It has been ages and the task of updating all the news since before Christmas is just too daunting!
So here are a few of the highlights of the past two months:
The folks arrived for their 2 month NZ fact finding mission in early December. They travelled the length and breadth of the North Island and apart from the miserable, wintry weather, were well pleased with what they found. Needless to say summer arrived a week after they departed Wellington and we have enjoyed week upon week of "shorts-and-sandals" weather. (Thanks Murphy)
So Christmas was spent quietly at 16 St James with a spread, good wine and good prezzies. We departed early on boxing day to experience the thrills and spills of motorcycle racing in the streets of Wanganui. Loud, fast and exciting! This was the first time the folks had been to any form of motorcycle racing and I got the impression they thoroughly enjoyed it. Ally did however manage to get a little sleep on the grassed-verged pavement halfway down the main straight (how you will have to ask her)
So here are a few of the highlights of the past two months:
The folks arrived for their 2 month NZ fact finding mission in early December. They travelled the length and breadth of the North Island and apart from the miserable, wintry weather, were well pleased with what they found. Needless to say summer arrived a week after they departed Wellington and we have enjoyed week upon week of "shorts-and-sandals" weather. (Thanks Murphy)
So Christmas was spent quietly at 16 St James with a spread, good wine and good prezzies. We departed early on boxing day to experience the thrills and spills of motorcycle racing in the streets of Wanganui. Loud, fast and exciting! This was the first time the folks had been to any form of motorcycle racing and I got the impression they thoroughly enjoyed it. Ally did however manage to get a little sleep on the grassed-verged pavement halfway down the main straight (how you will have to ask her)
Wanganui Street Racing
Sherrie, Meghan and Travis opted for bungy jumping as their holiday special treat. This did not sit well with Desiree, but she was out voted and the kids took the plung at Taupo Bungy Jump.
Surprisingly all 3 did not hesitate and "swallow-dived" rather gracefully from the platform. Meghan did let out an involantary yelp about halfway down.
All the screaming and panic however came from Des who was planted securely on terra firma....... allright, I admit my heart was racing a little!
The folks spent a little time in the Martinborough wine lands (North of Wellington) after Des and I had returned to our respective salt mines in January.
The, sadly the time came to say an emotional goodbye as the folks made their way north to Auckland, with enough time for a brief tour of the Northern areas of the North Island, before boarding the plane for Bangkok and on to Johannesburg.
As for us almost-kiwis, we continue to feel well settled and satisfied with our lives here.
The kids all earned such encouraging reports and Meghan started college (high school) this year. She has matured noticeably in the lead up to this milestone and is already making her mark, signing up for additional speech and drama and is this week auditioning for the lead in this years stage production.
Travis was awarded the Kapiti College Sportsman of the Year trophy. I noted with interest that among the acknowledgements on the accompanying certificate was netball! He is making good progress with his cricket and has earned a starting spot in the Kapiti Old Boys Cricket Club 1st team. This is seniors cricket and while he is still coming to terms with the quality of player in this league, he competes fiercely and is being encouraged and mentored by his team mates. The club value him greatly, an experience that will stand him in good stead.
Sherrie experienced some romance through December and January, but has since called it off. Poor fellow! She is still focused on her architecture-centric career and has opted for two art based subjects this year. A tall order and a decision which will require some dedication and hard work to deliver the portfolios and assignments required for the year. Given her self-discipline and work ethic, I doubt this will be a problem.
As for Des and I, we are so busy supporting these kids that we have not taken any time to do something for ourselves in months. Guess I should just book some theatre tickets, restaurant and a room in town; the world will not come to a stand still!
Till next time......