Cow + Fog

Pickle for a pickle

Grandma & Grandpa Lucius sent Lucius this unbelievable glass pickle ornament for our tree. It even comes with a tale: The German tradition goes that the pickle must be hidden deep inside the tree. The child that finds it on xmas day gets an extra gift. The idea being that the children spend time appreciating the tree, instead of tearing wildly through their gifts and paying it no mind. Lovely

Lucius's Winter Warmers

Baby down sweater will keep her toasty, whilst the wool felt mitts, boots and hat will stop her extremities from getting nippy. Thanks Anette for the postal assistance

Foraged Seasonal Cheer

The wreath came from a big pine tree near the house, plus holly, rose-hips and such. The knocker seems to be a local thing as we've seen a few

The tree's decorated with crystals from old chandeliers (found at flea markets) and natural niceness, such as clove oranges for xmasy smells, pine cones and chestnuts and bits from around the house. There's also real gold thread with Swarovski crystals woven into it, courtesy of Lineapiu fancy yarn cards from Elaine's days in NYC

Very shiny and twinkly by night

Garland across the fireplace, with Aunty Mel's assistance

La Pierre St Martin

On Saturday 6th December the 2009 ski season finally kicked off in the Pyrenées. I spent the day at La Pierre St Martin. Sorry there are no better pictures, I was having too much fun in the snow

Conditions were fine, but it's definitely warmer here this year and we could use a bit more snow here and there. Off piste was quite icy, but the pistes were great

Nothing beats a good cup of après tea

Wassat?

Moody

Pickle Walks

Lucius is taking her first steps into a bigger world. At the moment (8 months) she's super observant and absorbing everything. We showed her how to put one foot in front of the other and she began the assisted stroll immediately. It seems like her learning curve has gone through the roof in the past couple of weeks. Kids are ace.

St Thomas

We recently traveled to St Thomas for the wedding of Anette (Elaine's sis) and Todd

We took a 65ft sailing boat out for a day of snorkeling. We swam with turtles, saw stingrays, barracudas, and much wonderment. No filters have been used in the making of the blue, blue water

Cindy (Elaine's sis), Matt and Caleb. Is that a 'Nooner' or a 'Painkiller' in your hand Cindy?

Honeymoon Bay on St John

Caleb during the 'BEST WEEK OF MY LIFE!'

The boys spent a day out fishing. Tuna, rainbow runners, barracuda and chubs were amongst the day's haul. Neil caught a 6ft bull shark (the third mostly deadly shark on the planet! yelled Caleb)

I swear it looked bigger than this at the time. Thankfully Captain Tyler was there to help hold it in place. It was of course released, with the only harm being inflicted on Neil's tired arms. Trust the vegetarian to get into a fight with a shark

Pickleena in her summer maxi dress ('upcycled' by Elaine from a Makie tote)

Anette and Todd on the big day

The blushing bride with her niece (dress designed and made by Elaine-featuring matching bloomers with a rosette 'bun' tail)

Bui's beautiful camera smile

A distinguished wedding guest

Phew

What a difference a few days can make. First run: Saturday