December 25, 2022
👏🏻Lane paid for extra WiFi aboard the cruise ship and we are learning how to juggle it between our 4 devices…
This week we explored more of Auckland with the traditional and popular Heritage Walk from Takapuna to Milford.
We took a recommendation to try “Honest Chocolate”, a chocotissary in Commercial Bay. We ordered “The Volcano”, a superb hot chocolate.
Our day ended by watching “The Holiday” movie back at our B&B on my i-pad. It may not be looking like Christmas where we are but singing Christmas hymns and watching Christmas movies helps to bring the spirit of Christmas to wherever we are.
Our cruise began in Auckland, New Zealand on Tuesday, December 20th. We checked out of our B&B, returned our rental car, shuttled to the airport, bused to Central City, at our last pre-cruise meal at Denny’s of all places and then walked 1/2 mile to Queen’s Port.
It began “full speed ahead” at the Lido, a check-in to our balcony room, later a salmon dinner and a late showing of “A Christmas Story” in the ships theater. 30 days of this is gonna be marvelous!!!
Our weather was super nice. CHRISTmas day was spent ‘at sea’…just off the coast of New Zealand.
~ an outstanding brunch
~ Come Follow Me lesson
~ Luke 2 reading and nativity videos
~ It’s a Wonderful Life in the ships theater
(My favorite fictional holiday movie)
~ a ham dinner
~ everything was perfect except for one thing…YOU were not here!😭
FYI: 🎀 In case you missed their darling announcement on FB we share Darren & Stephanie Hill’s announcement of a baby girl arriving in early July! Congrats!!!
We do miss you so much. And we love you, each and every one, FOREVER!
Cheers! Momma C & Dad Lane
We are living in some pretty marvelous and miraculous times. We experienced a miracle recently as we drove 3 hours, late at night, in the rain, on unfamiliar twisty mountain roads, AND on the left side to return from an unanticipated Māori BBQ in Rotorua to Auckland by midnight. We were nervous, drained, and prayerful.
These marvelous times are often chaotic and stressful, sometimes contentious. Toss in natural disasters, disease, unrest, violence and evil acts and if I’m not focused on faith that God is all knowing and just I might feel a sense of gloom and hopelessness. So I keep choosing a simple faith. It IS powerful! I feel peace despite the turmoil. Choosing God can uplift, in a world intent on putting down. Life is filled with wonder. Explore. Hug each other. Forgive.
December 18, 2022
13th flights to San Francisco and then on to Fiji
14th crossed the dateline and lost this day
15th arrived in Nadi, Fiji and immediately changed for a day cruise in hot weather. (Snorkeling, BBQ, swim, slide, dancing). Coconut shrimp, fish’n’chips and pinacolada at Port Denarau Marina.
16th Short night at the Fiji Gateway Hotel before an early shuttle to Fiji Airways and we are off to Auckland, New Zealand.
Dec 19th ~ Lee celebrates reaching double digits (10)
December 11, 2022
For our Utah based family members, and anyone else interested…
A Shepherds Dinner collage - SOUTH EDITION (Saturday, Dec 10th)
It was a starry night and held on the hillside next to Lincoln’s gym. Thank you to all who attended. It was gratifying for me to slow down and reflect, even if only for a few precious hours with you!
A Shepherds Dinner collage - NORTH EDITION (Sunday, Dec 11th)
More choice and delectable edibles insured that every shepherd was filled. Those finding refuge in the Hadley homestead were Greg & Jennifer, joined by Zachery, Brock and the Hale’s. Tom and Shalaun’s family made the trek along with the Bells. All were pleased to welcome Mike’s 3 kids, Kierstin, Camden and Kira (+ 1) and Mike’s mother. Thank you Hadleys for hosting!
Greg, Zachery and Jennifer provided music to close out the evening and then we hurried home ahead of a storm.
Observation: not all beautiful people are good but all good people are beautiful!
Thanks for your goodness!!!
Happy CHRISTmas!!!
We love you all forever,
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
To finish out the month:
Dec 13th ~ Shalaun & Tom have been married 19 years, CONGRATS!
Dec 13th ~ we delayed our departure one day and are in San Francisco waiting for our flight to Fiji. (Be home by Feb 1st)
It’s best to reach us by email. But phones and texts might work.
Dec 19th ~ Paden turns FIVE…nifty!
Dec 19th ~ Lee celebrates reaching double digits (10)
Dec 28th ~ Lincoln marks his 45th year of awesomeness!
January birthday gifts may arrive late
December 4, 2022
Weeks whiz by faster, don’t they?
- A Christmas pillowcase for Charlie
- Brennan’s after concert photo
- Maggie & Isaac’s gingerbread house
- sisters
- we sold our sweet car 🚙 (thx Bullocks for the loaner car)
- G’ma Frosty ☃️ 🤣
- private concert by Jennifer, her niece & SIL
- a dinner out with my Mother & David
Three years ago we held multiple Shepherd’s Dinners. Remember? This weekend we’ll have 2 more. Watch for details by text Monday…
Coming soon:
Dec 8 - Gabriela’s b-day🎈(Mrs Joseph Hill)
Dec 8 - Roy turns fabulous 40!!! 🎂
Dec 10 - Stephen celebrates being 19 🥳
Dec 10 - Shepherd’s Dinner South
Dec 11 - Shepherd’s Dinner North
Dec 12 - Our flight to Fiji, etc, etc, etc
(brief stop in SLC Feb 1 - 6)
One day in December - our new car will be delivered to DayBreak
May 31 - we return to Utah
During our travels you may experience a respite from my Recaps. Please email us when you can! We’ll miss you. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
