Christmas in NZ

After a ridiculously busy last few months of the year it was great to be heading back to NZ over a week
before Christmas and in time for cousin Rupert's wedding to Lana.  Lieutenant Rupert as we should call him, married as they were in the chapel on the Linton army base.  The next day, the boys were excited to be shown around the base, including a race around the obstacle course.  Definitely wouldn't want to be doing it with full military kit on.  Charlie was very excited when Lt Rupert bestowed on him a real camouflage bag, water canteen and  hat.

The Chapel at Linton Army Base

Flick & Ken

The newly-weds

The reception & next day function were held at a tourist farm

James with Cousin Maddie

Private Charlie

On the base

I had to put the camera down after this but we (including the boys) had a creditable go around most of the obstacle course.

From there we completed the drive up to Te Kuiti (via an unsuccessful search for snow at the Top of the Bruce - it was summer after all) and visited the farm.  It was great to catch up with Nana, Aunt Dot & Bill and several of the cousins and the boys' cousins.

A quick stop at the Chateau

Mustering the cattle with Uncle Bill

Cousin Braden shows Jamie the goats

Charlie meets the mummy pig!

We also visited the original glow worm cave at Waitomo - first time for both Flick and Dave since we were not much older than the boys.  The tour hasn't changed much either apart from the impressive visitors' centre at the entrance.  The glow worms seemed as numerous and bright as memory serves.

End of the boat ride, Waitomo glowworm cave

Back in Wellington (following a reminiscent - if one can be permitted to use the term in this way - drive back via the Western Bays Rd, a detour into Kuratau and a visit to the Army Museum in Waiouru) we commenced our regular run around of visits to family and friends plus a trolley bus ride to Te Papa and town.  The boys were also fortunate enough to get a tour of the Sea Shepherd boat Bob Barker, just prior to its departure to the Southern Ocean to harass the Japanese whaling fleet.  Thanks to Muzz & Wens for a lovely afternoon at their place.

On the trolley bus to town

Trolls at Te Papa

Charlie with big boy Matheson at Janet & Paige's 

Indoor playground with Amy & Emily

Chasing games at the Rose Gardens

Story time at 51 with Cousin Maddie

Come Christmas we were kicking back for some well earned R'n'R in Waikanae.  We had some amazing weather and warm water, making it a real beach holiday. Even caught a bunch of crabs (though no flounder) in the drag net with Alison (apparently we were too far out), which Bidey and Flick spent hours extracting the meat from for fresh crab cakes.

Christmas at Waikanae with cousin Rachael (& Ali, Bidey & Pamps)

The water was amazingly warm!

Another day Ali & David dragged the net (Bidey & Pamps supervised)

Charlie & James chased each other

Mmmm, crabs...

After a couple more days in Wellington with a great family get together at Cedric & Jen's we had to head back (6am on New Years' Day), but then had the rest of the week to take advantage of the Sydney beach weather before David headed back to work.

Flying Fox playground

Whanau at the playground

Great Granny's for tea

Family barbecue at Cedric & Jen's