The Ansons 2024
PAT’S NEWS
2024 has been a busy and eventful year with a number of overseas trips and milestones being met.
The Anson boys reunited for the first time in years with John, Gabe (Mig’s partner) and myself visiting Michelle and Len in Auckland before descending on Don and Lihong’s house in Nelson (South Island) where we prepared for our 78km hike The Heaphy track is one of the New Zealand “Great Walks” stretching over the north-west corner of the South Island. All food and supplies had to be carried on our backs. Don and myself stayed in huts whilst John and Gabe (the youngsters) opted to carry tents to sleep in. We emerged from the wilderness 5 days later, exhausted, a bit smelly and yet refreshed after after having reconnected.
Sinne can describe what Jane, Lihong and herself got up to in our absence.
Throughout the year Sinne and I had several other small trips including a quick weekend to Sydney where we saw the Rameses Exhibition at the Australian Museum courtesy of Crystal and Andy Another weekend saw us staying at Spicers Retreat in Maleny where we ventured on short walks in Montville, the local Botanic Gardens and Birdpark.
One of the highlights was our long-delayed trip to Alaska which was originally booked before Covid. Our adventure began in Vancouver, where I unexpectedly became a local celebrity on CBC News after witnessing a seaplane crash, all before we even checked in.
Our cruise on the MS Roald Amundsen was a completely new experience. We sailed through the Inside Passage and along the Alaska Coast, enjoying breathtaking scenery, kayaking excursions, and even a refreshing swim in the icy waters. The ship provided a comfortable base while we explored various locations, attending fascinating nature talks and enjoying delicious meals. We were incredibly lucky with the weather, experiencing sunshine and minimal rain throughout the journey.
In Anchorage, we traded the comforts of the cruise ship for the adventure of the Alaska Railroad Denali Star This scenic train journey took us to Denali National Park, offering stunning views through its glass ceiling We spent a few days exploring the park before continuing to Fairbanks. where we embarked on an excursion in a small plane to Coldfoot and then by road to the remote settlement of Wiseman, north of the Arctic Circle. I must say even in Fairbanks it was very strange with only a few hours of darkness whilst we were there.
Once back in Australia we were very busy getting ready for the next trip – Sinne going to stay with Michelle for an extended period to offer support and advice during the final stages of Michelle’s pregnancy and to help for the first couple of months. I was left to look after myself back home in Brisbane and succeeded pretty well at this!
MICHELLE & LEN’S NEWS
Merry Christmas all,
It’s been a very special year for our household, as Len and I welcomed a new addition to our family, Harry (Henry Anson Elikhis) on 10th August
We were fortunate to have family support here in Auckland, as Mum came to stay for three months in total, from the weekend of our baby shower to two months post-arrival.
There was no shortage of healthy postpartum meals, as Mum set to work every morning making Chinese chicken soup, herbal teas and hearty dinners Inna and Iosif then came to take over the cooking and baby raising within 24 hours of Mum’s departure, staying with us for a month where they would disappear on long walks everyday with Harry and our papillon Rupert, giving Michelle some muchneeded reprieve from a very active newborn!
It is exciting to observe little developments in Harry’s growth week by week, and we are staying busy by taking too many photos and videos of the little guy He looks forward to meeting everyone in person soon!
Wishing you lots of happiness in 2025, Michelle & Len
SINNE’S NEWS
Dear Family and friends near and far Another year end is just around the corner We started our family Christmas Letter in 2007 and each one of us is still keen to make our own contribution This year Crystal again will be the Chief Editor.
In April while Pat and the boys went for their hike, I stayed in Nelson and spent some quality time with the two other sisters-in-law; Li-Hong who lives in Nelson with Donald, and Jane with John who flew in from the UK Li-Hong took us shopping where I could find merino wool and baby knitting patterns for Michelle’s baby –arriving in August Jane was a great help in choosing cute buttons and selecting wool colours I even found a birthday present for Pat’s 70th
We were so glad to welcome the boys home They looked wild, unshaved, tired, worn out, and at least 10 years older! Li Hong presented a big WELCOME sign in Chinese calligraphy while I cooked them roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, and Jane made berries crumble
2024 has been a year of excitement! We celebrated significant milestones, including Pat’s 70th, and welcoming our first grandchild
In June Pat and I embarked on a 15 day cruise from Vancouver to Alaska, followed by a weeklong trainride from Anchorage to Denali National Park. We even traveled 7 hours on a glass domed train, before arriving at our final destination in Fairbank. The next day, we joined the Artic Circle Air Adventure, an 8 passenger flight that crossed the Artic Circle.This was an incredibly exciting experience.
Pat, the ‘Madman’ even swam in the Alaskan sea, which had a temperature below 6 degrees celsius. I thoroughly enjoyed our kayaking adventure in the Alaskan fjords, where we kayaked for just over 3.5 hours, covering 9.9km, as we were not permitted to disturb the baby seals. We encountered numerous icebergs floating in the fjords, which was an amazing sight.
After being home for 1 week I had to repack for NZ where I stayed with Michelle and Len from July to October. Michelle hosted a baby shower at home which Crystal also flew in to celebrate.
Michelle and I had a great time out and about She was very well prepared; she got everything for the baby including swimming costume I joked that Len would have to upgrade his wardrobe to match with the baby’s I am so excited to start this next chapter of my life as a grandmother or as Harry will call me “Por por” Grandma in Chinese. We’re so in love with this bundle of joy! Baby Harry.
This year I stopped Pottery for 6 months for Alaska and Grandbaby arrival. I only made 3 ducks and a zebra. They are gorgeous.
In September / October we had a wonderful time in Auckland, celebrating 3 birthdays in 5 days. Pat was extremely spoiled; we arranged 3 occasions for his special birthday. Pat took me home after 3 months home alone.
In a few days’ time we will all be in Auckland for family Christmas, staying with Michelle & Len and Baby Harry for the Christmas and New Year holiday.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and happy new year.
CANDY’S NEWS
Ho Ho Ho!
This year has been a time for new beginnings! I’ve bounced back and forth between Sydney and Auckland, celebrating the New Year, attending Michelle’s baby shower in July, returning in October to meet the newest member of the family, baby Harry, and celebrating my parents’ and my birthdays. Soon I’ll jetting off to Auckland again to help prepare for Harry’s first Christmas
Andy and I adventured through Sri Lanka, where we enjoyed an amazing safari, encountering elephants, vibrant birdlife, a sloth bear and even a few leopards! On our way back, we stopped in Hong Kong where Andy finally met my extended family and cherished friends from my childhood
Towards the end the year I watched Coldplay with my friend Angie They had a huge emphasis on sustainability, even providing bikes for people to cycle to generate power
We hope your year was enjoyable and fulfilling. Happy Holidays!
Crystal & Andy
