Family, Friends and Festivities in the UK

As we write this blog post, Australia is already a few hours into the New Year and we are just 7 hours away from it in the UK.  So, in the midst of all of the best wishes and positive thoughts for 2013 being sent to loved ones here and abroad, we felt it a timely moment to jot down a few words about the family and friend catch-ups and festivities we’ve been enjoying since touching down in the UK. 

On arriving in London in mid-December we each felt we could let out a deep breath after the wonderful chaos of the past 11 weeks and we very much needed a 24-hour break to stock up on much needed supplies, do some washing, let our hair down a little and rest (not to mention adjust to the weather and light conditions!).  Since that time the past two weeks have been wonderfully jam-packed with catching up with much loved family and friends in Cambridge, Hampstead, Chelsea, Winchester, Somerset and Worcester.  Tess’ Mum Julie joined us for 6 days of this time as part of her overseas travels – which proved to be a great opportunity to catch up with her after nearly 3 months, as well as introduce her to our UK family and friend contingent.  Being in the UK has also provided us with an opportunity to touch base with family back home and it’s been so lovely to see and hear some much-missed voices and faces on Viber and Skype.

Alick spending time with Barnes and Magnus in Cambridge

Tess and Julie at King's Cross Station

Alick and Irene on Hampstead Heath

Alick and Peter

 For Christmas this year it just so happened that a large number of the extended Weber bunch found themselves together at the East Chinnock home of Alick’s Grandma, Uncle Nick and Aunt Ros.  The wonderful result of this was a week-long series of celebrations and catch-ups over the Christmas period (though with many thoughts and well wishes being sent to the remaining Webers in the Southern Hemisphere - Simon, Rosie, Kif, Anna, Poppy and Theo).

Christmas morning

Grandma Jean and Katherine - Christmas lunch

Ros and Alick - Christmas lunch

From Somerset we grabbed a night to ourselves to explore the Cotswolds (and sample a few local craft beers!) before heading to Whitbourne (near Worcester) where we are spending a few nights.  We were lucky to snatch a few minutes with Alick’s cousins Douglas and Joannie (including wishing Joannie a belated Happy18^th Birthday!) and are currently preparing for New Years celebrations with Angus and Gillie (Alick’s Aunt and Uncle) – we’re looking forward to the evening ahead!

Alick and Angus - Whitbourne

As we farewell 2012, it’s lovely to look back on a year filled with so many happy memories – most notably for us with our marriage, 30^th birthday celebrations and much anticipated travel adventures.  Amongst our close friend and family networks, we’ve also felt so privileged to share in Jo and Neil’s wedding celebrations, welcoming new bubs Darcy, Eleanor, Lily, Barnes and Jack into the world, loving our Aunt and Uncle role in spending time with Poppy, celebrating Theo’s arrival and counting down until the arrival of our first niece on the Jenkin side in just a few weeks time!

2012 also saw Alick’s Grandma Jean and Granny Mary celebrate their 90^th and 88^th birthdays respectively, and we are constantly thankful for the opportunity to cherish the adult relationships we have developed with these wonderful women.  We are making the most of the opportunity to spend time with them and draw on their wisdom and experience during our visit.

After such a wonderful year, we can’t wait to see what 2013 brings! For the first day of the year we plan to head north to Scotland, starting off with a visit to Granny Mary in Troon and a few nights with Lina and Luke (Alick’s Aunt and Uncle) at Blair.  We will post an update of our Scottish adventures over the next few weeks. 

Tess and Alick xx