Preteens, Holidays and Stuffed Paramecium

The festivities of the season - the decorating of the tree - in our case with ornaments that I remember as a kid, growing up with various glass shapes such as gold glittered pine cones, balls, the old style fluffy tinselly stuff (which my girls thought was great to anoint the tree with)..figuring out what to have for lunch and dinner on Chrissy day...

Christmas lists being made, with several interesting items added to the lists this year. Though, with several of the expected routines for Christmas, there was also the induction for me of a reChristmasing in Australia, and the girls their first experience. 
Though we have a kitten now.  A very energetic one.  It wasn't long before tree climbing became a constant game for Boston. Knocking down ornaments seemed to become a 'how far can I swipe this one' routine which left lighter ornaments strewn across the lounge/living room and Bostons people running back and forth trying to save glass objects from being completely shattered, while tinsel was ceremoniously stripped to its string core, and candy canes knocked from great heights, I believe, so he could hear the snap of broken candy. The little horror. All the while we were attacked at the ankles while Bostons stalking and fighting skills were in full practice.

Checking the Christmas lists, I was up for a challenge - who elses preteen asked for a plush paramecium toy? (among other things on the list.)  Ok, well to be fair, she did ask for other stuffed toys, but added "I'd really like to see a stuffed paramecium"..

What else was I supposed to do?  Naturally, I checked the internet and behold.. I found it!

They say everything is on the net... well, yep, it was right there. Right along with plush nerves, brain stems (below) , viruses and a miriad of other biological stuffed wonders.

But thats not the only thing that is different this year (you wonder, don't you)

Its different from the usual ice and snow.  Instead we have summer heat and a bit of humidity here.  Though the presents for the most part, are under the tree.  We've been busy taking that hour or so long trip into our nearest bigger town a couple of times a week, and still have to return tomorrow to get those last minute items.

In all, its going to be an interesting, exciting time for us.  Packages waiting to arrive, finding different items than what we might normally see in the US, watching kangaroos during the mornings in the mist, not only in the paddocks but near town at the old railway station.

Have a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year!