Christmas Trees at the Beach

We got a Christmas tree this year to make the house feel more festive, because it is really hard to remember that it's Christmas when the weather is summery. In true Kiwi style, we got our Christmas tree from a truck parked on the beachfront in nearby Petone.

Here is Steve holding our little pine tree before loading it into the car. Pictures of the finished, decorated tree will come soon!
Madeleine is 7 months now, and according to our luggage scale here at home, she is 9.3kg (20.5lb). She is definitely on the move and can roll, turn, and scoot backwards to get where she wants to go. She's often backing herself into a corner, or rolling into something, so often gets frustrated and cries out.
She enjoys listening and playing the piano for little bits of time.
She is often quite happy sitting and playing on her own, but she can easily get onto her tummy from sitting, so the days of leaving her unattended for too long are soon to be over.
She loves hearing me read aloud from any book - as long as I put plenty of expression and enthusiasm in my voice.
We are really excited for Auntie Kristin's arrival later this week, and our road trip to the Coromandel with her next week. Then, a few days after we get home to Daddy, Uncle Chris arrives. We have lots to look forward to!