Full House Again!

And they're home!

Jonathan and Mina had a great time in New Zealand, spending a lovely week Malcolm and Robin and doing lots of things. I had a lovely week too, which went by all too quickly in the end, just as Jonathan had predicted!

Apart from spending precious time with Malcolm and Robin, Jonathan and Mina also spent time with Dave and Jolie and their gorgeous girls Alyssa and Tammi, and took a day trip to Rotorua to visit Rachel and Neil and Stephanie and Jordan.

Most days were spent doing not very much - it was a relaxing holiday for Jonathan. The point of the holiday was to spend time with our New Zealand family, and Mina did exactly that - did activities with Grandpa and Grandma, played with Alyssa and Tammi, and when they went to Rotorua, Mina and Stephanie got reaquainted and enjoyed some lovely playing time together.

Mina never really adjusted to Auckland time (2 hours ahead of Sydney time), so there were a few issues going to bed every night. But conversely, she "slept in" every morning until around 8.30am, which meant Jonathan was able to have a lie in as well.

They brought home lots of presents for me and Speedy. Speedy got the cutest outfit, which we'll be sure to dress him in for his trip home from the hospital. Jonathan also bought a gorgeous baby lambswool rug for Speedy to use. For our new house, Jonathan bought these beautiful Kauri wood coasters.

With her own money, Mina bought a whole bunch of stuff. A Pūkeko soft toy, which she named Keko, is now a proud addition to the company of soft toys. Mina also bought a gorgeous Pūkeko purse and a Pūkeko photo holder, an activities book, a beautiful ceramic fridge magnet (for me!), a new house number with Paua shell for our new house.

Jonathan brought back the first piece of art he ever bought as a 17 year old. It's a lovely limited edition painting of a wood pigeon, which will have a pride of place in our new home.

Jonathan told me that the A380 was just the same as any other plane when you're seated in cattle class. The food was nice enough and the in-flight entertainment was good, but the kids packs were awesome! Mina really lucked out with the fantastic kids packs - there were plenty of goodies, like a hand puppet, and soft toys with dress up kits, and story books. I was very impressed with the goodies that Emirates gave Mina!

I had a lovely week by myself. I didn't get to do as many things as I thought I'd do, nor eat as many things as I thought I would eat, but I did enjoy sleeping in the middle of the bed for 5 days, and have the TV on in the bedroom to help me fall asleep every night, without being teased!

It was certainly lovely to fall asleep next to Jonathan last night, and to walk up with Jonathan this morning. We'd both missed each other so much - it's good to have them home.