A wee Bristolian

Before Christmas we finally managed to venture down/across to Bristol to see Holly, Rob and the beautifully new Pippa - just three months old! Hence my keen desire to visit for the last little while. What a great start to the holidays, baking christmas pies, maximum baby cuddles, pram walks in the snow, carols in the park with mulled wine and stollen, and just relaxing.

I was last in Bristol six years ago for Holly and Rob’s wedding, and it was so satisfying to be back and see them settled, in a new phase of life and doing so well. They left New Zealand last December and they have just been blessed this last year! Truly encouraging.

 *Sian and Eleanor - be encouraged - true friendship, although it might span many oceans, lasts! 

Bristol itself was brilliant, such a different city to Oxford. A bit more raw, industrial, with hints of Wellington in the vibe and the harbour too. Everything was larger and we enjoyed just wandering, taking in the christmas sights and being on holiday before heading up to Derby.

An ode to my fandamily

Just had a wonderful Christmas day with some very special people. Feeling full, happy and sleepy, but can’t fight the feeling of the distance from family. Because I can’t be with them in person I felt it was appropriate to post some photos from an amateur family photo-shoot just before we left.

I love how fun my family are.

Miss and love you all x

A Winter Wonderland

Being away from family at Christmas is a strange deal. Not only is the whole rhythm of the Christmas season different, so is the weather and the traditions to some extent. When people ask what sort of Christmas traditions we have in New Zealand I tell them about bbqs, backyard cricket, pohutukawa blossoms and dancing around the Christmas tree. That last one, I’m pretty sure, is peculiar to my family alone. Every Christmas Eve we choose some music and then dance with enthusiasm around (or in front) of the tree to the amusement of those watching. By the power of skype this tradition was able to continue this morning when I spoke to Mum, Dad and Zeke. They played “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” in honour of the snow here and danced around their tree. It was brilliant.

And we really have experienced a winter wonderland. We went for a trek into Oxford to on the weekend to do some last minute shopping, and it was beautiful! You can see Kim’s gloves too which I finished, but are now less than suitable for the snow. He still likes them though which is what counts.

Merry Christmas Eve everybody! xxx

KBCTC Christmas Party

Friday was the last day of whirlwind term one, and the night of our Christmas Party. The staff cooked a FEAST, the cafe was decorated beautifully and Simon greeted us at the door wearing a tux, and we soon had a mulled wine in hand. Most proud of Ash who looked stunning in a dress (work it girl!), and of everyone else for making the effort despite a severe lack of sleep. You all looked great!

Gratuitous happy snaps below.