Last day of the year

This morning we spent time with the pembertons. This evening we had dinner with Jasmine and Karlin Nelson, the Daniel's and Jana and Aaria Ale.

Rest

*we had a good rest today. We woke up to clean up/break down Christmas decorations.

*heaed over to the Daniels house to hang out with aunty keao and Taniora. While there we had a good feed, Nanea had a nap, and Taniora and Nanea had a random swim in his blow up swimming pool. Crazy Hawaiians in very cold water they couldn't be fazed by.

*Meanwhile, Jason went to have a surf at Raglan. He took both boards and said the waves were pretty good. It was a ugly day, but it cleared up in the early evening giving me time to go on a temple run.

*Had burrito's for dinner and had enjoyed a night of karaoke.

*Got up to have a last breakfast with family, wheatbix and leftovers.

*9:40am took off for Hamilton. It seemed a lot longer to get there rather than when we came down to Hastings.

*Stopped off in Tokoroa for a toilet stop and feed (pies and chicken).

*1:40pm fiinally got home to Goodwin house. Were wasted. Nanea we so good on the ride. We just rested waiting a movie and then visited keao for a little while. It's nice to be back with a bed and not having to worry about being quiet while others are asleep.

Splash planet

*5am Jase got up to go for a surf with cousin Roman.

*Splash planet water park it was today. It was pretty cool except for the fact that the water was freezing cold. Thank goodness they had an indoor pool. Nanea didn't care because she's such a water baby. She loved playing with the waterfall. We played around with Israel, girlie and Asia. After the indoor pool we thought we'd try the all around pool...bad idea...it was freezing. So, we only lasted barely one lap and ran back indoors.

*Had a BBQ feed of sausages, bread, and burgers....followed by a big nap.

*Went for a ride to different surf spots-waimarama and ocean beach.

*Night ball forever.

*6am Jase played morning ball with all the boys at the chapel across the street.

*Had workshops all day: poi making, pepeha stick, and a kitchen table session with the aunties and uncles. They shared kitchen table memories of papa and nan.

*We enjoyed a big feed followed by the talent show with family singing and dancing. Jase did a Haka and sand with family. I danced lei ho'oheno.

*After that, some stayed behind tossing some karaoke.

*5:00am wake up

*6:30am finally left in a convoy to Hastings. It took more time than expected since wewere all following each other. And, when we finally got to Hastings we stopped at pack-n-save and McDonald's making our arrival much longer.

*1:30pm finally got to the Korongata Marae. Put the hangi down, made tortilla's and chocolate logs.

*that night we enjoyed catching up with family and sang a bit.

Christmas

This was our first family Christmas card of many to come...I like sending evites because that's the more efficient way of communication.

Today we woke up at 6am to wake up all the moko, eat breakfast, sing happy birthday to Jesus, and then open presents. Nanea got some toys from Aunties and Uncle. Then, we went to church with the Pemberton's and the McKay ward. Returned home for a brunch and a nap. We then went over to Aunty Keao's to find out that she and Bronson have the flu and just returned from the hospital. They hooked her up to the IV. Not the most enjoyable Christmas day for them, but we're happy to be here with family anyways.

Christmas Eve

*I love this temple view from the house!

We enjoyed a mellow Christmas Eve with the Daniels taking family photos at the temple and cruising at the Goodwin home. Keao made a Christmas headband for Nanea to wear to church and Aunty Wendy Daniels made us this Christmas tree cookie! Crazy Aunties Lee and Mahina took the kids on a drive to see the Christmas lights and Santa.

Strother Christmas

*Went to the base for pictures of papa, grandma and the moko. Nanea definitely stole the show with her photogenic expressions and her cute yellow headband.

*After a formal karanga into the kohanga, we Enjoyed a feed at the kohanga with the Strothers, which included some Maori culture and performances by Uncle Tama'S family, Maraea, and Aunty Naomi.

*Panui sausage and bread give away at the Goodwin house with Christmas lights.

Family night

Today we spent the morning with the kids at the Pemberton house and at the Daniels house.

At 7:30pm we all gathered to enjoy supper-fish and chips with tomato sauce, cookies, veggies and dip, pie...attempted Christmas carols with a bell choir and Uncle Tama's family. Then, the adults revealed secret Santa. Jase and I shared a video of each surprise through our eyes. To top it off we presented their food baskets. Although we gave presents, we have received more joy and happiness being here. There are many more days for memories to come.