Kiwi Christmas

It was so wonderful to catch up with so many people and so much sunshine over our flying trip home. We were pretty slack with photos this time - it was busy enough as it was! - but there are a few snaps below.



For the most part we were based with Lisa's parents, Jan and Butch, who were marvellous hosts, as usual, despite the chaos of running heir supermarket over the silly season. With trips to Christchurch, New Plymouth, Kapiti Coast, Masterton and the Waikato, we did get around a bit, and managed to catch up with a lot of special people and places.

It was really nice that I got to see Dad's side of the family in Christchurch the week before Christmas (thanks Alister and Sue!), and Mum's side of the family on Chirstmas Day (thanks John and Kerry!). Big thanks too to Sam and Emily for letting us use their car.

The quick rundown of other highlights for me: Nick and Larissa pick-me-up and swimming in Oriental Bay within an hour of touching down; backyard cricket at Sawyer Park and retaining the Tui Cup (sweet); a few fabulous days up the Kapiti Coast at Simone's Dad's beach house catching up with Gareth, Simone, Mum, Mike and whanau (thanks so much Mike!) and our one night away together for fish'n'chips on the beach and a morning stroll and swim; hanging out and climbing with Chris at Baring Head, Whanganui Bay and Wharepapa; catching up with Marcos and Serge; the fabulous hospitality of the Phelan, Pringle, Roseveare and Banks families as well as all our friends - thank you all!

Already, it really does seem like the half a world away that it is. A fabulous trip though, and a wonderful reminder of New Zealand life and outlook, and so great to se so many friends and family. Even if all the contrasts are a bit hard to get used to right now back up in Fairbanks.

Our 'big news' is that we settled on a wedding venue for the end of December, Lisa found a dress she really likes. See a later post for Gareth and Simone's big news - little Alex arrived the day I flew out!