The Xmas holidays are now officially over for the New Zealanders and everyone is slowly getting reacquainted with routines: kindergarten, school, work, etc. We can't complain really as it's been a fantastic Summer: plenty of sunshine; days spent lazing around on the beach; having BBQs and sipping wine on the deckchairs until late into the balmy evenings. Apparently it's been the best Summer since 1990 and it's set to continue right through till April! If you're planning a getaway somewhere warm, you'll be guaranteed some sunshine with us! I know it's a bit far for some of you but hey, the offer is out there OK, so just let us know when you're coming.
To update you on recent events: Nick and I spent a very romantic night away in the Wairarapa, which is about one hour's drive from here on the east coast. We took in some wine tasting en route and a spot of lunch in a quaint little town called Martinborough. A tour around the 'antique' shops (not very antique!) in Greytown and then we settled into our little cottage for the afternoon. We had a lovely dinner out that night and then brunch the next day at the local boulangerie (french too!) and then it was back to normality again around 11am! Jamie and Helen (Graeme's help too!) looked after Molly and Madeleine and proved themselves more than capable of babysitting duties! It is something that we want to do again very soon and Jamie and Helen have offered up their services so no doubt we will be calling on them in the not too distant future!
Nick was invited to a wedding (I was too but it was too awkward with the girls) and took off with our good friend, Iain Hosie, for a few days. As you would expect, they packed all the CDs they needed and made sure the surfboard was tied securely to the roof but in true boy fashion, they forgot their wedding outfits! However, not to worry as it was a beach wedding so they got away with shorts and flip-flops! A great time was had by all.
While Nick was gone, Vivien (Nick's mum) and my niece (Caccia) came to my rescue and helped me entertain the girls for a few days. As you can see from the photos, the girls had a fantastic time and we were sorry to see them leave. We have asked Caccia to come back during the next school holidays! It was fun to have a girly time together.
We have just returned today from visiting family in Taranaki and attending Jo and Daryl's wedding. Jo is Nick's step-sister from his Mum's side of the family. Jo was getting married to New Zealand's motorcross 500cc champion - Daryl Hurley. Of course, Daryl turned up for the wedding in true style, with his groomsmen aboard their motorcycles! Jo looked stunning and particularly radiant as she's expecting her first child in May! Molly was given the extra special task of delivering a silk slipper to the bride and after much rehearsal, she did a sterling job and made us all proud and much relieved!
Not sure about this dinner tonight mum!
Madeleine and Caccia
Testing out Daddy's sleeping bag before his trip
Definitely comfortable!
Michael reads to Molly and Madeleine
Having fun in the dinghy
