Christmas in Leeds

This Xmas was a bit different to the ones we are used to. Not at the beach, freezing cold, Christmas day in the pub, and hunting those dangerous foxes. Even though it was completely different to a New Zealand Christmas celebration, Kim and I had an absolutely awesome time in Berwick-in-Elmet (the Jones' family village).

We arrived on Xmas eve and caught up with Ben and Danny's folks. We headed down to the village pub for a few and tried to stay up late to see Santa. Christmas day was nice, we went to the pub again (kind of weird being in the pub for Xmas day, but no complaints from me) which was so busy, most of the village was there for a Xmas drink. Then back to the Jones' for Christmas lunch (referred to as 'dinner' by Northerners, our dinner is 'Tea'), which was fantastic and they put on a big spread. After chilling out for a while we played pictionary and a few other games with the family.

Boxing day was something far out. We went down to Aberford (the next village along) to see off the heroic huntsmen and their hounds for the annual fox hunt. Quite funny all the tradition and fuss they put into chasing little foxes and teaching them a lesson (ie: take their family fox holiday somewhere else on Boxing day next year). It was amazing how many locals turned up and we enjoyed the walk that went with it after the send off. We headed off through the fields to see if we could catch up with the hunters, didn't see them, but it was a nice trek through the countryside.

The Jones' got us tickets to go ice skating in York for another day out. Loads of fun! I was really really good at it too. My pants, gloves and most things else were soaked from falling over. Ray was a laugh too, he had a cartoon moment when he was trying to stay on his feet and kept windmilling his arms to stay up (not that I was any better). After that we toured through York city and along the old narrow streets.

Thanks for the Merry Christmas guys!
Christmas in the pub
Go get 'em boys!

Release the hounds
Those pesky foxes don't stand a chance
Walking through the country
Nice gumboots
The beginning of the end
Smooth moves Benjo
Cool as

Don't fall Ray

Posing outside York Minster

Chelsea vs Liverpool

Oh yeah!!! we got tickets to the Chelsea vs Liverpool match last Wed, 19th December. I was stocked! Matty went into work on Tuesday and there was an email from a guy asking if anyone wanted three tickets to the Chelsea game the following night. Of course he replied saying that he would take all three. As Matty was working a late shift, we didnt hear back if the tickets were still available until lunch time on the Wed. Unfortunately as Matty was working late he was unable to come to the game. Ray, however, happily stepped up and took one of the tickets. It was then down to me to find another person who would wanted to come to the game, and who else was there but Rob Ward.
We met the guy, Craig, with the tickets at Stamford Bridge and we were off to meet the rest of the supportors in the roaring stands. It was awesome being there! One of the 41,300+ supportors. It was 0-0 at half time and the Chelsea scored twice in the 2nd half into the gaol right by us... our stand went mental!

We will definately be going again if we can and next time Matty will be there! Dad and Mike I was thinking of you the whole time :)

Love Kimmy x x x

Small House Party

Hi All.
For those who have not heard yet, Matty and I have moved into a new place with 3 of our old flatmates. It's quite different as instead of being in the huge place with 16 rooms, we are now in a nice 3 bedroom place. The lounge is a good size and the kitchen is brand new. And to make it even better, it is only a 10min walk to my work.

Last Saturday Ray came over for dinner and a few quiets, or so he thought... started off with Lasagne for dinner, and then we moved onto playing Cranium (an awesome board game, if you haven't ever played i highly recommend it!). Some of the questions are a bit beyond us as we were playing the UK version, but over all it was great fun and Matty, Matt and Ray only cheated once (that's one that i know of anyway). After a 1-1 draw between the boys and girls we decided that we hadn't played Kings since we had been in NZ, so out came the cards and the night continued. Finally off to bed at about 2-3am.


Matty sculpting in Cranium
Me, Bec and Sara thinking hard. We have to beat the boys!
Ray, Matty and Matt trying to win.
Kings, oh and yes i did loose the thumb cards by taking this pic.

Scull Ray!
The boys!
The end of a good night, time for bed.
Just a pic to show you the view from one of our windows. This was one cold London winter morning, but the sky was clear and the sun rise was lovely.

Ray's Birthday - Speights Ale House

Hi All

On Saturday the 1st December 2007, while the kids in NZ are feeling hungover on Sun morning (especially those that went out for Jeremy and Anna's birthday), we were busy celebrating Ray's Birthday at the Speights Ale House. ... Oh Yeah, Good Ol' Speights!

Now the Speights pub, for those of you how may not know, was on a ship from NZ to London and it arrived on the docks of London in October this year. It has now moved onto an actually spot of land and will be there untill the end of March.

We met some people in the large Walkabout Pub that is situated below the Speights Pub, and then headed up the Speights to start the night. We had a Golden, Pilsner and Distinction, before heading back down to the Walkies to boogy as there was a live band on. A great night was had by all, and yes we too felt it on the Sunday morning ;)

Here is to all the December birthdays we have missed!!! Cheers!

x x x x

Mmmm, Speights!
It's like the good old days in NZ
Ray and I with our mate Jess that Ray used to work with
The girls

Heather, Luke (our Aussie flatemate), Matty, Jess and Ray
Aaahhh
PARTY!!
Jess and Duane (another of our Aussie flatemates)

Work Christmas Party