Waihi - January 2015

In January we had a family camping trip to Waihi Beach at the bottom of the Coromandel Peninsula, gorgeous place and lovely warm water.  We had a day trip to Paeroa, home of L&P, old mines at kahurangi gorge and then the modern Gold mine at Waihi.  There was some pretty impressive side-burn growing occurring from Josh during the summer and ingenuous pizza making to try the awesome woodfire pizza at the campsite.

July 2014, UK Trip

In July we were able to return to the UK as a family for the first time since leaving for NZ in 2007. We had a very busy schedule from visiting family, friends and a hit list as long as your arms of things the kids wanted to do.  As anticipated there was only so much we could fit into less than 3 weeks and many things that we will have to do on another trip......
We did manage to squeeze in trips to the Isle of Man and the Southern 100 races, and yes we got to see guy Martin, and family, including the bump that would become cousin Xander!  From there we caught up with some family in Warrington, stayed with good friends Kate and Rob and caught up with many friends from the lower Beeding area. Family in Surrey, trips to Lego Land, Brighton, London and of course shopping!  We certainly had full suitcases coming home!

Saffron's 9th BirthdayPink sparkly and fluffy

Saffron turned 9 today and had a pamper party with 5 of her friends, followed by pizza while watching "Frozen".  We even had a small earthquake during the party, but they were too busy to notice!!!

quick before the can hide!

Pink sparkly and fluffy

WOMAD 2014

Catch up on a few images from WOMAD 2014.

Girls just want to shop

Savemart trip for a pretty dress for India who is off to the Officers Mess with her friend of Thursday.  We ended up with a very pretty dress and white shoes and also a pair of converse all stars which are glues to India's feet!  Saffron also found some cool glittery gold hi tops. Now we are all ready for school tomorrow!

India's All Stars

Saffron's hi Tops

Pretty dress and all stars

from the back

pretending the pretty shoes may get worn with it!

Rathkeale Day 1

So College begins for the first born!   Day one at Rathkeale College in Masterton.  He is boarding, coming home weekends if he wants to, as there is always plenty happening around school.
We had lunch out on the way there in Greytown.  After unloading his gear into his shared cubical in the dorm at Rugby House, making his bed and unpacking we had a quick assembly.  From here we caught glimpses of him but he was busy doing orientation and getting to know the other lads.  The main assembly to start the academic year began at 4pm with a whole school Haka (apart from newbies). After this we said goodbye and headed home with two tired girls and forgo the evening drinks with the headmaster.  No tears but now we have two girls who want to go to St Matthews!

josh's cubical

Looking serious

the other side of his cubical, Cooper was still to arrive!

from his cubical down to dorm entrance

Josh again

looking up into the dorm

Whole school lining up for assembly

Add caption

Whole School Haka