Two Christmases in 2008 - London AND Auckland

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December 25th 2009

Published: January 19th 2009

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Claire and Brendon

Mum & Dad's back garden

The NZ Xmas tree - the Pohutukawa.

Christmas Day came early in London, fitting in a family Christmas with my two brothers, David & Chris, and sister-in-law Ali, before heading off to NZ for Christmas Day with the rest of our family.

Well December was feast after feast. Thanks to Kim and to Paloma and Colin for cooking us fantastic Christmas dinners early on in December. Christmas lunch club with ‘the crew’ was also a whole load of fun. Then on to hosting our own Christmas meal at home in Clarence Ave, Clapham.

Chris and Ali surprised us by arriving bang on time for lunch. David’s lateness was no surprise at all, turning up two hours after kickoff. Mind you he wasn’t the only late one. The Turkey ‘pop-up’, popped-up nearly an hour after the instructions on it’s packet said it would - and it was rather dry as a result. Oh well, the cranberry jelly and the gravy soon sorted that out and the chestnut stuffed squash was delicious.

After Christmas with the UK contingent we headed off to NZ on the 20th December. Arriving in the morning of 22nd Dec, 32 hours after takeoff (of first flight), we headed straight into nearly four

Rangitoto from Mission Bay

That Iconic Auckland photo. And still a site to behold.

weeks of catching up with friends and family - plus a few adventures in Pauanui & Taupo.

It seems like most of our friends have now got (or are getting - James & Jupes and Nathan & Hannah) married, bought a house, done it up and either popped out or contemplating baby number 1. Here are pics of some of the friends & family we caught up with during our time in NZ.

Apologies to all of you we didn’t manage to catch up with. And the rest of you who caught up with us when I forgot my camera.

We had the most fantastic summer. It was lovely to see everyone after three years. And we have returned to the UK, refreshed and ready to take on the rest of winter.

To follow - separate blogs on Pauanui & Taupo - and the all-important Tongariro Crossing.

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Claire and Brendon Reid

Claire and Brendon

Claire & Brendon's adventures. Can you believe it? Another year gone! Where does the time go? Brendon loves even numbers - and is thrilled about the idea of 2010. So nice and even and balanced. Anyone think perhaps he should be an accountant..... Anyway, the past few years have really been living the dream for us. It's hard to imagine that anything could beat them. But with Cuba, Turkey and a trip on the Trans Siberian / Trans Mongolian Express from Beijing right the way up to St Petersberg all being in our shortlist, it might just be the best yet. Watch this space XX to ... full info