The day had to come

Family up, car packed, and on our way to the airport by 8 am - no head injuries this time or ambulances being called - we did warn Dad not to try that trick again!  Arrived at Christchurch Airport in good time for the two-hours-before check-in and barely waited a minute or two before suitcases were bumped off along the conveyor belt.  

Coffee and donuts (or pies and lattes according to fancy) in the comfortable waiting area, and some airport browing kept us occupied.

Passenger departure cards completed...

...and then absolutely no more delaying of the inevitable final goodbyes, last hugs and kisses, and ill-concealed tears.

It's been a glorious eight weeks.  The parting is painful, but I'm convinced that it's "better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all". Until next time?