The weather here has been so hot and humid it's hard to believe it's Christmas in a matter of days. This will be the second festive season I've spent in warm climates (the first being in Australia when I did my post University stint of travelling), and I don't think it will ever feel quite right to me. Christmas trees and big images of Santa everywhere just feel a bit wrong when it's 30 degrees outside, but we have been embracing the sunshine nonetheless.
My parents have been here on a two week visit and it has been so great to see them after 5 months of only skype contact. We have been on numerous days out and shown them all the delights of the Auckland region and needless to say Lila has been spoiled to bits. They flew back to the UK on Friday evening and we are now getting sorted ready to fly out to Melbourne in the early hours of Tuesday to spend Christmas with my sister and her fiancee. Woop! I love Melbourne and it will be Curt and Lila's very first visit to Australia so I'm so excited for them to experience a few weeks in and around this amazing city.
Today it has rained solidy all day and it has been a welcome change from the humidity. I can almost pretend I'm back in the UK! It is now 4pm and despite the fact we've done a major clean of the house we are still in pyjamas. Awesome. Haven't had a day like this for ages and on the agenda for later is wrapping Christmas gifts whilst watching a festive film.
Beautiful water gardens
My parents enjoying a ride on a vintage steam train (after close inspection of all the pictures my Dad has his eyes closed on every single one!)
Lila and her friend Isabella playing fairies
A keen scholar practising her best listening pose at the school of a historic village!
A tired girl after a busy day out.
