India starts school

India started school on Wednesday 4th February 2009.




































She is in room 9 with Mrs McGrath and just 6 other children. It will get busier as the term progresses, but is a great start. She was very disappointed at not getting homework like Josh and not being able to stay till 3pm like Josh (they were expected to go at 2pm for the first few weeks).
She does start swimming next week - 3 days a week, but I expect they will


only get 10 mins in the pool and the rest will be spent getting changed!!!!!

Well off to pay donations and stationary kits for them both - not much change from $400 - ouch.

more pics of SI

Pancake Rocks











Me Kayaking



















Operera Caves














Sounds

Escape to South Island

Andy and myself have enjoyed a holiday on our own and away from the kids, the first time we have had some space since April 2007, nearly 2 years. We decided to go exploring the south island a bit more and see some more of NZ. We did a short 1300 km loop from Blenheim, down to Kaikoura, across Arthurs Pass, up the West coast to Karamea, then back through Bullers gorge and Wairau valley and up to Havlock. There have been some vast changes in landscape and Geology, from hot arid planis and vinyards to lush mosit rainforest on the west coast.

We would highly recommend the Rough and Tumble lodge on the Mokihinui River, just north of Westport. its set in the Bush (sandflies and all) and is a perfect place to relax and escape from the wrold. no TV, internet, just great food, company and relaxing.

Blenheim was a lovely town, and the vinyards - there are over 60 vinyards, 4000 hectares. Thats a lot of drinking to be done! we did our bit!

Livid Life

some of the wild life we have in our garden. A praying mantis - well a baby one..........

I am a Lumberjack..... NZ Style

I am a Lumberjack and I have my new toy.....



















Before the attack and demise of the invading foreign bodies....
















After the chainsaw massacre!

Birthday Girls

The youngest Birthday Girl had lots of fun opening presents this morning, followed by her final day at Kindy with her Kindy leaving party. A pretty full on day. Mummy had her birthday meal out in Wellington with Nanny and Grandad and Andy. Most enjoyable.

India's party

India's 'pretend birthday' party.

India had a wonderful 'pretend birthday' party today.













Lots of presents




















Yes mum had fun decorating 2 cakes for her.












Pass the Parcel, an old fav.


















Singing Happy Birthday to her - she went all coy.