A Very Special Christmas

This year Hubby and I made the trip back to New Zealand to spend Christmas with my family who all live there. 

It had been about 8 years since I had spent a Christmas with them and it was such a special time.  Before going I imposed a blog ban on myself, no entries or reading of other blogs, while we were there as I wanted to make sure I did not fritter away the precious time with my family.

All 3 of my remaining grandparents were there along with Mum and Dad, my brother, sister in law and my niece (17 months), and my youngest brother who arrived back in NZ on Christmas eve after 6 months of working over seas.  So it was a pretty full house, not just of people but of joy.

Christmas day was wonderful with delicious food and drinks prepared by my mum and grandmothers, plus dad looking after the ham.

The giving of gifts was made more entertaining by my niece who had well and truly worked out the unwrapping.



My niece opening a present with her dad.

 

Then helping her great-grandad open one.



Having a bottle with her great-grandmother

 

Youngest Brother helping his niece on her bike.



Winding down at the end of Christmas Day.

On Boxing Day Hubby, Mum, Dad, Youngest Brother and I all headed off to the family race day at the local race course for a bit of a flutter.
It was a warm day and a great family atmosphere with lots of people picnicking and unwinding after Christmas.  We all had a flutter, the boys all left having lost a little bit of money (too much drinking and not enough serious thought probably), I broke even after having a bet on all but the last race, and Mum who came with $15 in her wallet, paid for her entry, a race guide and a cup of coffee left with $30 at the end of the day having bet on every race.


Mum and Hubby waiting for the race to start.

 

Backing the winner on a beautiful day.

 While in NZ we did get to catch up with some of the extended family as well as with a friend of mine, who I have known since I was 4, and her family.

We have some great memories that we will treasure in years to come.