Holidays galore: Cousins' Christmas Bash & a new ukulele

It was January 2nd when all the Minchin, Marshall, and Randell cousins gathered at Cott Beach for a big family get-together - of the size we haven't had since we were kids! We came from all parts of Australia and the globe to be in Perth this Christmas so it was quite special. Five of the six grandparents, 10 out of the 12 cousins, plus all of their partners and kids, met at the very windy beach that morning.

Some braved the surf; others opted for take away coffee, which they drank in relative comfort while watching the swimmers emerge looking like shivering (though admittedly refreshed) drowned rats... I think you can guess which camp I belonged to!

It was decided that - particularly for the comfort of the 15 second cousins - it would be better if we relocated to a house, so we all headed back to someone's nearby abode for tea and golden peaches. The kids ran amok with toys and vehicles and balls, meaning we cousins could have a good old catch-up.

Following that delightful morning, we drove back to East Perth via Zenith Music Shop and Kings Park... the first for Mum to buy Thomas a ukulele as an early birthday present, and the second to practice it and let Margaux have a good run-around.

Thomas took to it as any good student would, with lots of concentration and effort.

Margaux crawled hither and thither, and found great delight in some particular sticks she discovered...