The Wallace Family Christmas Letter 2009 

Dear Family & Friends

What an absolutely amazing year it has been with the addition of three more members to our family. Hannah is now 8 months of age; Abbey & James’ son Max arrived on the 17th November and Anna & Kent’s daughter Bridget was born 2nd December. You can imagine how proud Sam & Jack are of their wee sister and Emma & Sophie will be competing with Anna to do some of those “baby duties” for Bridget.

The year has also been tinged with sadness with the passing of Ian’s Aunts and Uncles: Helen (she was the last of his father’s family), Kath, George and Geoff. Each of them were well into their eighties and had led amazing lives; their deaths led to many family members travelling back from overseas and we all had the opportunity to share stories and celebrate their lives. We travelled up to the North Island for Geoff’s funeral, held in Gisborne – with the exception of the cousins now living in Australia all members of the James’ side of the family were there.

Another bit of exciting news is Janet’s parents have recently sold their house in Oamaru and will be moving up to Christchurch in the New Year. This is only their third move in 55 years but while they are still “fit & dangerous” and in good shape decided to make a lifestyle change and move to Christchurch – the house they have bought is about 8 minute’s walk from Tangley.

Janet is still busy with the functions and guests at Tangley. This past weekend we had guests in from Australia; a function for 45 on the Friday evening followed by Ian’s Rotary Club’s Christmas party on the Saturday. One of the highlights of having a B&B is the number of people you meet that in a normal day to day job you wouldn’t – our lives are certainly enriched with the experience. Janet has just completed a “Tastes of Tangley” cookbook with favorite family recipes. The Weddings & Special events; especially when families celebrate the anniversaries and birthdays of the older generation are such a pleasure to be able to host at Tangley.

Ian is still actively involved with Rotary – this year we attended the Annual District Conference that was held at The Hermitage, Mt Cook. We took the opportunity to spend the following week in Wanaka with Mike & Karen; Nick & Prue and Graham & Vivienne – the “boys” were all first day classmates (1966 ) at St Andrews College. Ian has just stepped down from the Executive of the Old Collegians; it will leave a gap as he has thoroughly enjoyed his involvement over the past 12 years.

Over the past month we have had Elena & Mona (Germany) to stay, also Tim Justham & his wife Jo (England). Tim was working for Ian’s brother Graeme when Herbert, Elena’s father, worked on our farm in 1984. After Herbert left in the April Tim spent a couple of months working for us – it’s certainly a small world. It was really special being able host the “next generation” when they travel to NZ. We were especially grateful for Tim making the effort to find us as we at lost touch – thank goodness for Google!!!

Earlier in the year we celebrated Jenna & Sam’s wedding in Blenheim; a marquee was set up in Graeme & Sue’s garden with family attending from both the North Island and Australia - Ian’s Aunt Audrey flew over from Brisbane and we were thrilled to have her stay with us at Tangley before we went up to Blenheim. Dan & Sarah and family will be shifting prior to Christmas as Dan has been offered a great job on the Ragland Run, adjoining the High Country Rainbow Station (50 minutes inland from Blenheim). There is a high probability than Kent, Anna and their three gorgeous daughters may be shifting further south, to Riverton, which is an hours’ drive West of Invercargill. If they do, effectively the two families will be at each end of the Island. James is busy again with his building after a slowdown earlier in the year. Abbey has been on maternity leave since Max was born. He is a delightful wee chap, putting on weight, doing the right things as you would expect being a “Wallace baby”. Abbey and James are going to be wonderful parents and we are delighted and spoilt to have the family so close.

Not only did we celebrate Bridget’s arrival on Wednesday but also hosted a family dinner for Lynley and Neil; Jessica (16) left yesterday for a two month exchange to France and next year Jane is going to England for months. Hamish is working for an Agricultural Seed Company near Christchurch. This year our immediate family will be celebrating Christmas with their in-laws, however, we won’t be alone. Janet’s parents, Lynley & Neil and their family; Gavin & Kaye and their family Hayley, Abbey, Austin & Connor plus guests from Australia will be here too. Abbey heads away to Holland for 12 month AFS Exchange in January.

Grandma, Aunty Sarah, Sam, Jack, Emma, Sophie & Hannah are about to leave to visit “baby Bridget”. Great excitement as you can well imagine!!!!

We trust that you all have a Special Family Christmas together with family and friends and wish you a Prosperous New Year.

Our love & best wishes

Ian & Janet