Piscies Lad Turns Six

He's football crazy, he's football mad, hence the cake especially home made by Nanna, for the wee man's birthday back in Feb 2008.

We celebrated further with a spot of ten pin bowling with a few "china plates", which was rather entertaining..........

Ooh My Lord - 10 Years of Wedded Bliss

Valentines Day, ten years ago in Fab Fiji on Castaway, was the cause for this celebratory bottle of Champers and red Rose from hubby. Fantastic memories....can't wait to visit again....one day, no doubt with the two likely lads in tow......



To celebrate, Davy and I met some awesome friends at the Devonport Wine & Food Festival for a day of pure indulgence!!!

We were in fine form and enjoyed all on offer (as you do!), including the local bands and old favourites Hello Sailor.........and tunes such as Gutter Black and Blue Lady!

Whangamata 2008

The lads are walking to the beach. Last Christmas (slack yes I know, thought I'd better publish this with Christmas 2008 just around the corner) we had 10 days away at Whangamata, 2 hours drive South East of Auckland. We stayed in a bach on this road, within easy walking distance to the beach which due to fantastic weather, we visited every day.

Within seconds, Scorpio Son and Piscies Lad had made a friend and were kicking about in the shallows.

A section of the beach was roped off to protect the Doterill birds nesting area. This board gave a daily update of their progress, and it was a shame to see that numbers were decreasing, mainly due to attacks by dogs with careless owners. Check out the little shade huts that they build to protect their young.

Scorpio Son had a blast out on the Jetski with his Uncle Robbie.............................................

.............................while Piscies Lad patiently waited his turn, having a snuggle with Nanna.

We were lucky to have a lot of extended family staying at Whangamata, and on holiday from abroad, one afternoon, Ray's Mama and a Papa walked us through making pasta from scratch.

Looking good....................

Sliced, patted down, a little bit of flour and ready for the pasta machine.

Through she goes..................

Deliziosa - fresh Fettucine for dinner!!

On our way back to Auckland - we couldn't miss a trip through the town of Paeroa to visit a piece of Kiwiana. The big bottle of L&P (Lemon and Paeroa) - World Famous in NZ!

Rainbows End

For Scorpio son's 7th birthday, we went to Rainbows End, our local theme park. It was a huge success and he had no fear, wanting to ride everything possible. He has bombarded everyone he meets since to ask if they've been there, and what their favourite ride is. Of course he's hanging out big time for another visit. Here they are above with Rai and Bow the welcoming committee....

Flying Low.......

Log Flume.......

Tiger Woods.......

Steve Williams.......

Trick for Treat...

Halloween is not a very celebrated tradition in NZ, although some try to adopt it. Dad and Monique had a trip to the States Sep/Oct and back with them, came presies for the kids - lots of Halloween garb, including these outfits. Nana took the lads down the road for a walk in their costumes and when they returned we had some local kids knock on our door trick or treating. When I asked them what their "trick for treat" was - they performed an awesome haka!! (traditional Maori dance form). It was a terrific treat for us, earned them lots of applause, and of course - some special American Halloween "candy".