WOMAD

Well that was a fun packed and very hot weekend!  Lots to do and see.  The camping was great, we headed into the family section and got a pitch close to the toilets and showers which were the typical kiwi converted containers and great standard, no portaloos to be seen!

The walk to the festival was through the park, and on the way back it was lit with the TSB festival of lights.  It reminded me of my childhood trips to Matlock bath!

We met friends from Auckland and Silverstream at the campsite and spotted more in the festival, although many were spotted the other side of a very packed audience.  The range of music was great, although we hadn't heard of most they were all awesome to listen to.  Everything from some rocking Alabama 3, to East End of London Paul Ubana Jones and his amazing version of the Beatles Norwegian Wood and Eleanor Rigby.  We participated in a workshop with Diego Guerrero, who taught some flamenco rhythms and lyrics.  Josh and Zoe stayed up to watch the Pajama Club, Josh's fav all weekend.  Good old Kiwi Neil Finn and his wife and sons!  We mustn't forget to mention the amazing Master Drummers of Burundi or the Pan pipe players from Solomon Islands!  We would have loved to stay and see the Childrens parade, the Black seeds and Sharon Shannon, but by 2pm Sunday the kids were ready for home, next time we will plan to stay Sunday night and take Monday off work/school too.

Island Bay

It was a lovely cold start, blue skies and went from 6.3 degrees to 26.6 degrees - a real stunner and typical Kiwi autumn, wake up cold and change at lunch time coz its getting very hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We went to visit the Victoria University Marine Ecology centre in Island Bay, battled bay road closures and other traffic.  There was gorgeous snow capped views of the South Island before some man handling or star fish occurred....  Then off to collect Andy from the airport.

We are off to WOMAD on Friday, so anticipate lots of great photos, the weather is looking awesome!!!!!!!

Swim sports

Today was the Middle school swim sports, but I missed Saffron who was first off the block, but got some of India, who won every race in her group easy!  and that's with giving them a head start!  I think they put her in a too easy group!

Autumn Fashion

Cold mornings have arrived, heralding the arrival of Autumn.  But hark I hear you cry, what happened to summer ???  A complete wash out, no tan this year!  non the less the girls need new gummies and some long sleeve tops..............

Continuing in the almost twin theme, still the same clothes (age 10) and shoes (UK 1).....  matching red and grey stripy tops, matching gummies, matching blue (modelled by India) and Red tunics too, also some socks and black and grey trousers.

So all set for the colder days...... and wet summer!