This is a photo of me when I was five.
Aidan

Now this is the way all tests should be.

"Boom, crash, RAAARR!" My dream ended as a mutant abomination lunged at me and I sat bolt upright , taking in my surroundings. I realised I  wasn't  in the nightmare film set. I was in my room, and there was a present on my bed. It was Christmas day!!

two hours later the whole Dawson clan had gathered (Nana, Poppa, Grandma, Grandad, Mum, Dad, Will, Nick, Marshall, Suzy the bull mastiff and I) and we were able to get underway the parents prezzies were up next and after some pretty peculiar things ( I mean a solar light for grandad!?)  Us kiddies were up next!

The presents were amazing. I got, in no specific order,  a Percy Jackson book, a Lego imperial star destroyer, coke, Rayman legends ( a video game), a flashlight and marshmallow roasters. And that was only half of them!!!

After playing capture the flag with Nerf guns, outdoor cricket, and having a swingball championship we went to Grandmas and Grandads to simmer down and have dinner. When we came home we went to bed (Christmas day was pretty tiring, but isn't it always??)

I jumped out of bed and ran into Mum and Dad and yelled get up it's Christmas. Christmas was finally here.

All I wanted to do was open presents I asked mum if I could open one but she said 'You're  going to have to wait until everyone else gets here'. After waiting 1 or 2 hours my family started to arrive it was like 100 presents coming in the door. We sat down for presents  really only kids got the presents presents but every one got something. I got a PS3,Bluetooth speaker,chocolate fondue set,pool and a floatie toy for my pool.my Nesses and Nephew got hundreds of presents but they weren't very good they were just cheap plastic things.

Then we had breakfast it was bacon and eggs,pancakes and maple syrup. After that and once everyone had left I went in to my room and started to play my PS3 I played far cry3 blood dragon. And that was my Christmas. 

I woke up to the neighbour's roster on a bright sunny day. I leaped out of bed and shook my brothers back and forth until they woke up. I tried to wake up my parents but Dad said "5 more minutes" in a morning voice. "It's Christmas!" Soon they all came out of bed, and we started the unwrapping.

 We unwrapped a small package and found $37, then we unwrapped a bigger one  and found scorched almonds and gun that fired rubber bands. Mum and Dad got presents to, Dad got a new LG touch screen and Mum got 5 boxes of chocolates. We left to grand parents, we couldn't wait to try our guns. When we got there we got some disposable cups and lay them out, then we let loose the rubber band was so powerful that it teared a hole in the cup. When we got inside we could smell the roast pork the sausies and the potato salad. The pork was mouth watering with gravy, the sausies  were great. Then the steak came in. It was tender with marinade  and the potato salad was nice. Then came the desert chocolate ice cream pavlova,  meringue and sponge cake (chocolate). Then it was presents time, we gave out our bagged goodies to our cousins then came the interesting part. Our cousins came out with     big bags of air horns, sunglasses, Jaffers, feddo frogs red skins, water guns, pineapple lumps and chocolate fish.  After a day of rubber band shooting ,Christmas deserts and  present unwrapping we leaft with a thanks and a smile on our faces.

I loved Christmas because I saw my family again and I got some more prezzies to add on to my stake of toys. I loved this year's Christmas  and I can't wait to have it again.

Aidan

MY FRIST DAY OF SCHOOL

 The Dick Smith NRL Auckland NINES                                                                                                     This was one of my favourite hoildays.

 I woke up at the sound of a sirin and with a shock I realised it was Christmas Day. I ran out of the tent

with my two brothers Nate and Rico to see what that annoying sound was. We looked around and saw nothing happening then we  heard the sirin getting closer, and just behind the trees I saw three bright 

red vehicles. Santa was sitting on the back of one of them and was throwing out lollies and choclates.

Once my Mum and Dad woke up we opened all our presents. I was amazed at the detail on the new Auckland nines jersey that I got. My brother  got the Zion Jersey that the players designed them selfs.

We both also got some new jandles, a slushy maker, a box of favrites and the new warriors singlet.

After breakfasts.

We walked down to the beach and went for a nice relaxing swim in the spakling clear water, after a while we walked back to the camp site  and  had some lunch and went for a  drive up to tepaki sand dunes, it was a long walk up the sand dunes but it's worth it. 

On the way home we went down ninety mile beach. On the trip back to the camp site my brothers and I fell asleep. When we got back to the camp site I went in the tent and had a rest.

                                                        THE END

Rolling over and over and over in my bed trying to get some more sleep, I here my sister groaning and I realise I'm not the only one awake.  "Mairwen" I whisper "are you awake" she grumbled back. We both hopped out of bed and checked the time it was only 7am, we knew we were tired but excitement over took it it was finally Christmas. Mairwen and I swung open the door  and skipped along the hallway trying to contain our pure excitement, although I fell behind a bit because last night I hadn't had the best of nights I was actually very ill. As we were walking past my brothers door it creaked open, and the next thing we knew Mum and Dad were awake too. All of us bright and ready so we headed to the Christmas tree to open a few of our presents

After we had opened some of our presents Mairwen and I went into our bedroom to get changed. Since waking up excitement had spread, it was like it was contagious. I was excited because all my aunts, uncles, my cousins and my grandpa that's our family tradition. My Dad gave us all some small chores to do before the guests arrived, for Llewelyn it was to clean up the wrapping paper, for me it was to hang out the washing and Mum and Mairwen helped with the cooking.

"Knock knock" There was a banging on the door, the guests were here finally. My Dad began to make his way to the and opened it. The Guests flooded in like a huge wave coming into the beach. All bringing different foods and presents. One our two complimented on our decorations especially the ones in Welsh as they puzzled themselves  around what it ment.

The smell of food wafted through the air as trays of food poured out of the oven until you could not see  the top of the table, everyone grabbed a plate and helped themselves to whatever they please. Over time you could see the food get less and less, after we finished food we all gathered to enjoy the last few moments of the party it was the best Christmas Day!

I wake up and wonder where I am, thinking to myself am I in a dream? Minutes later I hear my brother shouting "Everyone wake up its Christmas Day" then I knew it was real. My mum and dad were already up because we had to tidy the house then go to my nana's house. My mum said "Jayden have you packed your bags yet" not knowing I had just got up. I say "Nearly mum" and then start right away. Then I hop in the car and get ready to go.

Yes finally after the five hour drive we make it to my nana's house. My brother Regan and I ran up the drive after opening the gate for mum and dad. Nana sees us and said "Hi Jay hi Reegz" and then gives us a huge hug. I go inside on a hunt for my cousins and sure enough they are playing on the Xbox 360 in my mums old room. They say "Jayden" (because that's how they say hi) so I say "hi" back. I sit on the bed and watch them for about five-ten minutes then went outside to say hello to the rest of my family. By lunch time it felt like there was at least fifty people and some iv'e never even met before. 

I go inside to see what food people had and started planning what I would have later. I walked down the hall sat down on the bed then watched them play the xbox.

"OHHHHHH." I said as I rolled over to the other side of my bed. "Wait a minute it's Christmas! I thought if I had to wait any longer I was going to explode! I jumped out of bed and grabbed my Santa sack, the presents fell out as I ripped open the wrapping paper like a hungry wolf . I waited a while until it was late enough to get up.


My parents and my sister hopped up just as I did, as I raced to the Christmas tree. Before I knew it we were opening our presents, I opened my first present to see a whole collection of secret seven books. The next was a Nerf  gun, I pulled back the bolt as  a bullet shot forward. I opened the next to see a WWII model kit I would soon put together. I looked at the box that my mum told me to open last, I slowly opened the wrapping paper and saw a whole bag of toy army soldiers from the 70s and 80s. I looked at mum and dad and said, "thank you for the amazing presents!"

I then remembered that grandad was coming out today! I looked out the window to see a bright blue sky, sunlight streaming in through the clouds. I hadn't realised because I was to distracted from my presents. My grandad soon pulled up in the drive way, my sister and I helped him inside  as my parents set the table. Food covered the table, a feast just sitting there waiting to be scoffed down. We ate our lunch and before we knew it grandad had to go.

By then it was late we watched a movie and had ice cream for desert. I soon lay on the couch and said to my self  this was the best Christmas ever!

I was excited on Christmas morning to open my presents.My sister ran into my room and woke me up.I was grumpy because I wanted to go back to sleep.My dad then arrived he said let's open presents. I opened my biggest presents first it was an amazing deer antler coat hanger.Opened all my other presents they where really awesome.Then I went around to my nanas to open my presents. It was a short drive from my mums house.My and uncle had came from Australia. They gave me 70 dollars I was really pleased with that.

Then all of my family went to Christmas lunch at my dad's aunts house in poroti .I couldn't wait to all food so I went on my cousins bikes I was not waiting now. I was having so much fun on there bikes.Then we got called to come and have some lunch. I didn't want to get off the bike because I was having so much fun.

I eventually came in side . I grabbed as much food I could fit on my plate. I had eaten it after about 15 minutes all the all the lunch was gone after that. Then it was pudding time there was ice cream jelly pavlova and much more delicious puddings. I couldn't eat them though because I was so fill. Then my dad's cousin stared a game of cricket. all My cousin played except me because I was so fill. Then Craig one of my dads cousins hit the ball extremely hard and it flew into the punch bowl. then it smashed a glass. Then the game was over. Then I went home and played with my best presents I have ever had.

Bang, bang, bang! Mum opened the door and let Gran and Poppy in."Merry Christmas!"everyone started saying to each other. We all helped gran and poppy unload their car full of scrumptious food and presents.

 When we got back inside the phone started ringing. "Hello?"answered Mum. "Okay, see you then." She said before hanging up. "Nana will come around in about 2 hours." We decided my brother would be 'Santa' and give out all of the presents.

"Breakfast is ready!"called Dad, pulling the croissants from the oven. We all had delicious spiced ginger beer in in wine glasses with our croissants, blue cheese and salmon.

After unwrapping around half of our presents we had a pie, pavlova, ice-cream and fruit jelly.we then unwrapped all of the other presents. "Time for a swim, I think Dad!"my brother called.

My brothers and I  inflated our bright and colourful new lilos, then had a quick dip in the glistening water while Mum,Dad, Gran and Poppy sat at the outdoor table having a good old chat."Let's go for a walk up the hill."suggested Mum."Great idea!"replied Gran. 

We walked up the hill, (Poppy rode my brothers bike)then sat under a shady tree and looked at the amazing view. Poppy zoomed down and completely missed the driveway. I ran downto tell him.

About fifteen minutes after we all got back to the house Nana was knocking on the door. After lunch Dad walked around the property with Gran, Poppy and Nana, while Mum my brothers and I were relaxing in the warm clear water of the pool. 

Once Dad, Gran, Poppyand Nana were back at the house and Mum, my brothers and I were all dress and dried we ate the rest of the pavola then Gran, Poppy and Nana left. We spent the rest of the day watching movies. 

"Wake up Emelia" Mum whispered in my ear. "Its time to look in your stockings." Dad said. I got. Out of bed and nearly crushed my stocking. I opened it, and lollies filled half of it! I pulled out something with bubble wrap over it. As I unwrapped it everyone was looking at me tensely, it was a rounded type of flute. When Grace and I had finished with our stockings we started opening our family gifts. My favourite two were my black tennis rack and my Lego friends. Then I got dressed and went outside for brunch. 

As soon as you stepped outside you could got a woof of bacon from Uncle Daryl's barbecue.  I wondered down and I had a chose of bacon and eggs or French toast with bacon. After amwhile I chose bacon and eggs, they were the most scumschous bacon and eggs I had ever had. When Mum, Dad and Grace were wondering down for brunch my cousins and I were playing cricket. 

When everyone had finished breakfast and we had stopped playing cricket we went inside for more presents. I got more Lego friends,YAY and a nice fluffy towel. We all loved our presents but there were still more to come... 

"Secret Santa time" yelled Auntie Anderna. We all gathered around a tiny light Christmas tree. There were about 16 presents under the tree. 

It was Christmas morning  and I woke up with the bright sun shining in my face. And with a stretch and a yawn I jumped out of bed and ran into mum and dad's bedroom. " Mum dad it's christmas wake up" I yelled then I ran into the cold and lifeless and the only thing that made it look welcoming was the massive pile of presents under sparcleing Christmas tree but best of all my stoking that was over flowing with presents . The excitmemt overwhelming I could not wait to open my presents so I began tugging my Santa sack to mum and dads room. 

Once I reached their room I found out that there was no room on the because mum dad the cat and dog all sat lazily on the over crowded bed. I sat next to the dog and slowly began push max of the bed antill bang he hit the floor like a rock. But then he jumped back onto bed oh well if you can't fight em join em so even though we were squash like sardines in can I began to open my exisilerating presents one by one toys on my wish list were ticked off. 

Then the rumble of car eked through the house yay grandma and grandad are here me and the dog raced out of bed and went to wish grandma and grandad a merry Christmas we'll the dogs idea of wishing some on merry Christmas is jumping on them and licking there face after that we had lunch and then best of all Christmas desert. Mmm chocolate mouse, pavlova, jelly, and ice cream dont you just love stuffing your face with your favourite deserts.

 And that was my Christmas.

By amy

Glancing at the clock, 7:30 am, my brain flickered into action. It was Christmas! I shook my two sisters awake as well as my younger cousins, Jack and Sam. We then pushed the sliding door away, revealing a room full of presents.

As we glanced to the side, our eyes rested on a large pile of santa sacks. Mr Clause had come! I handed out the bags and the children dived eagerly into them. I had just started to peek inside of mine when Michael  came downstairs carrying the twins.so, instead of opening my own bag, I helped the twins with theirs. When their bulging sacks were empty, Sally came down with Nathan , followed by Charlotte, Mum and Dad. 

I had received several outfits from Santa, as well as four fat books. We gobbled down a quick breakfast and headed off to church. Us girls wore our new dresses from mum and dad, the only presents we were allowed to open aside from the ones from Santa.

 After no time at all, we were back in the car and driving home. As soon as we were back, mum started preparing for brunch , crossiants, yum!! After what seemed like an entire year, we eventually got to open our presents. 

Omg!! I must have gotten a million different things! I received makeup, more clothes and books, gift vouchers and so much more. One of my favourite gifts was a small piece of paper. It might sound like nothing, but the words on it were most magical. 

At the end of a long, exciting day I jumped into my sleeping bag and drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face.

I woke up,there was adrenalin pumping through my body. It is Christmas I yelled to myself. I rusted to the Christmas tree but then it suddenly hit me as I was going to the tree. I had to wait until everyone had woken up  so I turned the TV on and waited. I only had to wait that long until Dad woke up Then my Tyler my brother. So all we we're wait for was Mum and Nana and as I said that my Mum came into the lounge. My Nana woke up about a hour later so my brother and I wee waiting for agers to open up our presents. Once my Nana had woken up."Can I open my presents". I rip open my first present it was a table case. So I rip opened my next present was a ... Table.

 Once we had finished opening all of our present we had pancakes for breakfast after we had finished our yummy pancakes  we were waiting for my Grandma and Uncle to arrived for lunch. We had lunch we were having ham (witch I hate) chicken potato bake and sales so we all dug in. I had chicken and potato bake it was so yummy. Then we had pudding at lunch time crazy I had ice-cream but that was it.Then I had to do the dishes dam. After I had finished the dishes I when out side.

I was playing out with my new mot control helicopter then It went out of control. And it crashed but luckily it didn't brake. 

"Wake up, wake up!" Yelled my brother as he shook me from my drowsy sleep. My eyes fluttered open to see him whizz out the door and my ears heard him screeching  at my parents.

The first thought that flew into my blank mind was "It is so early." Then I realised it is Christmas Day. Rip, as me and my enthusiastic brother toor the wrapping paper off the massive present our eyes lit up. It was a pool.

Chatter echoed through the air and light pierced the black blanket that is night. Finally the roast emerged through the black doors and danced into my joyous families mouths. The talking died down while we enjoyed our feast. Then the fun began. For me anyway.

As our hands cut the wrapping paper of to reveal the hidden identity, cracks spread across our many faces like an earthquake. Many thank-yous floated through the air to their recipients. Then arms wrapped around bodies like cloaks.

As the jug rumbled like thunder the chatter resumed. Then hot drinks warmed our bodies to the warmth of our content hearts.

Every Christmas I have is one to remember, I love it as it is an excuse to get together with friends and family although I also really like getting presents.

A delicious smell waffled through the air, the excitement of family and friends made it hard to hear yourself speaking. Fairy lights shimmered around the fresh smelling pine trees with spinning decorations. My heart was full of excitement even when we first knew that we were going to my Nana's in the late afternoon to see my family, and friends. 

After having roast beef for dinner, with mouth watering potatoes and kumara, then followed by an outstanding dessert. We had a choice of playing pol or bat down. Most of us chose bat down so we headed out for the front lawn. 

Each of us kids had a few goes each. then we decided to give the parents a go most of the balls went over the fence. Went send as kids running in the paddock. 

Then suddenly I heard a cry/scream and I looked back to see one of my little cousins stood in cow poo and then tripped up and face planted in the next lot of cow poo. After that he wouldn't play.

The next interesting thing that happened was my uncle hit the ball and it went flying into the trough, and I was the one who had to get it, and that wasn't so great. 

Then we all rushed upstairs for present  I had some big presents and some small ones, which I through  it would be jewellery. Over all I had a very satisfying day, and I hope next year will be good us well.

This is me on my first day of school. This is in Ireland and I had to wear a uniform.

 This is me and my lamb, Freckles, at Tangowahine School Pet Day 2009. I was in Year 1.

"I saw my best friend run at the ball to make a tackle in intermediate school during soccer," says my Dad."Then he swung his leg to kick it at the same time a boy on the other team did, they made contact at the same time, then he fell to the ground crying my leg is broken"announced Dad. In shame dad said "We laughed at him and made fun of him, the next day he came to school in a cast and I still feel bad about it."

Wow! my dad won the 400m run at Mangakahia area school. He was waiting at the line,Ready,Steady,Go! Off he went with a good speed, one boy was right behind him and started to catch up. Then suddenly he had a boost of a fart he sped off like lightning, there were a couple of kids tied last. Eventually he finished first,
"Hooray" he shouted
"I came first"
In the end I was very proud for my dad.                                                     

This is Emily and I on the day of my first school visit.

When my Dad started High school they only had four BBC Micro computers. Then his school got new computers and everyone was raving about them. The first day his class used them he realized that the only game you could play on them was this budget game called Yellow River Kingdom. 

                                            This is me the night before my first day of school.

One day when my dad was at school he was in the library and he had made something that could fling rubber bands. Anyways, my dad had a terrible plan,  (it was a great plan to him) he used the rubber band flinger to fling rubber bands at the teachers. He ended up getting caned, which means he got a whack on the bum with the cane by the teachers. He ended with huge bruises on his bum. I thought it was funny when he told me this story but I don't think he found it very funny.

Second story

One day my dad was riding to school on his bike. His wheel on his bike was squeaking so he quickly looked at it while still peddling on his bike. A couple of seconds later while he was still looking at his front wheel WHACK! straight into the back of a car. He ended up leaving a small dent in the bumper of the car.

This is me just before I turned five.

It was four years ago, I was in Room 1 with the biggest smile on my face. We were all jumping around like crazy, IT WAS THE LAST DAY OF THE TERM! We were all so excited, we had so much fun and it was only just the morning. It was soon time for morning tea, surprisingly I wanted play time to be over! After morning tea we played games all the way through to lunch. We finished lunch and watched movie after movie, we all had a great day doing everything we wanted. And to be honest for once I was sad to leave school and start our holiday. It was soon time to go home, we said our goodbyes and hoped on the. I was soon at home thinking, what a great day. And that is my most memorable day at school!