For almost a month we were able to put the hussle and bustle (and freezing weather) of London behind us and jump on the long flight back to Australia to catch up with friends and family.
Stop 1 was Tasmania, where Stephen's family live (or had assembled) and where we would spend Christmas. The food extravaganza began on the way home from the airport with fresh oysters; the following day we got crayfish; and we were fortunate enough to still be in town when the Taste of Tasmania kicked off (for great seafood platters, tempura mushrooms and berries with icecream).
Berries at the taste with Bob and Alison
But the real reason we were there was to catch up with the family – we had a wonderful time getting to know our nephew Jack, meeting Alison (Bob's girlfriend) as well as spending quality time with David and Di, Marcus, Marnie and Bob – and seeing the grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts (many for the first time in at least two years!). A big thanks to Andrew and Louise for hosting Catchpolefest 2008 - it was great to see everyone there.
Jack with his Christmas Cracker hat
Christmas lunch (L-R Jack, Marcus, Bob, Alison, cousin Scott, uncle Michael, auntie Helena, Di, David, Meg, Sarah, cousin Renee and Marnie
Marcus and Marnie on Christmas morning
Bob and Alison on Christmas morning
L-R Marcus, Alison, Sarah, cousin Emma, Anthony (Emma's boyfriend), auntie Paula, Marnie and cousin Sara out for drinks in Hobart town
Some of the other highlights were watching the Sydney-Hobart race finish up the Derwent; Bob and Alison cooking us dinner and providing the chance to hang out with Marcus and Marnie; and seeing Jack and getting to know him as a real 'little person' (Christmas regains some of its magic when youngsters are around).
Stephen and Jack
The winner of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Wild Oats XI (from David & Di's balcony)
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