Jali's Journey: A Kiwi Christmas

'The Farm' was where we were greeted, pretty worn out from the long drive, by Tony and Irene Gibb. Their large farmhouse was overlooked by sheep and cow scattered hills. Irene's farmhouse meal of mutton, three kinds of potato, carrots and peas went down very well by all. Then after the boys let off a bit of steam we had a good night's sleep in beds not in Dougie for the first time in weeks. Tony very kindly showed us all aspects of farm life by letting us watch him draughting sheep (separating), moving cattle and sheep between fields and sheep shearing. It was tiring watching. A rather earlier night after the boys had a bath (!) then Jonny and I got to wrapping a few bits we'd picked up for the boys' stocking (actually their pillow cases). It made it feel a bit more Christmasy especially as Irene produced a few much-welcomed minced pies. We were woken at 7pm - we had a strict and busy schedule ahead.

Sam was really thrilled to see a trail of chocolate coins leading from the bedroom to the pillowcases by the fireplace. He opened his giftswith relish and Ben seem amused by the sight of wrapping and new toys/books/chocolate. After a 'traditional' breaky of ham, pineapple, poached eggs on toast, we had time to help feed the lambs before packing up and heading to our first stop of the day: Nick and Amy and baby Parker (Nick is Tony and Irene's Son). Then on to Tony and Irene's impressive cliff top 'other house'. After a few more prezzies and a light lunch we made our way over to Tony's sister Pam's house a little way down the coast for a BBQ dinner. A delicious spread and wonderful views, the weather was windy and sunny. Then back to the other house after an exhausing, thorougly different but very lovely Christmas day.

Boxing day proved to be just as busy but we did get to stay in one place. The weather was fine and guests came and went throughout the day. At one point there must have been 18 people. Irene produced an almost continous supply of food, tea, beer... Sam was a little under the weather so spent large chunks of the day with Meg and Mog on the ipad. He brightened up in the evening with the help of some paracetamol and enjoyed playing with his new toys and new friends/relatives Geoff and Tanya (Tony and Irene's other son). Ben, as always just monkeyed around and kept us entertained and on our toes. Phew, another cram-packed day.

The following day we headed into the local town New Plymouth. Irene very kindly lent us her car so we didn't need to drag Dougie around and try and park in the town. We 'did' New Plymouth. The coastal walkway, excellent museum, and popped into a few shops. Tony, Irene, Geoff and Tanya met us in the evening for Fish and Chips at the Port before going to the local annual attraction of 'Festival of light' set in a beautiful park. Festival of Light is quite a unique spectical where a park is lit up in different colours. It had be dark so it wasn't until after 9pm that we started walking around to take it all in. About 10pm Sam was flagging, Ben still giggling in his pushchair, we headed home. A good 12 hours in New Plymouth and very tired out.

Gathering up all our belongings, washing, supplies and new toys we bundled back into Dougie for the first time in a few days and after wishing Tony and Irene big 'Thank Yous' we hit the road again. I bet there was a big sigh of relief when we rolled down the drive. Sam and Ben were very good - but they can be quite a handful! I think we got away without breaking anything (Irene wisely hiding all things breakable).

Otrahanga and the Kiwi's was our next stop. We parked up at the Kiwi House campsite, a little gem of a place. I think we were all happy to be back in Dougie and our routine of pitching up somewhere new. Sam was quick to chat to everyone and introduce himself to the most likely playmates and Ben toddled about pickling with everything and anything with no regard for boundaries or safety. With his blonde curls bouncing he terrifies us and amuses us in equal measure.

We saw Kiwi's! They really are the most wonderful creatures. It was like seeing a mythical beast. Well worth the visit. Bless um. Otrahanga (Dougie's birthplace!) turned out to be a very nice little place.