[talk: Our Kiwi Christmas.]

If you're not related to me - this will be the dullest post ever.  Wait.  Let me clarify that ... if you're not related to me on my MOTHER'S side, you may just wish to skip over this.  Well.  Except that a lot of my father's side, love my mother's side.

Hmmmm ...

Ok ... THIS post is my Christmas gift to my Kiwi Family.  We got back, just over a week ago, from the most amazing family vacation we've ever been on ... four days in Australia and twelve in New Zealand.  Every day was special ... but this last evening we spent was even more so ... 

Our Kiwi Christmas was held at my cousin's place ... not too shabby, and all of my cousins and family members came.  It was so great ... 

There were tables set at various spots outside ... it was sunny and beautiful - no need to be stuck indoors ... 

And no turkey here ... crawfish.  Crayfish?  Whatever ... I'm not claiming to be up on my crustaceans *grin* ... 

What was so wonderful, was seeing our kids create memories with our family ... just looking at these makes me want to cry.  And go back.

We all mixed and mingled ... and this guy?  Scottie?  Awe ... love 'em like the little brother he is to me *grin*.  Right Scott?  Still on the couch?  Thought so *wink* .... 

Ian and Michele were the perfect hosts ... not only for the meal, but for our stay in Auckland.  How awesome to be with family ... no matter how much time passes - it's just always the same.  Love it.

Awe.  My little Boo.

More cousins, and more cousins ... I won't list them all (hey Jules, hey Somer ... hey Melo ... Christine ... James ...  ok.  I'll stop ...)

If you've ever been to my hubby's and my place for a large gathering, you'll know what he does when he prays.  He asks everyone to raise their hands ... and this was no exception.  My family thought he was nuts.  He is.

But NOT quite as nuts as my cousin, Jono.  Nope.  He was the youngest, hippest Santa ever.

Ah yes.  Let the party begin ... 

Poor Charlie.  Jono's a crazy guy ... we know.

So crazy ... he played the mandolin as he led in some Christmas songs.  

Katia loved it.

Then there was the gift-exchange game.  What a mess ... what a laugh!

Then the pavlova, the brandy snaps, the jars of Jaffas and lollies.  You can't go wrong at a Kiwi dessert table ... 

There was music - my cousins Dave, Jono and James let me join them in the fun ... they're ridiculously talented ... and threw in some Beiber tunes in the Christmas-sing-along-mix.  The look on my face is concentration ... trust me.  I was having a good time *grin*.

Mattias thought this was the craziest group, the most fun-group-ever ... I mean, having everyone sing "Baby, baby, baby ... OHHHHH" at the top of their lungs, regardless of age.  At Christmas?  Oh yeah ... fun group.  I couldn't stop laughing.

Finished off by the lovely Geneva and Jono, married this year ... sharing songs they've written together ...  (thanks Somer for catching these IPhone pics ...)

So ... that was it.  An amazing night, with amazing people.  Merry Christmas, dear family.  You are incredibly loved by us all, our kids speak of you DAILY.  Thank you for loving us, for welcoming us, for being just the greatest family ever.  I am so proud to be one of you!!

Much love.  xoxoxo