Our First Christmas in New Zealand

This was our first Christmas in New Zealand. What a special day! Nana and Papa Payne are here. We had a big feast for lunch and Olivia opened her first presents by herself (last year she needed help). It was a very special day!

Christmas Eve morning--Olivia loves to have a hat on...

even if her hat is her shorts.

A New Zealand wine bottle holder.

Ian with his new dump truck with blocks.

Olivia opening her presents...

She's wearing my new necklace from the Myhills.

A Wiggles dvd from Auntie Gill and Uncle Peter.

Ian got a DVD too from Auntie Gill and Uncle Peter.

Olivia Opening Her Present

I just have to mention there were a few things we missed this Christmas...

Granny White and Papaw, Aunt Lee Ann, Uncle Lance, Kelsey, Mary Kate, Colleen, and Tia. There is no EGG NOG in New Zealand (it's a crime, really), no "It's a Wonderful Life," no "Christmas Vacation," and no 24 hours of "A Christmas Story." We didn't even have any "White Christmas," but did find "Meet Me In St. Louis" (but then we have that on DVD). There is no corn syrup to make a proper Pecan Pie (had to use golden syrup--not quite the same) and of course I must gripe about this one more time--our 8 lb turkey cost $42. All-in-all still overwhelmingly happy to be here! We love New Zealand, just adjusting to our new life. Merry Christmas everyone...