Slow morning....probably 10:30 or so before everyone was awake and breakfasted. Then opening the presents:
Certainly the tiniest stack of presents we've ever had due to the logistics of schlepping presents halfway round the globe and back. But it actually felt refreshing to have less stuff...maybe we'll work to put parameters on future gifts too.
M and I worked on various food items for lunch...chicken skewers and salads. Then DC and I went for a long walk along the waterfront and back up the beach. Right as we returned, DS and family arrived. An hour or so later, SS's brother and his wife and four kids arrived. Later in the afternoon, CS and ZC. 20 people in total! And two dogs. The house was the perfect venue for a gathering like this. It never felt crowded and there were plenty of options for where people could settle and plenty of room to eat comfortably and socialize in various ways.
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| The crew heading for the beach after lunch |
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| A look back at the house.... |
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| ...and from further away |
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| The beach with almost the full crew at the water's edge and in kayaks |
Came back for dessert, then many rounds of Perpetual Commotion (aka Hasty Patience). We had 10 players at times, and the competitiveness of the S genes shone brightly :)
And later in the evening, Wits and Wagers
Interrupted for a while by a stunning sunset:
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| Yes, I realize the horizon is sloping. It's, er, because it's New Zealand. |
Will follow up with a separate blog post with (hopefully) the group shots DS took.
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