Christmas Eve. 24 December 2007

Hi Everyone. Firstly let us wish you a very Happy Christmas to you and yours.

We have the family here and it is very busy. Today, they are all off exploring and Jack and I are enjoying some "quiet time". We are having a great time with all of them and I think they are relating well to one another. It has been almost six years since Kerry and Scott have seem each other. Matthew (the 15yr. old) is so like Scott in looks and temperment it is quite amazing to the rest of us. Little Meggie (11 yr.old) is keeping up with the poker games, the crib games and anything else they throw at her!

Yesterday a lovely couple who we met at yet another party invited us all to her house for a cocktail party. The "boyz" wanted to watch the football game (in Spanish) so Kerry, Tanya, Jack and I went to the party. Another spectacular house owned by yet another Canadian couple (B.C.) who have moved here permanently. We schomsed and drank wine and ate scrumptious finger food. Then we came home and picked up the rest of the gang and went to the main plaza to eat dinner under the stars.

This morning Jack and I went to a local gallery to buy a piece of local art. We couldn't decide between three pieces so.....we bought them all! They are lovely little water colours, painted here, and depicting scenes we see every day. Getting them home in one piece (no, three!) will be Jacko's challenge.

Meggie and her Dad have lit and decorated the potted palm tree in the dining room. At least 30 years ago I remember doing this in Florida with my children as they insisted on a "Christmas" tree.

Tonight we will go to the Plaza to see what the locals are up too and join in if possible. The nativity scenes are depicted with LIVE babies and animals we are told. I'll talk about that tomorrow.

May all of you enjoy the season and do whatever puts joy in your hearts.
Feliz Navidad!
Kate and Jack