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