Merewyn and Josh's wedding
Had a great time camping at Rawene. Nor sure who won the 500 school. Boys played some great games in the bush by the camp site, including setting up a "crane". No-one fell out of tress!! We enjoyed swimming in the camp pool. On Friday half the party went to help with the wedding organisation while the rest entertained the younger members. We went swimming at Opononi and after lunch took the ferry across the harbour. Saturday was the big day and the organisation was timed closely to get everyone to the right place having had a sleep first if under 3 years. A misplaced key at the last minute didn't interfere as we got a lift with some others - and the bride was a little late so all were in the right place ready. The children were delightful and everyone else looked suitable for the occasion. Murray and I drove back to Auckland - met up with Chrisitne and Richard and collected car seats and saw them onto their plane before I ran over to catch mine. Murray had another day in Auckland before driving back down to Wellington.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Holiday activities
Over January we enjoyed many activities with all the grand-children or various combinations.
One day we walked to the local park and had a picnic lunch - this trip turned out to be longer than I thought as my watch stopped.
We visited the Karori WildLife Sanctuary. We should have made this trip a little earlier so we could ride on the boat but it was still fun.
I spent 4 days on the south Wairarapa coast with a group of students from school who are working towards their Gold Young New Zealander challenge (formerly known as the Duke of Edinborough award). We were relatively lucky with the weather. We did have very striong winds on the first night and drizzling rain on the second day but we were able to meet all challengs and complete the planned activites. The last day was beautiful and the view from my tent door says it all. The night sky was marvellous. Unfortunately the next day was misty, windy and colder. Time to go home - and back to cellphone coverage!
The last outing we did before the family returned to Canada was to go into Wellington to an event in the Dell. Christine , Madeline and Izabel went in early and caught the first show before the rain set in in. Ruth, Charles, Christopher, Liam and I drove over to Waterloo and took the train into town and then walked along Lambton Quay to get the cable car. We joined the others as the rain bewcame established- so no dancing and picnic in the Dell. We picniced in the Hot House gardens by the Lady Norwood Roase Gardens. Wile the young ones and their Mum's returned home, Liam , Charles and I walked back throught the Botanical Gardens taking in the Tree House and the Cable Car Museum before riding down on the cable car. It was no longer raining, in fact it was quite pleasant. We then caught the ferry to to Day's Bay where we had an ice cream and palyed in the sand before catching a bus to Lower Hutt. We had to take a second bus back to the Waterloo train station to pick up the car. A fun trip - I still have a pocket full of shells collected at the beach.
Over January we enjoyed many activities with all the grand-children or various combinations.
One day we walked to the local park and had a picnic lunch - this trip turned out to be longer than I thought as my watch stopped.
We visited the Karori WildLife Sanctuary. We should have made this trip a little earlier so we could ride on the boat but it was still fun.
I spent 4 days on the south Wairarapa coast with a group of students from school who are working towards their Gold Young New Zealander challenge (formerly known as the Duke of Edinborough award). We were relatively lucky with the weather. We did have very striong winds on the first night and drizzling rain on the second day but we were able to meet all challengs and complete the planned activites. The last day was beautiful and the view from my tent door says it all. The night sky was marvellous. Unfortunately the next day was misty, windy and colder. Time to go home - and back to cellphone coverage!
The last outing we did before the family returned to Canada was to go into Wellington to an event in the Dell. Christine , Madeline and Izabel went in early and caught the first show before the rain set in in. Ruth, Charles, Christopher, Liam and I drove over to Waterloo and took the train into town and then walked along Lambton Quay to get the cable car. We joined the others as the rain bewcame established- so no dancing and picnic in the Dell. We picniced in the Hot House gardens by the Lady Norwood Roase Gardens. Wile the young ones and their Mum's returned home, Liam , Charles and I walked back throught the Botanical Gardens taking in the Tree House and the Cable Car Museum before riding down on the cable car. It was no longer raining, in fact it was quite pleasant. We then caught the ferry to to Day's Bay where we had an ice cream and palyed in the sand before catching a bus to Lower Hutt. We had to take a second bus back to the Waterloo train station to pick up the car. A fun trip - I still have a pocket full of shells collected at the beach.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Boxing Day
Xmas day was spent with various other family branches and Boxing Day saw a gathering at our place. The weather was fine enough that we did sit outside for some of the BBQ before very heavy rain. The raincleared enough for some outdoor activites including flying Josh's radio controlled plane, briefly. He is going to need a good supply of propellers.
Xmas day was spent with various other family branches and Boxing Day saw a gathering at our place. The weather was fine enough that we did sit outside for some of the BBQ before very heavy rain. The raincleared enough for some outdoor activites including flying Josh's radio controlled plane, briefly. He is going to need a good supply of propellers.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve 07
As well as the usual Christmas preparations and ensuring everything was sorted at the cafe for the two day break, this Christmas eve was even more exciting. By mid-day no-one wanted to go too far from home..... then they arrived. It was delightful to see the two boys hug and Christopher and Madeline play together and of course to welcome the newest family member to New Zealand (even if she is here on a visitor's permit being a Canadian). We now look forward to a family event on Boxing Day.
As well as the usual Christmas preparations and ensuring everything was sorted at the cafe for the two day break, this Christmas eve was even more exciting. By mid-day no-one wanted to go too far from home..... then they arrived. It was delightful to see the two boys hug and Christopher and Madeline play together and of course to welcome the newest family member to New Zealand (even if she is here on a visitor's permit being a Canadian). We now look forward to a family event on Boxing Day.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tree removal
A large Banksia on the north west corner of Ruth and Pierre's was starting to block the whol
e front of the property. So although it was a good climbing tree - but we were concerned about the concrete under it - it was decided it had to go. It has opened the front up really well and it will be interesting to see if Charles' room is warmer in the winter.
e front of the property. So although it was a good climbing tree - but we were concerned about the concrete under it - it was decided it had to go. It has opened the front up really well and it will be interesting to see if Charles' room is warmer in the winter.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Walk in Forest Park
On 11 November we - Murray , Pierre, Charles, Christopher , Lucy and I went into the Orongorongos. We took lunch. Christopher enjoyed the ride in the back pack and playing at the river. It was alongish walk for Charles, especially as his good walking boots are just too small. However we made it both ways and he quickly recovered once we were home again.
While we heard some birds in the park we have had two pigeons in the neighbourhood lately.
On 11 November we - Murray , Pierre, Charles, Christopher , Lucy and I went into the Orongorongos. We took lunch. Christopher enjoyed the ride in the back pack and playing at the river. It was alongish walk for Charles, especially as his good walking boots are just too small. However we made it both ways and he quickly recovered once we were home again.
While we heard some birds in the park we have had two pigeons in the neighbourhood lately.
5 November
While the celebration of Guy Fawkes in NZ may be puzzling ( I did read a justification of the importance of democracy but I think that pass most people by) the fireworks were fun and probably this will be the last time that home fireworks are allowed. And as we had a rogue firework that exploded behind us I think I support the banning of fireworks except in public displays. It was a school night and so we couldn't go to the big display in Wellington though we could hear it and watched it on the computer. The kids had fun with the sparklers.
While the celebration of Guy Fawkes in NZ may be puzzling ( I did read a justification of the importance of democracy but I think that pass most people by) the fireworks were fun and probably this will be the last time that home fireworks are allowed. And as we had a rogue firework that exploded behind us I think I support the banning of fireworks except in public displays. It was a school night and so we couldn't go to the big display in Wellington though we could hear it and watched it on the computer. The kids had fun with the sparklers.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Cultural Day
The Suzuki Music group that Charles' music teacher is part of, had a concert at the University School of Music on Sunday. It was great fun - relaxed and kids all did well. Charles played "Lightly Row" and "Cuckoo". Christopher was fascinated with the grand piano . Food and drink made a popular end.
We then went to the Wellesley Gala for lunch and a look around. After this Christopher, Charles and I went to the Circus Proms with the Wellington Vector Orchestra 
"Roll up Roll up! Come to the Circus! The Vector Wellington Orchestra is joined by Wellington's circus troupes to present a concert for the whole family. Enjoy spectacular aerial performers, sensational stilt dancers, jugglers, tumblers, unicyclists and, of course, everyone's favourites - the clowns! All the fun, excitement and wonder of the circus accompanied by the Orchestra playing such favourites as Swan Lake, Baby Elephant Walk and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy."
It was great fun and as Christopher commented "lovely Music"
The Suzuki Music group that Charles' music teacher is part of, had a concert at the University School of Music on Sunday. It was great fun - relaxed and kids all did well. Charles played "Lightly Row" and "Cuckoo". Christopher was fascinated with the grand piano . Food and drink made a popular end.
We then went to the Wellesley Gala for lunch and a look around. After this Christopher, Charles and I went to the Circus Proms with the Wellington Vector Orchestra 
"Roll up Roll up! Come to the Circus! The Vector Wellington Orchestra is joined by Wellington's circus troupes to present a concert for the whole family. Enjoy spectacular aerial performers, sensational stilt dancers, jugglers, tumblers, unicyclists and, of course, everyone's favourites - the clowns! All the fun, excitement and wonder of the circus accompanied by the Orchestra playing such favourites as Swan Lake, Baby Elephant Walk and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy."
It was great fun and as Christopher commented "lovely Music"
Monday, October 22, 2007
Wrights Hill
On Labour Day Charles, Christopher Murray and I went to see the Wright's Hill Fortress. They were having an open Day so we were able to walk through the tunnels and see how the defences would have operated if they had been needed during World War 2. Unfortunately I left the camera behind. Christopher particularly like a small tiger moth pedal car and Charles enjoyed the firing of blank ammunition with various firearms.
On Labour Day Charles, Christopher Murray and I went to see the Wright's Hill Fortress. They were having an open Day so we were able to walk through the tunnels and see how the defences would have operated if they had been needed during World War 2. Unfortunately I left the camera behind. Christopher particularly like a small tiger moth pedal car and Charles enjoyed the firing of blank ammunition with various firearms.
Friday, October 05, 2007
The advantages of imagination
We have been planning a trip to Somes Island for some time and had a booking for last night. However the weather was awful, strong northerlies and heavy rain, so we decided that promised a little too much adventure. Instead we 
settled for virtual islands in the lounge with Charles sleeping in my tent. Please note the brown rug is actually rocks and the green dressing gown is clearly grass - with a ferry (red boat) pulled well up due to the bad weather. I slept on Motopuka Island (usually known as the couch ). We were warm and snug as the wind howled around and rain beat on the roof. We have only postponed the actual trip and will try again in December. The weather was lovely this morning but the wind has now come up again.
settled for virtual islands in the lounge with Charles sleeping in my tent. Please note the brown rug is actually rocks and the green dressing gown is clearly grass - with a ferry (red boat) pulled well up due to the bad weather. I slept on Motopuka Island (usually known as the couch ). We were warm and snug as the wind howled around and rain beat on the roof. We have only postponed the actual trip and will try again in December. The weather was lovely this morning but the wind has now come up again.Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Not Oobleck- Popcorn!
It has been really cold today with a southerly bringing cold hail showers and strong winds. Christopher's comment was that it was popcorn. We have decided an indoor island trip may be more prudent than our planned trip to Somes Island tomorrow- we will postpone this until summer and hope for finer weather
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Conference week
The conference went really well. We had a lot of interest in our stand and our workshop was well attended. The Thursday event where we spent time with Joseph was also good - encouraging. Friday an
d Saturday Joseph and I visited two confluences 38S 175 E and 36S 174E. We saw some interesting parts of New Zealand as well. On Saturday we had time to stop in at the M
atakohe Museum for a short visit. After calling in to see Stephanie, Mike and Baby Riley again I dropped Joseph at the airport and set off for the drive south. It was a lovely afternoon and clear evening so I drove all the way to Palmerston North. Today I returned to Wellington via Dannevirke and Masterton - not exactly a direct route but I was able to see Aunty Ruth and Uncle Des and Aunty June and Mary.
d Saturday Joseph and I visited two confluences 38S 175 E and 36S 174E. We saw some interesting parts of New Zealand as well. On Saturday we had time to stop in at the M
atakohe Museum for a short visit. After calling in to see Stephanie, Mike and Baby Riley again I dropped Joseph at the airport and set off for the drive south. It was a lovely afternoon and clear evening so I drove all the way to Palmerston North. Today I returned to Wellington via Dannevirke and Masterton - not exactly a direct route but I was able to see Aunty Ruth and Uncle Des and Aunty June and Mary.Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Local travel
This week I am at the Social Sciences conference in Auckland. I decided to drive up. On Friday after school, finishing all those last minute tasks that had to be and hoping I had left the cafe tasks covered I drove up to Palmerston North where I stayed the night. On the Saturday I drove to Auckland. it was a very pleasant journey - spring is pretty time and having not driven to Auckland for many years I was able to view the trip in the light of recent trips to USA and Europe - NZ is a very pretty if empty country. From Otaki to Tokaroa I saw very little traffic even though it is school holidays and I was traveling during the day. Photos later.
This week I am at the Social Sciences conference in Auckland. I decided to drive up. On Friday after school, finishing all those last minute tasks that had to be and hoping I had left the cafe tasks covered I drove up to Palmerston North where I stayed the night. On the Saturday I drove to Auckland. it was a very pleasant journey - spring is pretty time and having not driven to Auckland for many years I was able to view the trip in the light of recent trips to USA and Europe - NZ is a very pretty if empty country. From Otaki to Tokaroa I saw very little traffic even though it is school holidays and I was traveling during the day. Photos later.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Grand-parenting
One of the joys is watching gifts being opened. Christopher celebrated his second birthday in July and Charles like Liam has now reacher 6 and is "as clever as clever." Christopher enjoyed his new car - he had enjoyed it at the shop but of course didn't realise it came home to be hidden away till the day. Charles on the other hand did remember the buying and putting away of his present so I was reminded to get it and (shades of his mother!) to wrap it in birthday paper.
One of the joys is watching gifts being opened. Christopher celebrated his second birthday in July and Charles like Liam has now reacher 6 and is "as clever as clever." Christopher enjoyed his new car - he had enjoyed it at the shop but of course didn't realise it came home to be hidden away till the day. Charles on the other hand did remember the buying and putting away of his present so I was reminded to get it and (shades of his mother!) to wrap it in birthday paper.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
