Between Christmas and New Year we had three different extended family gatherings. First, my older sister, Sandra celebrated her 60th birthday. This was a meal for her immediate family (14 in all) at a Fairlawns, a local restaurant. It was lovely to spend time with Sandra's three grandchildren, who were impeccably behaved throughout and a credit to their parents.
Here's the whole group...
Sandra about to blow out the candles...
The beautiful cake made by her son-in-law...
Then, we had large family gatherings for the James' (Andy's side of the family) and the Rhodes' (my side) and for some reason I forgot to take any photos at both events! We played lots of games, exchanged some gifts and ate up the Christmas left overs. It's always interesting to see how the children have shot up during the previous twelve months.
On New Year's Eve it was very quite, as everyone had returned home. Andy & I sat with his mum to welcome in 2011. Around 12.30am we drove back to our house and noticed that the sky was dotted with chinese lanterns, all drifting in the same direction, as the breeze caught them. It reminded us of six months ago when we were in Kiev for the launch of CVCIS.
On the final evening together we wrote prayers on the paper balloon before lighting the small flame and releasing them into the sky...
I had never seen them before, but I understand they are now becoming quite popular for special events, such as New Year's Eve. I think they are good alternative to noisy fireworks and as they're made of tissue paper, are probably 'greener'.
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