It’s that time again when the blog is clearly serving one of its main purposes – letting the family back home see our children, and this time, as an extra treat for Gran and Grandpa Cowles we have the other jewels in their crowns – cousins Eleanor and Amalie.

This Christmas we had the best of all sides of the world.  We had lovely hot, sunny days in beautiful locations and we got to share it with family.  Gareth’s sister and gorgeous family stared the long haul journey in the face and said we’ll ‘ave ya, which we are most impressed with.

So here they are, brother and sister.

Fast forward 30 years (give or take) and you get this brother and sister.  Shockingly similar no?

Anyways we were joined by this lot.  Who flew in by helicopter….just kidding.

Thankfully everyone got along well from the start.

 

We were all particularly relieved that these two became chums!

Off down South we went and had some sweet memories made in Arthurs Point.  Wisely we mum’s were not told about the speed our beautiful girls would be traveling before they went out on Shotover Jet!!

However we did take them up little lifts up the top of a hill and take a luge down in Queenstown.

Jackson hung out with some oversized sweets…that’s my boy.

There was a lot of time spent in water.

I mean a lot of time.

Jackson had a Darcy moment, enjoy ladies…

Gareth had some spa time, don’t be too jealous men….

But the men didn’t get all the fun, no we ladies had a night out at Arrowtown cinema (go if you can!) to see Philomena (watch it!) and a bike ride from Queenstown to Arrowtown rewarded us with views like this.

Ice cream was a daily occurrence.

 

And there were always smiles.

So I am thankful.  Thankful to our parents for giving us our family.  Thankful for cousins that love to play together.  Thankful for our UK visitors making the trip.  Thankful for sun, sea and sand.  Thankful for such a beautiful country to be living in. Thankful for God’s blessings on our lives, that He loved us so much He gave us His Son, we celebrate Christmas and this is what we get to do in celebration, be with family.

Which also leads me to a very practical photo….the hat and dress for Minnie fitted lovely thanks!