Living so far away from family we miss out on lots of family celebrations.  In particular we miss out on the get togethers in MT’s auntie and uncle’s conservatory but not this time, this time we were guests of honour to a mega whãnau (Maori for extended family) gathering.  It was a typical family party with everyone arriving at once and talking over each other.  Children running all over and a new baby to coo at.  Not to mention the fantastic spread of food and compulsory bubbles to complete the party atmosphere.

This in the latest arrival – baby Phoebe – meaning we had four generations at hand. Little does this seven week old know what she has let herself in for in future years!

Once of the things I love about having a camera is you can spend your time hiding behind it and snap other people unawares.  Grandad’s helping grandchildren, uncle J terrorising people with the video camera and glam-ma (aka Auntie Ruth who “always takes a nice picture”).

I had a fabulous time snapping away – no setting up of formal portraits or staged photos for us.  There was enough chaos going on without me adding to the entertainment.  Here was terrorist supremo – my youngest nephew.  This is a young man that never sits still.

And here’s my eldest nephew being terrorised by his uncle, father and grandfather.  I think he has a measure of MT and he’s only 4.

What is it about parties though when the men congregate together as far as possible away from the kitchen?

They are always complaining too – this time whatever is in their beer glasses is causing some concern.

Here’s the great grandad with his three children. I’d like to say that there were better behaved than my nephews but that would make me a little dishonest. Can you see the family resemblence?

Here’s the elders of the family – they make a very happy couple don’t you think.

The good thing with this family is when you ask them to smile nicely they comply – most of the time.  Auntie June, Cousins Steve and Suzi, Auntie Ruth (again) and my mother-in-law, cousin Sam and his sister-out-law Jade.

Lucky for me I was behind the camera and I am total loyal to my sister in law to save her from the camera.  I was also playing it safe with Uncle Jeff in case he followed me with the video camera which would be a fate worse than a still photograph.  Mother of Phoebe, Liz, was conspiculously absent when the camera was out of the bag.  I think she saw me coming!

All in all it was a family party to remember.  There were sack races, egg and spoon races and a multitude of other standard family gags.  Fortuantly we were all saved the terrible jokes Uncle Jeff tells when he’s had a few.  Definitely not publishable on a blog.

The thing about visits to family is that they have to come to an end.  It’s that bitter sweet time. All I can say is that the goodbyes don’t seem to get any easier however much you practise them.  Still, Uncle Jeff has kindly produced a family video which I can look at when I want to remind myself of the mad antics of family parties.  Fear not, this is another thing that would not be suitable for blog posting!