Carols By The Sea

Well, as if the WOWS walk, tennis and street parade wasn't enough, we finished off the day with 'Carols by the Sea.' Not the traditional variety we are used to back home, (it was more like a talent show) but none the less a good show was presented in front of the King, the Royal Family and us in the maddening crowd. There was something for everyone - opera, hip hop dancing, the kids singing, Military Band, Tupou High School Marching Band, and a church choir. Actually not everyone was catered for as we suspect Jodie (and possibly a few other Palangi's) were expecting a Myer Bowl extraviganza with an all night sing along or similar. This is Tonga so we should have known better but there was some Christmas Carols toward the end and we had our friends, our picnic and our wine to console us.

The Christmas coloured Quirkes'

Our friends the Walton-France's on the pinic mat next to us. The Kings seat is in the background.

The King arriving at his special marquee.

King George Tupou V and members of the Royal Family take their seats.

The kids working hard as back up singers.

Dlyan and Ruha with the Digicel Christmas tree in the back ground.

Emily passed out half way through the night and slept through till the end.

Tongatapu Xmas Parade

After our WOWS morning and Tennis, Em and Dyl were invited to join the Little Italy float during the Xmas parade through town. We thought it was a strange request but the kids were keen as mustard to join in the celebrations. We dropped them off and then headed into town to get a good spot to view from, we also noticed that they were the only Palangi kids in the parade but they had a ball throwing out lollies and all. A great way to build up the excitement for "Carols by the sea" that night and generally all the Christmas celebrations.

One of the floats full to the brim with Big Tongan Elves. Were else in the world can you still drive around the streets like this? Definitely not Oz anyway.

A sea of Red and Green must have been the theme.

As usual, you need a band - Topou High School.

It was soooo hot that a quick costume change was required to protect the kids from the sun.

Dyl opted for hitching a ride with the Christmas tree on the return trip.

Even the Tongan Santa had to hide from the sun. After the parade the kids all headed back to little Italy for Ice cream cones.

WOWS - Walk On Walk Strong

Saturday saw us participate in yet another community event this time the WOWS event so we turned up ready for a brisk family morning walk up what we call the "Esplanade". But to our surprise after a short walk the length of the fore shore we pulled off to the side and over to a big marquee where they had an entire days program running. After a chat with friends, sausage sizzle, some singing and face painting we had to walk back to the car and head off to tennis.

They love there "One off" supporter T-shirts here. The kids are building up an impressive wardrobe.

Em and the girls ready to hit the road after a quick prayer.

These boys were belting out a tune as we arrived.

Dyl and the boys took up the front mats to ensure they missed nothing.

Monara and the Fifita crew did some "On the spot" face painting.

Little Italy Friends & Community Xmas Party

At the end of the year a local restaurant 'Little Italy' throws a Christmas party for friends and their local community. Emily is in their daughters Sara's class so we thought it was a drop and go class party.......... how wrong where we. Mele her mum goes all out - all programmed too with a band, entertainment, Santa, heaps of lollies and food - their famous Pizza of course. Heaps of Tongan elves running around and everywhere decked out in Christmas decorations to finish off the Jolly atmosphere.

The view of the action and outdoor stage from across the road.

Some very big (and fit) Tongan elves. No need for security for Santa.

I wish we could say they were looking out for Santa but they were waiting for lollies and tinsel from the balcony. Spot the Ozzy.

Just a little contrast Santa with surf skis and coconut trees. Not to mention he got mugged by all the kids. (Lollies are sparce here due to there price so the kids are onto the Big man)

Jodie and Em making the most of the decorations.

Em's farewell to her teacher Mr Nick as he flew out the next night.

Jodie's first TWISC Christmas Party as President

Wednesday 8 December was giggling ladies day at the Waterfront Hotel as it was taken over by 50 TWISC members and their guests. The pressure was on to host a great Christmas party as it was my first as President and also one that broke a few long standing traditions - oh well you know me - always causing trouble!!!. From all reports, everyone enjoyed the beautiful food, great company and atmosphere and the many prizes that were on offer. After a scrumptious lunch we had a visit by the jolly old fellow in red who gave his helper a list of naughty and nice young (and not so young) ladies that were in attendance on the day. As predicted, it turned out that we were all nice after all, and got the chance to sit on Santa’s lap, get a kiss, pressie and a photo. After all his hard work, Santa was sent on his way with a little pressie of his own and the well wishes of all. Thanks heaps Santa!!!!!!

Our Christmas Hamper Raffle prizes
The theme of the day Peace, Joy and Love. Wonderful decorations made by our members Rochelle and Lola.
Our table guests.
Hannah and Jodie in the colours of Christmas.
Santa and his helper.

The Girls 'Arts and Craft' Christmas Market Stall.

Every Wednesday for the last few months Em, Jess and Georgia go over to Naomi's to do art and craft. They created Christmas boxes, greeting cards, birthday cards and pom poms in the grand hope of making a motza at the Christmas market day. The girls have had a ball and with a little help from the mums and a massive effort from Naomi's mum Lola they ended up with a great little display and they even made some cash which they will no doubt spend ASAP.

Georgia, Naomi, Emily and Jessica.

The Christams boxes and cards.

Rochelle, Piani, Tomasi and Mosese with the beaded jewellry they made for their stall

Famous around this town are Linda O's Tongan dolls. All unique and almost all of our girls have one here. Many more have been sent offshore to nieces and nephews all over the world.

Anais - Wearable Art Birthday Party

Our friends, Dom and Hannah threw an all day wearable arts birthday party (workshop) for their daughter Anais 9th birthday. Then at the conclusion of the days events they would parade their creations. So Hannah came up with another wild idea, how about a 'Black Tie' function for the parents with the highlight of the night being the girls runway fashion show. The night included bubbles and nibblies, and even utilised the boys as waiters and MC's for their sisters. Us parents supplied plenty of flash action for the girls so they really felt like super models. Ruha and her sister Monara were in charge of the girls and assisted the girls all day with everything from picking each theme, researching it, creating the outfits and choreographing the dances and stage show. What an awesome night and everyone played their part from the adults to those (normally) evil little brothers. Once the show was over the girls had a sleep over but when we left they were all still on a high. It must have been a mad house trying to settle them. To top it all off the girls didn't even make it to school the next day making it a 2 day birthday party and heaps of fun.

Our hosts! Dom, Anais (front) and Hannah.

Who says you can't get dressed up in Tonga, for fun?

The women folk all frocked up.

Look out 007 here comes the Tongan Black Tie Tigers (and Lukas).

Mosesi was one of our best waiters in his Tupenu.

Naomi had all the moves on the runway to impress the crowds.

Em in her costume - inspiration - the ocean.

The entire crew! Emily- Sea Girl, Sara - Flower Power, Jessica - Venus, Milla - Seaweed Queen,

Genevieve - Eagle, Alice - 7 Headed Girl, Piani - Miss Shiny, Anais - Garden Mummy, Naomi - Queen Flower Peacock

Big hugs all round, what a great job. Monara and Ruha.

Our little Miss Sunshine.

Just incase we weren't busy enough!

Even though we had a very busy weekend we still managed to squeeze in a few extra events. Both the kids ended up having sleep overs, Dyl's was after Jack's ARMY party and Em had a sleep over with Georgia and Piani (Moo) so Jodie and I snuck out and had an adults dinner at the 'Waterfront" yep one of our flasher restaurants followed by a visit to the local nightclub 'Billfish', which was dead due to it being Saturday night and they have to close at midnight due to church on Sunday's. So we moved onto the fishing club for a nitecap then headed on home.Still it was great just to hang out and talk together like BC (before children). The next morning Lyndon managed another early morning surf and took his camera with him although he forgot to snap one off of himself. Lots of fun was had by the three boys and he was even back home in time to cook a BBQ breakfast.

Jack's ARMY crew. You wouldn't think Lyndon was in the NAVY with the amount of ARMY gear Dyl had available (thanks to the locally owned chinese shop).

The obstacle course was made harder with water bombing from all angles.

Three peas in a Pod at Georgia's sleep over. Bedtime 5am.

Nothing like a little water under your feet. Ahh the joys of reef surfing.

John taking off. See Annie, not just a teabag!

Sam's wave of the day and not a bad pic by the esky lidder.

All this happening and we are in the middle of a kitchen reno! The kids are nearly over BBQ's though.