We are quickly becoming familar with Auckland International Airport's Arrivals lounge, with our 5 christmas visitors arriving in the past 2 weeks. John (Hannah's Dad) arrived on the 15th Dec, fresh from his travels around Australia, and buzzing from a 10 day dash around the South Island. His daughter and Hannah's sister Alice, accompanied by her travelling companion Nik, arrived the following week. Our quintet was completed by the arrival of Geraldine and Aloys, Hannah's French friends who hopped over "The Ditch" from Sydney for Christmas.
So with visitors squirreled away into each bedroom, bed, sofa and the tent outside, we prepared for Christmas. Heaps of christmas presents have arrived by post, person or delivery man, and were placed at the foot of the Christmas tree ready for the big day!
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| From Christmas 2006 |
On Christmas Eve, we took advantage of the good weather and headed off to Kumeu again, visiting the Gannet colony at Muriwai, and dropping by a few vineyards.
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| From Christmas 2006 |
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From Christmas 2006 |
Christmas Day saw some old traditions and new routines. We woke to find Santa had visited, filling stockings and depositing even more presents under the tree. We spent the morning unwrapping and donning a variety of gifts:
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| From Christmas 2006 |
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| From Christmas 2006 |
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Aloys balancing some Kiwis
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Champagne and Smoked Salmon Breakfast
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Christmas Decorations
A new part of Christmas Day for us was the BBQ, and the weather was warm/dry (22 degrees) enough for us to enjoy it outside. Our Menu comprised Sausages, Chicken and Veggie Kebabs, Corn Fritters, Salmon,Prawns and a range of Salads. Croquet aided the digestion process.
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| From Christmas 2006 |
The Christmas Table
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Back Garden Buffet
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Le Chef
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Croquet
Not content with keeping our christmas spirit confined to the back garden, we decided to spread some cheer by walking up to the top of One Tree Hill still adorning our Christmas clothing. Stares preceded photographs, but some were inspired enough to wish us "Merry Christmas". A rainbow was high overhead, attached to a Frenchman by a piece of string - a Christmas gift floating on the breeze.
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Christmas on One Tree Hill
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Kite Flying
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Mrs Claus and the Obelisk
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Pohutukawa Trees displaying their festive colour
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Christmas Cake - Thanks Mum!!!
Obeying a boxing day tradition, we decided to take a walk. In a complete departure from tradition, we climbed up another volcano. The Magnificent 7 climbed up the summit, slowly climbing up under the glare of the sun and the burn of the 30 degree heat.
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| From Christmas 2006 |
The girls at the top
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Lava Fields
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Christmas, sponsored by AIG
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| From Christmas 2006 |
Enjoying a cold beer and a cool head
Old traditions or new departures, we hope you had a great Christmas. We are thankful for the gift of our 5 visitors and think of those further away with whom we wanted to share a drink, a meal or a hug. Merry Christmas to you all, wherever in the world you may be.
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