Hi everyone,

wow, I can't belive it's December already! This is my favourite time of the year, but I have to admit that it has really taken me by surprise. It seems like yesterday that I was lamenting not counting the number of invitations I sent out for my boys' 2nd birthday party, wondering how on earth I was going to fit that many people into my house when the weather turned - well, it was the middle of June in Canberra!

Christmas really is just around the corner - are you organised?! I have done most of my shopping but the thought of all that wrapping, cooking, cleaning, packing and a big drive up to Queensland with my hubby and 2 1/2 year old boys is frankly, a little terrifying! At least there are some lovely CARMBA events happening in the meantime to entertain the kids and keep me on an even keel ;)

My boys are really excited about the CARMBA Christmas mini-rail day on Sunday, where I'm told Santa is planning to make an appearance. I just have to remember that they need to wear closed-toe shoes on the day...fingers crossed for some nice weather, too!

Also coming up is the December general meeting and parents' dinner next Monday. We're heading to the Kingo Pub again this year after the great success of last year's do. Please let me know if you'd like to come along (president@carmba.org.au) and partners are most welcome if you can swing a babysitter!

I hope you're enjoying December so far, I have put up my Chrissy decorations, I'm keeping up a little tradition I started when I was pregnant and going with wall decal stickers instead of an actual tree. It's still festive, but very cost effective and the toddlers of the house can't wreck my decorations! Friends of mine with small kids put their tree in the old playpen to keep little hands at bay, perhaps we'll do that next year. Hmm, that's given me an idea for an article for the next edition of Two Up. the January/February 2012 edition theme will be 'Starting Fresh' - do you have any great ideas you'd like to share? You can flick anything you'd like to see included to Peta (twoup@carmba.org.au).

Until next time, enjoy the silly season!

Amelia