo

Boxing Day was done and I am shattered. Fingers crossed the Panthers Tri Club bunch ride is on in the morning, although with the storm we have just had and the fact that it is still raining - I am not sure I will go if it is bucketing down.

I also forgot to mention the most important part of the post - and that was my Christmas present. CHECK IT OUT.

Garmin Forerunner 110

I am stoked, stoked, stoked. has to be the coolest present ever - thankyou so much Stephen for getting me this. I have to also thank Dave from the bike shop for giving my hubby my TriSuit and for both of them keeping it a secret from me. You are very, very cheeky. THANKYOU. Even my friend Sarah knew about it and held onto the secret. Wish you could have seen my eyes as I unwrapped the present. I had the best morning.

How was everyone's Christmas?