Saturday 28 December

It was good to be able to go through the transfer desk and straight to the gate lounge. Peter and Naomi were waiting there, so we went up to the Air NZ lounge and had some food. The plane was a little late boarding but we were soon in our seats; Peter sat with us, even though his seat was a few rows back because Naomi and I had a seat free between us. The food on Air NZ is pretty skimpy, even in Works Deluxe, not that I was hungry after all the meals on all the flights.

We picked up the car and Peter drove to Taupo, checked in to the motel and settled into our rooms. While Peter picked up Rich’s family a little while later, Naomi and I were able to get glamorous and then help settle the others in. At 7.30, we all marched around the little half-block to the Merwyn’s, as the motel proprietors wouldn’t allow us to go through the back gate to Jenny’s place. 

Glen knew we were on our way, so the cameras were focused on Jen as we walked in all in a bunch through the French doors. She looked shocked and then burst into tears! 

Alison, Jen’s friend, had made an amazing princess castle cake. 

I knew quite a few people there besides family; the kids had lots of fun dancing and playing with the new air hockey game, a Christmas gift. The party was great fun and we were quite late leaving.