Reubens birthday/Christmas in Sunny Invercargill

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Hi Its Saturday afternoon Christmas Eve, allthough in the Spruit family its Reubens birthday, Christmas is tomorrow... Reuben thinks the only reason we have come to New Zealand is to celebrate his birthday, he hates snow and cold so this day had alot to live up to... It has been great warm weather,lots of cousins, great cake, and pressies. (Thank you Mum and Dad,Jemima,the Massies and the Hawkins) and he is now asleep in the car after several hours of playing tag at the park in the splash pools... Will attach the photos, think he has really enjoyed the day and we are off to a carol service in town in a bit.

Its lovely and warm, we are staying at Juilet and Simons on thier Deer farm (yes they do remember you Oma Dann and send love) just outside Invercargill. they have totally renovated thier house and garden and its fab. loads of room for everone and a great outside deck with a fire place, big garden and views over pond to the deer paddocks. Patsy my aunty and her partner Ross are down from Christchurch, just got out in time i think.. Lots more earthquake aftershocks.

Christmas day will be quite traditional, turkey and ham and lamb, but with salads, no christmas pud... far too filling for a hot day.

We Want to wish all friends and family a really Great Christmas and New Year. Thanks for all your messages its lovely hearing from you all and we look forward to seeing you some time in Jan Lots of love Philippa Eddie Johan Freya and Reuben

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Photos

Hot springs
At Hanmer - Great day

Diamond Lake, Wanaka
Got children up to lookout point, pretty hot but worth it for the view.

Alexandra
Glad i was taking the photo

Alexandra
Bike ride with cousins

Lake Wanaka
Kayaking

Lake Wanaka
Cousins together funhaving

Cromwell
Where i am doing my triathlon with Juilet on Jan 2nd

Queenstown
Eddie and older ones off in Gondala to do downhill bike ride. Mummy far too scared...