Kia Ora and Merry Christmas from Ohope Beach, in the Bay Of Plenty, NZ where all the Brettkelly whanau (family) is gathering. Truth be told, it's been a bit of a white-out here with the tail end of a hurricane churning up the sea and fogging up the earth. Ne'mind, as they say here, good for the gardens, eh, and nice to get a rest from that blimin' bright sun.
Kiwis are eternal optimists, I'm realising...
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| The boys jumping into Lake Rotoiti |
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| Oopsy... too late... |
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| My Ohope Beach "uniform," bracelet and bag from Ruby Dunes |
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| Kids and cousins choosing Secret Santa gift |
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| Mum's Christmas puds: Pavlova with sprinkles, trifle and jelly |
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| Harley, Jackson and Cy |
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| View from Mum and Dad's house |
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| Dad, Me and Mum |
Good for me too as there is loads of slothing to do; staying a-bed and listening to the tuis (bell birds), much sitting on the couch and looking out to sea, supping the cheeky reds (wine) of an evening and of course the "morning after" full brekkies down at the local cafe. Tough vacay but someone's got to do it.
Any unwindulaxing going on in your holidays?
Merry Christmas, Jody!
ReplyDeleteSxxxxxx
Looks like a dream! Enjoy Jody!
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Kim
The puds look heavenly. Was your uniform more than that? ;)
ReplyDeleteOh right, wish I was doing the same tough times.
Merry Christmas, eh.
Oh yeah, I might have worn pants.
DeleteWELCOME HOME!!!! :) :) :) :) Hope you're having a fantastic time!!!!!! :) xoxoxo Dakota
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you fellow KoneDoubleyouone.
DeleteHow wonderful for you! I want to go to NZ so badly - I think I told you my grandma was a kiwi from Christchuch and while I have met some of my cousins here in Canada, I have never gotten there - I must to! Have a wonderful holiday!
ReplyDeleteAw my mother in law does great pavlovas too!
ReplyDeleteMaking me all nostalgic for NZ now. Merry Christmas!
A pav in the morning for breakfast is also a beautiful thing, Macy.
DeleteRuby Dunes! Owned by our family friends Nikki Pocock and her mum Karen. Love that shop, impossible to leave without making a few purchases. Gorgeous. Have a wonderful time, your parents have a great spot xxxx
ReplyDeleteNo tuis around here but the unwindulaxing is going full blast. Your mum is a stunner, we know now where you got your good looks from !x
ReplyDeleteYour parents look incredibly youthful! Sounds like you're all having a wonderful time. That view from your folks house would be enough to keep me relaxed, it's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThe view, the puds, the family, the whole NZ hanging out thing with the kids...just about wonderful I would say....enjoy Jody, enjoy x
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're having a lovely vacation!
ReplyDeletejust glorious.
ReplyDeleteLucky NZ to have you back! Unwindulaxing is an excellent term too
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel, That's something that the Kiwis have down pat! I know I read a lot of complaints in the newspapers there from visitors about how NZ closes down for two weeks over Christmas and how uncommercial was that. Well I think blimin good on you, time with the fam.
DeleteJody- What a great way to relax. I am being very lazy and just woke up from a nap, myself.
ReplyDeleteDid you take the photo of the boys jumping? It is breathless! You should have it framed.
Loretta
My sister did - I think it might be just an i-phone one.
DeleteGorgeous view and gorgeous looking puds too. Hope you are having a great holiday.
ReplyDeleteOh sounds like you all are having an amazing time and that view from your mom and dads house is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThis is so great to be able to take a peek at your celebrations. Hope you're continuing to have a fabulous time.
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a fabulous time with all the family:) Gorgeous photos! Wouldn't mind enjoying a few cheeky reds with a view like that!!
ReplyDelete~Anne
I hope you had a great Christmas - it might not look sunny in NZ but it sure looks like a heap of fun! Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
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Melissah
Looks like a great way to spend the holidays. Love hearing al your jargon :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like the perfect place for Christmas. I'm working my way through a 1kg bag of salted peanuts and remaining horizontal for the longest possible time! Happy New Year to you and yours x
ReplyDeleteLooks like the perfect Christmas Jody! Just wanted to swing by and wish you a very happy new years a little early - hope you have a fun celebration!
ReplyDeletexo Mary Jo
Your family looks adorable! Hope you had a great Christmas!
ReplyDeleteNice trifle :)
ReplyDeleteI've only just managed to catch up on my blog reading. Bet the kids had an amazing time bonding with their cousins. Mine still nags at me to move back home because she misses her cousins so much. I love seeing the happy faces in the photos. Looks like you had an incredible holiday.
ReplyDeleteYou have a real talent for putting your thoughts into clear, original content. Your article is easy to read and understand. You have brought forth some really good points that I agree with and appreciate.
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