With Christmas over, it was still 3 weeks before we headed back to the UK. At this stage we were wondering what the hell our bosses were thinking giving us this much time off work, and basically enjoying the sunshine. We managed a disasterous round of golf on Boxing Day and another big family gathering (in Cromwell) this time for a BBQ, (yes, more food, drink and backyard cricket), and then headed back up to Christchurch on the 29th December.

With no immediate plans for New Year's, it was time to get cracking, and so Aaron skillfully invited us along to spend New Year's with Kat and Tom at a typical kiwi bach (small holiday home, otherwise known as a crib). This one, was truly authentic with no power, and a corrugated exterior and most of the living done outdoors. For those not of kiwi-descent, I'm sorry not to have taken a photo, but you'll just have to take my word for it that they do exist. Another couple of wonderful days eating, drinking and generally chilling out in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere (especially since we gate-crashed). Looking forward to seeing the new Mr and Mrs Parsons on this side of the world soon.

The other exciting activity undertaken was a few days out at Amberley beach, racing up and down the sand-dunes and through the forest on Marc (my little brother) and Shane's Quad bikes. You'd be amazed where these puppies can go, and yes we took them everywhere. We even attempted some pretty hairy moves with trailers and sled's in tow - great fun and a real laugh, even if sand did get everywhere. Quote of the day: 'I'll be back in a minute, just going to extract sand from my butt-crack' (won't embarrass the owner of this one, but you know who you are).

There was time to squeeze in a few more BBQ's (ie more food and drink) and socialising, before we were back on a plane and enduring the 34 hour trip back to our little flat in the UK. Great to catch up with you all, to those we missed, sorry... The next bit is you all coming to visit us (or meet up somewhere on this side of the world). Looking forward to hearing from you soon

A week after the wedding and Christmas was there. The time between the 2 events flew by, with Radford, Nicole, Matt and Karina making the most of my parent's hospitality and free bed's in Queenstown to do some sightseeing. They toured around the area, while Aaron and I chilled out and eased back into relaxed kiwi-mode. 3 days later and they were off again having seen Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Queenstown and enjoyed a Serious Fun riversurfing trip (Matt, as soon as you send the photos, we can put them up for the world to laugh at us).

Christmas day started about 9am for us (Mum had already been up for 2 hours preparing the feast) with a Champagne breakfast for those that had stayed the night before (all 12 of them) where we got about a third of the way through the food set out on the table before we were all chocca. Oh well, only 3 hours til the main meal of the day.

Now this is something of a family tradition, the vast array and high quantities of food whenever we congregate, the upside is that no-one needs to cook for the next three days and that we never run out of anything. Christmas dinner was no different, and apart from having to pull us 'kids' away from an intense Monopoly game, went off without a hitch. The aunts, uncles and cousins had arrived by this time, bringing us up to a healthy 19 hungry mouths to feed.

After lunch, back to the Monopoly before the main event of the day - PRESENTS! I think it was safe to say that Aaron and I were both spoiled immensely by everyone, so thank you very much! and it's nice to know that we must've been missed last Christmas, as we had almost a full family turnout.

Dessert about 5pm (couldn't face it any earlier) and once again, we ate about a third, and the alcoholic cheesecake Mum and I made the day before at about 9am in the morning (tastetesting all the way) was definitely a hit. Then outside for some backyard cricket to work off the days ingestion. All and all, a great day and a brilliant chance for me to see all the family.

Home again. It was really good to get back to New Zealand, people you know, slower pace of life and kiwi accents at every turn.

We came back for one of my best friends weddings. Tom Parsons and Kat Paton. I would like to say Tom had made Kat an honest woman, but truth be known; it was the other way around. Kat asked Tom to be her husband last leap year.

With iffy weather building up to the day, it was great to be surprised by no wind, lots of sun and a mild day. Ye ole faithful gathered at Radford’s house where we strolled to Mona Vale, a very up market private garden for the ceremony. Over the years, Tom has become ever more, tree huggin' hippy-ish. To the point he was wearing jandels to his own wedding. Forgiving him his sins, he did scrub up pretty well, and Kat just looked stunning, as all brides should on their wedding day. The ceremony went off without a hitch, a few laughs, a few speeches but most of all big smiles on everyone’s faces. Half way through the ceremony Kat donned an apron, 'Well trained already!' I heard one older gentleman say. But alas it was only to protect her wedding dress as the two symbolically planted a lemon tree together. There were different theories on why a 'lemon' tree. It is slow growing, has sour fruit, isn't particularly pretty. We decided it was to help them cement their ever-blossoming love of tequila. These two seem to have a newfound favourite drink, which leaves most of us looking for a place to hide.

After a stroll through the gardens on the way back to Tom’s parents for the reception, we lingered and mingled until it was time for the speeches, they were your typical wedding speeches, pretty forgettable. That may seem mean, but all I remember now (a month later) is that Suzy Parsons (Tom's sister) said something along the lines of '...we are so happy the Rob and Kat have married...', Rob being Tom's brother. Of course this went down in a howl of laughter and taunts.

Next came food, more food, wine, beer and then ... tequila. Unfortunately this wouldn't be the only time Tom would force this vile liquid down my throat. Finally dancing and sleep.

News has it, that is snowing back home. Dad has been playing with his new camera and sent through a couple of photos of my home in Christchurch, New Zealand. We are set to head to Spain at the end of the week, so while you are in minus temperatures we will be in the 30 degree region. We will roll over while tanning for you. :+)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARC!
Well my little brother is growing up - today is his 19th birthday. Hopefully he hasn't kept it too quiet, and some of his work mates will make sure he hits the town! Although he might not have the energy... I also have to congratulate him on a great start to the season in Formula Fords after getting pole at the weekend at Manfield then driving fantastically (so I'm told) to finish the day with a win and 2 seconds. - Carmen

THE PRESS STORY

I pocketed a $2000 prize. But I believe the big congratulations go to Andrew Rudge.

Party...
Last night we had our farewell party at the Avebury House. Pretty good turn out, with roughly 70-80 people popping in and out. Highlights of the evening included various examples of good and bad dancing, too much food, a fantastic venue and a good chance to catch up with people we may not see for a while. Huge thanks to those who travelled some distance to make it, i.e Corde from Auckland, Mike from Dunners, Lisa and Andy from the deep south and those we have forgot.

There are a couple of photos from the party.

Plans...
Things are getting pretty exciting (and nerve-racking), with only two weeks until we go. Everything is for sale on trademe.co.nz, and we are slowly whittling our possesions down to the bare essentials.

We have given some more thoughts on what to do in Thailand, we are currently looking at spending the first week in Bangkok, we'll be seeing the sights, doing the tourist things, bartering at the markets and at some stage I'll (Aaron) be getting a business suit tailored. Then for about a week, we are planning on travelling down south to soak up some rays on some islands in and around Krabi. We are looking forward to doing some snorkling, scuba diving, sleeping and of course shopping.

Upon arriving in England, we are getting picked up from the airport by a cousin of mine. From there we will try our luck at a couple of job interviews in the first week, before establishing any further plans.

Well thats it from us, next time we make a posting will be from overseas. Hopefully from Thailand somewhere, to keep you guys all updated. You guys can leave comments on these posts, contact us (Aaron + Carmen) from the links on the right or sign our guestbook.

Well word has got out that Aaron and I are off to 'PommyLand', and everyone keeps asking what the plan is... So far, we have one-way tickets to Heathrow airport via Bangkok and that's about it.

The important details:
May 9th 2004 -> leave Chch, NZ for Bangkok, Thailand

2 weeks in Thailand, seeing the sights and winding down after the mad rush to finish both of our Masters degrees (by March 31st)

May 25th 2004 -> arrive in England, find somewhere to live and somewhere to work, probably in London

Of course, the plan is to look for a job before we get there, thru recruitment agencies and the web etc, but in reality, we'll probably only have interviews lined up...