24 Days Until Christmas.

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Yes. Only 24 days to go. Looking forward to the big day. This year we will be spending Christmas Day in Hastings with Amy, Jeremy and the kids. Also Pam and Warwick, along with Sarah, Brad, Honor, Taj and Emerson who will all be staying at Amy and Jeremy's. This should be awesome. Since the last blog 17 days ago we have had Di's brother Pete along with Helen staying for a few days while they take a break from the UK and do some tramping in the NZ mountains. Great to have them here. We also had brother Michael staying as he broke his ankle in an accident at the farm. He had to stay off it so filled in his days here. A busy household as Pete and Helen wanted to catch up with a few people while here. So a couple of evenings of a few drinks and food. We all headed up to the Hawkes Bay, leaving Mike with Sarah and Tony at their farm outside Dannevirke. Then Helen and Pete headed to Taupo to catch up with Christine and do some tramps in that area. We stayed to enjoy Holly's athletics day at school and spend time with her and Ella. Holly reminds me so much of Amy when she was doing athletics and enjoys some success. I of course got in a couple of days fishing, with limited success, and a day with Jeremy as well. The weather was kind to us and it was very hot and even remained kind to us when we returned home. That is until today when the rain came down, but at least the wind wasn't here. So thats about all until Christmas. Keep well. Pip/Rod

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Photos

Brothers.
Mike and Pete discuss everything over dinner.

Beautiful Women!!
Helen, Di, Ann, Rennie, Marianne and Annemarie.Lets enjoy dinner.

Helen on the Way Up Battle Hill.
Helen and I climbed up Battle Hill. This is a site that was were one of the last battles, Maori v/s Settlers took place. Maori won the day. An interesting place and a wonderful climb.

But Very Windy.
I'm holding onto a post up on the tops.

Holding on.
Helen had to hold onto the sign. I have only climbed here a couple of times when there has been no wind.

Helen with Thomas and Charlotte.
These two are Sarah and Tony's kids. Great fun.

Looking out Over the Farm.
Thomas, Sarah, Granddad Mike and Tony. Beautiful outlook and a great day.

Just Have To Wait.
A typical scene in NZ when driving through farming country.

Hi Kids.
Pete and Helen spend time with Holly and Ella and Di.

Go.
Holly rounds the bend in the 200 mtrs.

Go.
Holly races to the line in the 100mtrs.

Long jump.
Enjoying the fun of it all.

Hard Work This!
Into the home straight in the 400mtrs. Puff Puff!!!

Family Time.
Carina, Helen, Michael, Carrado, Annemarie, jon, Peter, Di , holding Jon and Carina's beautiful Sadie and then some strange old man in front.