Santa's parade, Mairangi Bay

yes, christmas is coming. it isn't even december and the parades have started. there is one every weekend til christmas in various suburbs nearby. mia loved it today, we walked down to the beach from home and toby followed us down in the car with camera equipment. she was fascinated by the whole thing, smiled all the way. we got a great viewing point, just at the side of the roundabout, in the shade. sensible folk!! trying, and mainly failing, to get mia to wear a hat. still haven't got used to christmas in the sun. 4 weeks til our holiday, can't wait. lots of christmas lunches before then, courtesy of work and several nights out planned so a very busy social life for once! hoping to go swimming and gyming tomorrow as rain is forecast. we'll take it in turns. got my 10000 step assessment on monday and am hoping i have shifted some weight.