2010 - a year on the other side of the world (depending on where you're starting from!)
Firstly a very happy Christmas to you all and a God blessed New Year in 2011. We managed to get to a carol service by glow stick (got the H&S tick over candles!) which was a great experience and a great reminder of the reason for the season. Have a look at this video too - made by St Paul's - one of the local churches in Auckland.
We're now in Tauranga for Christmas - plenty of family time. Girls and boy outside on bikes, dolls, push chairs, water fights, balls and hoop-la. It's great to have the space and garden here to have a play in :-)
2010 has had many fun things in it - almost forgotten now that it started in the snow back in January, we hear that the wintry weather is worse this year than last - can't quite imagine that at present as we are enjoying 26 degrees here (sorry had to get that off my chest!).
Lillia has really enjoyed this year, loads of play time with Gran and Grandad, playtime at multiple Mum's and toddlers groups, music groups and lately spending 2 days a week at Kindergarten. A few tears along the way but now she is well ensconced. Christmas party a few weeks back with Christmas songs covering 8 languages!! She now treats us to renditions of the NZ national anthem in Maori-esq!
Nina has been a joy to watch grow and her character is in full bloom at the moment. Big smiles, hugs for everyone, loving food and so active on her feet. Running is her favourite speed. Just this last week she has enjoyed sitting up at the table along with her cousins and suddenly looks like a little girl. Plus for her flight home she will have her own seat now - no more baby bassinets.
Fi has been a tireless Mum, the fruits of her labour being happy and tired children when Matt gets home from work (ok, they sometimes grizzle a bit!). We've enjoyed not being committed to too much this year - kind of a sabbatical for Fi in that regard too. 2011 not far away now though :-)
Matt has learnt new skills in forestry, fork lifts and fruit harvesting and orchards. Work did arrive and has been enjoyed at NZI with many ex-pats with a few home growners thrown in to keep us relaxed!! Plus he's managed to keep up the running and had some 'epic' times out and about in the NZ great outdoors - reason enough to stay...?!
Pictures to follow in the next blog, for now - Merry Christmas - love from the Varley's xx
Enjoying the news about the NZ festivities and how you all get immersed in the local culture.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
from the Thurlow's