Christchurch, New Zealand - 5th to 10th June

After leaving our house and spending a couple of days at Lawrie's parents' place, we flew to Christchurch, New Zealand, to get there late at night on Wednesday 5th June. We had a lovely relaxing few days there with family - Lawrie's sister Renita, husband Joel, and baby Ella who we (very excitedly!) met for the first time, as well as my sister Megan and husband Justin, who were visiting from the North Island.

Most of our time in Christchurch was spend admiring little Ella, which we discovered is something that can be done for hours on end! It was really fantastic to spend time with Renita & Joel and Ella, and see Neat & Joel as parents! And also fantastic to spend time with Megan & Justin before we left for Canada! And of course little Ella is absolutely adorable!!! So spending time with her was pretty precious!

Ella chilling out in the hanging chair

Renita loving motherhood!

Megan having a cuddle (there was definitely a line up!)

A very excited uncle Lawrie!

And Aunty Nicole

Hanging out - & Joel testing out his new bike helmet

The Martin family! Renita, Ella & Joel

We girls had a quick trip in to see the 'Pop up City' and mall, where quite a few boutiquey shops are now in shipping containers in the city centre, where the most earthquake damage was and the previous shops are now gone - it's a really cool idea! And the boys headed in to Sumner beach to watch the waves. And other than a visit to see Joel's parents at their place, visits from a few others like Joel's brother Remi, and Sam & Claire McCarthy, we spent much of the rest of our time relaxing at Joel & Renita's place with little Ella!

Part of the Pop up mall in the city centre