Xmas Greetings 2013 from Marie & Jay
Greetings from Auckland!
It still seems strange that we are back living here after 42 happy years living in Rotorua.
We have been here in St. Andrews for just over a year and are only just starting to drive around
the eastern part of Auckland quite happily, as it has changed dramatically in the past few years with increased traffic.
Our year started off with a lovely wedding at Cable Bay Vineyard on Waiheke Island at the beginning of February, when my nephew Tim Lynch (Gerard & Helen’s son, now living in Brisbane) married his NZ fiancee Stephanie Newton. Beautiful wedding on a perfect summer day and on our 51st anniversary spent with Lynch relations and friends
Then on the 17th March we went to our 2nd wedding in Napier at the Mission Estate Vineyard,
where Jay’s niece Stephanie Mahoney (now living in London) married her fiance Nick Burt
from Rotorua originally, but now in London. Once again, a lovely wedding and great gathering
of Jay’s relations and friends.
Around the 24th May we had our 3rd wedding this time in Sydney at Collaroy Beach, where
Jay’s nephew Joel Menzies (Brian & Lola’s eldest son) married his fiancee Greta Moore at a
delightful wedding near the beach. Great family gathering once again plus meeting new friends.
At the beginning of August we welcomed home our daughter Alexandra (from France) who stayed 3 weeks with us here. Then our eldest daughter Annemarie from Atlanta, Georgia, USA arrived on the 26th Aug for 2 weeks, as Marie celebrated her 80th birthday on the 28th. Our son John (Cairns) arrived on the 28th with his youngest son Bryce, followed by Kevin (Melbourne).
Kevin’s family followed him in the next 2 days, also Clare, Marco & Joshua. Karl, Bonnie & their 3 girls drove up from Wellington.
We had a great get-together of relations here in Auckland, including cousins and their children
which was great for our family to meet up after many years. We had a luncheon at the Community Centre here in the village, which was a great success.
The only downside was farewelling our family one by one as they flew or drove off back to their homes again.
Unfortunately Marie damaged her right shin badly on the 13th Nov when she tripped and fell on to Jay’s bike in our garage, as the pedal ripped the leg open. It is slowly healing, but has meant
continuous rest with help from family here in Auckand which has been invaluable.
We are driving up North to Cable Bay on the 23rd December with Clare & Marco, so will spend
Christmas up there this year, which will be quite different, but enjoyable.
We wish you all Christmas blessings and good health in the New Year.
Marie and Jay