In the morning the boys dropped Joan & I into Wellington City to meet up with Shannon for lunch, lovely day around the waterfront. Flagged the shopping (living in a bus has certainly killed the need to shop other than for food & drink of course), much more entertaining people watching. We caught the train home. Bill & Nick called into Nicks work briefly, before making it to Pete's Emporium - the highlight of Bills day - they stock everything you could possibly NOT want! great for mystery Santa pressy's though. BB Guns to band aids!Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24th)
Another stunning day, off to Mall for final Christmas shopping, the afternoon lazing around back yard under improvised shade (Lucky Jacky got her Christmas present early from Nick)- a very relaxed Christmas Eve. Shannon arrived late evening (going well after her carol singing at the S&F in the City, looking a little dishevelled in her friend Sam's over sized jersey hiding her elegant little black dress)
Christmas Day - overcast & dreary outside but festive in N&J's lounge, lots of food, pressy's (even Geoffrey the cat got a pressy), Skype to Rocky in Perth who was celebrating with flatmates & friends and Nana Pat in Waihi Beach to complete the family. Enjoyed the games of cards & Buzz Nick.Boxing Day was over to Eastborne for a bike ride with N&J round to Pencarrow Lighthouse, another great cycle trail, stunning views across Wellington and out the head of the harbour.
Saturday 27th December
Another day of relaxation this time at Kaitoke Regional Reserve north of Upper Hutt, a lovely picnic / camping spot full of families, lots of swimming holes, Nick managed to get into one of them.Sunday - Shannon had us all to her place overlooking the harbour for lovely brunch and then off to the movies where we met with Sam for the first time - well planned Shannon - I could hardly interrogate his intentions with our daughter at the movies could I? Dinner at Petone Speights Ale House where we enjoyed a lovely meal Rochelle shouted us all. Very generous thank you Rocky, sorry you weren't actually with us but I'm sure you enjoyed us all trying to talk to you at the same time on the phone after a drink or two or three!!!
Monday 29th December
Bill & I rode the Hutt River Cycle Trail that went through Lower Hutt on down to Petone Foreshore Bridge and back up the other side. Great trail. On our return Bill & Nick went for a swim in the river which is right on N&J's doorstep. Plans were made (but sadly not carried out!) for Nick to get a tube, and travel down the river with Bill on his sit on kayak. Perhaps next time boys!
Tuesday 30th December
Family (except you Rocky sadly) visit to Somes (Matiu) Island in Wellington Harbour - lovely Ferry ride over calling into Seatoun & Eastbourne on the way. The Island has Skinks (of which we saw many) & Tuatara's (saw none) - a very pleasant Island to walk around. Then it was onto a BBQ with John (The Godfather), Sarah & Finn - a lovely catch up with old friends. Thank you guys, hope you got over the shock of the tattoo news, as I hope Joan has recovered from the naked buttocks revealing said tattoo!Wednesday- New Years Eve
Joan left us today to return to Nelson as we prepared to end one year and see a new one in. The rain & wind came in for the afternoon and evening, clearing just in time for New Year. N&J's friends Kelly & Sam came round to join them to see the new year in, we played cards (Kelly is not only a doctor but a card shark!) and Buzz. Then I dropped them all off in Petone before mid night (apparently ,in hindsight, it isn't the place it all happens on new years eve!) Bill & I saw it in quietly in Big Yella.
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