Sunday 17 January 2016

Oh, their bags are packed...

...and they're well on the way. 
In fact they must almost be back in Christchurch 
to catch the flight back to Sydney tomorrow.
Then they will separate and head back to 
their homes in different parts of the country.
Yes, my youngest sister and her family have been and gone - 
doesn't time go quickly when you don't want it to?
We had a great visit, they stayed with my little mother 
so she was always invited to join them on their excursions.
Sometimes she went with them and sometimes not

coffee in the back yard
The day we all went into the Warehouse she decided
 to join us. We had a good day out and enjoyed lunch
 at Kelly's Cafe while we were there. On the way home
 I suggested we call in to my youngest daughter's home 
so the wee fellow could play with the kids for a while. 

I can do it...I think
He is only four and had been so good. 
So the boys played and we all relaxed
and had a catchup over coffee until it was
 time to head home for tea. It is so nice not to
 have deadlines or timetables to be adhering to.

sisters, cousins, aunties and grandmas
Sis and her daughter took turns at the cooking and I think 
little Mother cooked one day when she stayed home.
As on this day when we had a family gathering at the park.
As it's school holidays we decided to have lunch at the park - 
pizzas and playtime I called it. $5.00 pizzas didn't set us
 back too much and we all took some home afterwards. 
A nice easy day out for kids and adults alike.

climbing...
And of course there was lots of playing. 
The only fly in the ointment, so to speak, 
was a bee sting. And that happened as we 
were leaving. Maybe next time the child 
will keep his shoes on when he's told to :)

...and even more climbing
A couple of nights ago we went out for dinner
 with my brother and his partner and his two sons. 
We don't see a lot of them so it was good to have
 a catchup with them as well. The meals were very big, 
well worth what we paid, and I ate far too much.
 I should have stopped at the main but I didn't.
 I had dessert! It was big, decadent and too much,
 but I ate it anyway. All in all a lovely night out.

That's me on the right with my GKB beside me, then my brother and his partner,
his sons at the end and coming back up the table, little Mother,
 my great nephew, his mother and my sister across from me.

I went for a long walk the next day, with the odd bit
 of gentle jogging thrown in for good measure.

Looking back I see we gathered a lot over food, I think 
that is a good way to socialise, over the common meal.

I shall miss them for a while but look forward
 to seeing my other sister in a few weeks time - when we
 shall have a very different sort of holiday with her.


joining Martha at:
and Stephanie at:

That's it for this week
or for a few days anyway.
Keep well until next time,
Diana

17 comments:

  1. I'm glad you have a great visit with your family. Lots of memories there! Have a great day.

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  2. It looks like you had some good times with your family, Diana. Food seems to play a large part in our family gatherings too :-)
    I was sorry to read about Claude, you must miss him very much indeed.

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  3. It looks like you all had a wonderful time!! I know you will miss them.

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  4. It looks as though you had a wonderful time!!! Look forward to your next round of visits! xx

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  5. Diana, the weather looks gorgeous! The boys certainly look like they are enjoying all the jumping and climbing! Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!

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  6. Hi Diana, it sounds like you had a wonderful visit with your family.

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  7. Hi Diana: I am so glad you had that time with your family. It looks like everyone had a restful time. Love that! Blessings, Martha

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  8. HI Diana, nice to meet you. Family time is always the best! All of that food is making me hungry. I have been dieting. Have a happy week.

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  9. Family visits are always so memorable and I agree socializing around food really sets the mood. It's so hard when the visits come to end though.
    Take care,
    Nora

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  10. Oh Diana, what a wonderful family visit and such memories you've made along the way. I love that you call your mother, "my little mother". That is just so endearing to me! Now you have another visit to look forward to!

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  11. Lovely photos of your recent family get together. It looks as if you had many memorable meals, chats and playtime for the young ones. That was especially nice for your mother.

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  12. What a fun family gathering...they are the best, aren't they? What a great time of making sweet memories!

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  13. Hi Diana! Oh, what a wonderful time you must have had with your family and that your little mother could join in so many of the activities! Thank you for popping in to see me and your sweet words.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  14. Hello Diana - I enjoyed seeing your lovely time with family - those are the best times, aren't they? Thank you for your sweet visit - I am a new follower. I took a peek at your previous posts and want to say I am sorry about your little cat. They do steal your heart in their quiet way and it is always sad when they leave us. Sending hugs xo Karen

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  15. Dearest Diana; How wonderful and delightful for the family get together♡♡♡ And I really LOVE this heartwarming post,Dear friend.
    Haha, very cold and enjoyed the snow fall now p:-)

    Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in New Zealand, xoxo Miyako*

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  16. Oh what a wonderful get together with your dear family. Very lovely and special for your mom too.
    Blessings my friend.
    FABBY

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  17. What fun, sweet friend! I am so glad you were able to spend time with your dear family. Such sweet memories :) Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. I hope to see you at the party tomorrow. Hugs!

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