Where did all those weeks disappear to?
This truly was a fantastic reunion with my family. Some I saw more than others. That's understandable due to the changes in their lives these past 3+1/2 years I was absent. Not by choice but by the situation which affected every country across the globe these past few years.
Unexpected events, planned moments, a flight to Australia. It all happened and I can tick many boxes. So I'll share a few with you, because I am just abuzz with memories made such a short time ago.
My trip over and arrival went almost without a hitch. A fog at Dubai rearranged the stopover somewhat but never fear, we left a tad later and still managed to arrive on time in Auckland. Thankfully my luggage arrived with me so that was a stress less. I have had that experience before and it isn't a comfortable one.
I was met at the airport by my good and dear friend Annette. My partner in crime ( traveler and mischief maker). Annette had booked a motel for the evening so I could catch up on some sleep, be rested before arriving at my son and daughter in law's home. The 4 children were obviously excited - as was pregnant mum, as she was due any time with the baby. Which transpired only a few days after my arrival. On 6th September my grandson was born on his dad's 40th birthday. If that wasn't joy enough, my son and daughter in law from Australia turned up at the door, totally unknown to both my son and me. What a reunion.
In the weeks that followed lots happened which only made even more special that I had arrived when I had. Mum and baby both had health issues. First one, then the other. I was able to pitch in and keep the washing machine turning and the meals arriving on the table. Including obviously all the other chores that come with running a household with 4+1 and an unwell mum and including a concerned father/son.
A short escape to Waikanae to my only surviving uncle ( dad's brother) and his wife ( my cousin on mum's side). They are both 84 and live in a lovely small care community, independent and very much surrounded by lovely nature. I loved meeting up with them and on my last evening their son who came for a few days stay. Hadn't met up with him for too many years to remember. This was a real treat.
Dear friends came up from Napier, stayed with their daughter and family while we managed to spend time together. Normally I would drive down and visit various friends there but the nature of my stay was so different this time, I didn't move far out of Hamilton to be fair. Except for....
A flight to Melbourne Australia saw me reunited with my son and family ( the one who popped over for the 40th birthday and baby birth). I stayed 17 days in all of which I spend 4 nights staying with my grandson and his partner. We had some great times and lovely outings.
With the festive season around the corner, I introduced the grandchildren to Sinterklaas. It was fun. Then the morning of the day I was to leave for Annette's we had 'presents day' which caused a lot of hilarity fun and noise. Just fantastic.
So you see why I think time just flew....I haven't even scratched the surface of the daily happenings...and this already sounds like a hectic but valuable time. My photo supply has increased- I have some gorgeous kiddie shots and from the trip to Waikanae and here at Annette and Mike's. I've got enough to edit for a few videos. All in good time.
Now it are the last happenings, dinner, soak in the hot tub, pack the cabin bag tomorrow and leave for the airport. Then,
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