Christmas

Yes, it is a big jump from August to December. Perhaps I will catch-up some another time but despite the weather looking more like summer, it is Christmas even in New Zealand. They have gone all out to decorate every work area here in the area office. With our theme in the Area Presidency offices of the Nativity, we have more than 14 located in our office area. Here is the large wicker one that came from Africa. It is in our waiting area. It includes a angel and star hanging in the air. For the office judging, we projected the DVD "Joy to the World" on the wall and grandma made a plate of her hand dipped chocolates (bribery intended).
Here is the Australian Nativity we bought last month when we were in Sydney.

Here is a Tongan Nativity the Area President's wife brought back from their last trip.

Our city gets in the Christmas spirit with street light decorations.

Our office facilities manager's wife gave us a Korean pear from her homeland. Bit bigger than a normal pear, orange or banana.

Rockin R Ranch

The last weekend was spent at the Rockin R Ranch in Antimony, Utah. A wonderful way to conclude our brief time between missions. We celebrated Grandmas birthday.
Strengthened cousin to cousin and every other relationship.

Went tubing down the river.

Hayride

Campfire with Smores.

a hike.

Relaxing swing in the evening

Just sitting around

And Great Grandkids..............Lots of them

Rockin R Ranch - Part 2

There was the hoarse back riding.

With an ice cream treat at the local mercantile.

Rockin R Ranch - Part 3

Call it a large water hole or pond it was one of the main places to play regardless of age.

On the shore, in the water or in a canoeAnd all the little ones

Even grandpa got in

and the older ones- they all had fun in the water

Then there was line dancing.

and the game room.

Fathers Day and Birthdays

Yes, we planned our time at home to celebrate both of our birthdays and fathers day. And yes, more time with the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Grandchildren and more

The most important part of our short time at home were the baby blessings and the support of family members to bring a new soul into the family circle. We believe that "Families are Forever" and so we welcome Noel.. and Norrah.
And now to the lighter moments with the grandchildren. After 18 months of spending most of our time with those termed "seniors", dinner with a 2 year old was great.

After 18 months of cricket and rugby, it was great spending an afternoon at the ballpark watching our granddaughter Cassie.

And just plain visits to watch them play...

and sleep.

End of a Mission

We did get released from our mission, sort of. For most of you know by now, we put our papers in for another mission and were called to serve again. This now makes 3 full-time missions for us but then who's counting. One of our first visits was the homecoming or our dear friends, Elder Lon and Sister Kaye Nally who have served along side us both in Australia and New Zealand.