A mixed bag!

It's been some time since we last updated our blog and although we have all been busy; we haven't been keeping a record of our exploits on camera so here are a few random shots for you, all taken over the last couple of weeks.

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

Birthday, Xmas, New Year, Birthday

The Armstrong’s dragging the chain again. Now we have the last major event out of the way for the Xmas holidays we can update you all on the rollercoaster ride that was.

As Maria (Julie Andrew’s) said ‘let’s start at the very beginning…’

We were demob happy on the 21st. I snuck out of the office early while the boss was dishing out the Larry Lindauer (New Zealand Fizz) and made the 3.20 train. Beth packed the girls full of food and I packed the car full of stuff. Amazingly there was no traffic heading north of Wellington (Saturday saw an hour delay) and we made good time to Hawera. Molly crashed out after 20 minutes of the trip. Maddie kept us company until 10pm wee lamb. She was very cherry except when Beth and I were eating and she was not.

The schedule of events was….
Stay at Dad’s 21st – 24th. Stay at Mum’s 25th – 27th. The Management reserved the right to change the schedule without notice.

So we chilled out with Dad on the 22nd and did not very much except eat. We had a nice lasagne over a bottle of Pinot Gris sitting out in Dad’s courtyard for lunch while the girls slept. A very nice start to the festivities. Not much else happened after this as you can imagine. Maddie started to mucsle in on Molly's territory (Grandad). Fret not the girls were bathed and fed as per usual.

The 23rd was Maddie’s birthday. Dad and Trish got her what every Kiwi one year old needs to have with the burgeoning summer at their doorstep. An all in one swim/sun suit. She was quickly in her birthday suit and into this garb to check the fit. Nicely skin tight. She was a little unsure about it as you can see. She warmed to it soon enough during the first outing as you will see in the photos later.

We then went to Mum’s for cake and bubbles (again at lunch) and a spot of theft. Maddie decided that the usual lunch was not adequate considering it was her birthday and after conspiring with Dad she went for the berry mother load. Peggy (Neil’s Mum) was none the wiser. It had to be cut down into Maddie size pieces for quick disposal. Maddie also got a duck as a gift that Molly loves. It quacks nursery rhymes. Magic.

Maddy: That strawberry is ripe for the taking.

Nick: You'll have to be quick. Jo is almost finished telling Peg about the shade of nail polish she has picked out for her wedding day.

Huey, Dewey and Louie...

After the cake was eaten and the kids wound down we headed across to Simon Rangiwahia’s for a get together. Simon is the older brother of Matthew who spoke at our wedding. A good number of my contemporaries from university had come back to Hawera for Xmas. It was an opportunity too good to be missed. Much chat, a boogie etc. Beth was going strong until 1.30am. Dad came to collect her and I headed back into the fray…..

Then it was Christmas (if only – the 24th was a long old day I can tell you).

So Christmas, we had moved into Mum’s and Vaughan had arrived with his Family the night before. The Kiddo’s surprised us all and slept until after 7am. Clearly we hadn’t impressed upon them the importance of the day – perhaps something to do with the 24th?

Anyhow Molly and Maddie ripped into their Santa stockings. Ballet pumps were fitted, books were read, mini Frisbees were thrown and chocolate was consumed all before 8am.

We had breakfast at Mum’s (Fizz before lunch this time – thank goodness this Christmas happens once a year). Beth made some Muesli, Vaughan made pancakes, Mum cooked Bacon and Kranskeys (like polish sausages). There were sweets and fruit and just plain toast if you fancied it.

Coffee, coffee and more coffee.

Then to Dad’s.

Molly crashed out and Maddie went down for a nap. Suddenly we had an hour to eat (again), drink (again) and socialise. Very nice. Trish had her brood and their families over so we were vastly out numbered however we gave as good as we got what! Jolly good show.

The girls woke up and we had some screaming about time which was a treat. Maddie was just breaking into a crawl. A crowd slowly gathered. She was just teasing.

Back to Mum’s at about 7. In bed late.

The 26th brought more than Santa could ever deliver. I went and had a round of golf (Laughton - I shot a 93. Personal highlight was chipping in on the 17th to win the match). No photos sorry sports fans. Vaughan and I took the kids swimming in the afternoon. There was some late afternoon football on Mum’s back lawn. Everyone mostly avoided eating.

The 27th? Vaughan and I took the girls to the park to feed the ducks and have a swing. Beth took off for the middle part of the day to have a bit of time for Beth (like golf for girls I guess). Vaughan and family heading back to Palmerston North that afternoon. We were going to head back home that night but we heard that Steven Rangiwahia was back in town for 2 days only (from London). Steven always put us up when we went to London to go to Moorfields eye hospital with Molly. We managed to meet up with him that afternoon and get some of his chat. Great for him to see how well Molly is doing. He is a big softy (like I’m not).

Beth and I got the girls down at Mum’s and went out for a quiet drink in one of Hawera’s most exclusive Restaurants (I think there are 2). In retrospect expecting a quiet drink in the small town where you grew up is a little too much to ask, especially in New Zealand.

It turns out a guy I went to school with owns the place; my old employer arrived with a group of people and stopped by for a chat and a couple of random ‘are you Nick Armstrong’? You know what, it was actually quite nice and we still got our quiet drink together.

On the 28th we came home. It is always nice coming home.

29th - A bit of food shopping.

30th. Nada.

31st and we had Jamie and Helen with Dorothy coming for tea. Made bread, a salad, got out the Barbie, Beth went to the gym.

We had mussels, chicken, a pesto salad, ice cream. The girls went to sleep and then Dorothy gave us a scrabble lesson in vocabulary. It was looking rosy for the Man of the House until Helen read the rules. House of cards. Interestingly the rules are open to interpretation although we only had the entire paragraph read to us after the win was awarded to Dorothy. I point this out not because I am bitter more to display the generous nature of Helen who only did herself out a win. You are an example to us all.

Bread and Mussels

New years day was spectacular. A cooling South easterly breeze and a blazing 26 degrees. We packed a picnic and headed to the Paekakariki Beach. Arrived by 9.30 and beat the masses. A walk through the park. Got a good spot on the sand. A snack and a swim. Beautiful day. Home for the afternoon and I headed out on my bike for a wee ride.

Betty's birthday. Beth went out for a walk and I kid wrangled. We met briefly at the park for a coffee and to give the girls a swing. Beth headed to the Movies and Molly and I went home to bake a cake.

We made a carrot cake. I can safely say that this is a fail-safe way to get your kids to eat vegetables. Molly mixed the batter then licked the spatula not even pausing to avoid random pieces of orange goodness.

We had cake for desert with the girls. It was excellent. Great recipe off the net however 'down sweeten' the frosting and add the zest of one lemon.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Carrot-Cake-III/Detail.aspx

Now it is time for bed. Work in the Morning.

Love to you all. We miss you very much especially at this time of year.

Nick, Beth, Molly and Maddie xxxxx

We will upload a video of Maddie crawling as soon as work out how. Jamie….

Wonderful Waiheke

So...this is Prue's Cottage on Waiheke Island - a little piece of paradise - just a thirty minute ferry ride from the hustle and bustle of Auckland. This wee cottage was situated just around the corner from where my cousin (Kate) and her partner (Damian) live with their new arrival: Lewis Barnaby Newland. Lewis is adorable. We felt very priviliged to be able to spend time with Kate and Damian at this very special time in Lewis's life, only a couple of weeks old! Considering the lack of sleep at this stage, Kate and Damian were looking very well and appeared to be taking it all in their stride. It was also lovely to be able to catch up with Moira (Kate's Mum) who was visiting for three weeks. We all caught up with each other every day, either over date and raspberry scones; coffee at their local cafe; bubbly to celebrate Lewis's arrival or; BBQ on their deck.

It was a very relaxing holiday and we didn't feel the need to 'do' anything, apart from taking short walks to the local beach; going for a dip; a stroll to the park to let the girls have a swing; or a visit to the local shops/cafe for some entertainment. We had a BBQ with Kate and Damian and invited some friends from Auckland (Guru, Sarah and their kids, Danny and Lauren) and watched the mayhem unfold as Beth unveiled some water pistols that she had chosen specifically for this event. Molly wasn't too sure how to pull the trigger on her pistol but Danny had it well under control and needless to say everyone got a little wet - even baby Lewis! Waiheke is a beautiful island: lots of lovely little beaches; sheltered bays; abundance of birdlife and exotic-looking plants; very peaceful and relaxing. There is plenty to do on the island in terms of outdoor pursuits but we were happy to just chill out for five days...maybe next time when the kids are older!

This photo was taken just prior to Waiheke at Vivien and Neil's place in Taranaki. As you can see, Maddy is definitely an Armstrong!

Kate and Damian with Lewis

Lewis at 2.5 weeks!

BBQ at Kate and Damian's place (Sarah, Moira, Beth, Lauren, Danny, Nick, Maddy and Molly)

Madeleine and Molly at Prue's Cottage

Nick and Molly at Little Oneroa Beach (5 mins walk from Prue's Cottage)

Molly doing what she likes best: eating ice-cream!

Some more beach shots!

...eating sand

Overseas

"We did it!" (as Molly would say). It was quite an adventure but Madeleine and I managed to survive the flights and jetlag (just) and spent three fun-packed weeks in Scotland, reuniting with family in Shetland (first time all together in Shetland since 1979) and catching up with close friends in Fife and Edinburgh. It was lovely to see Mum and Dad again and great to spend a week with all my siblings, recounting old stories and watching old movies and taking walks around the house where we all used to play as kids. Mum and Dad have a fantastic new extension which is cosy and warm as well as being light and spacious too. Dad had a projector screen built into the ceiling so many a night was spent watching videos, rugby and football games and plenty of old photos.

MuckleBousta

The Johnstons reunited!

Jamie, Sorley and Gudrun (MuckleBousta in the far background)

Grandpa and Madeleine

Grandma with Madeleine

For those of you who don't already know about my talented little sister, Gudrun Durham, I would like to introduce you to her work: http://shetlandtrader.blogspot.com/

Gudrun is an amazing knitwear designer. While we were in Shetland, Gudrun created a beautiful shawl using an old Shetland lace pattern (sorry G but I can't find the photos - do you have them?) She also brought with her from California, a very cool little black dress (see below) and a little hat for Madeleine. I am so impressed with her natural talent - go sis!

Gudrun's little black dress

Madeleine's new hat (made by Gudrun)

Me and Little Sis (Gudrun)

After ten days with Mum and Dad in Shetland, Maddy and I flew to Aberdeen and spent a couple of nights with Sorley, Wendy and Ben, whom I thought had grown up so much since I last saw him! Madeleine was fascinated with Ella (dog) and the cats and spent much of her time craning her neck to watch them racing around in the house. Then we caught a train (Maddy's first time on a train) to Perth where my good friend, Sue and her wee boy, Reuben were waiting to pick us up. That night I had a wonderful evening catching up with all my good friends in Fife; Gill and Adam hosted an amazing evening at their place in Auchtermuchty (love what you've done to your house you guys!) and everyone ptiched in to put on a merry feast. Sheena: that cheesecake was to die for and I haven't enjoyed a prawn cocktail for so long! If it wasn't for Lindy and John leaving in good time to get back for the babysitter, I think I would have had a very sore head the next day! The next day everyone and their kids came over to Sue and James' place so we spent the day running around in the garden (well OK, not me), drinking copious cups of tea and eating biccies. Thanks so much Sue and James for having everyone to your place and for doing such a good job of looking after me! It was so good to see you all again and to catch up properly even if it was brief! Here are some photos!

Fifers dining in chez Le Pedens (spot Sheena and the cheescake!)
Gill and Adam with Maddy


The Girls!
(AKA Rosie, Lindy, Sue, Beth and Gill with wee Aoieffe)

Lindy with Madeleine and Rosie

Sue and Reuben saying goodbye at the Station


Our next whistlestop was Esther and Ally's place in Edinburgh - Casa Del Duncan - where I was more than well looked after and felt very at home. Eva is the same age as Molly (2 weeks younger) and reminded me a lot of Molly in many ways. Eva was a great wee helper when it came to feeding and changing Madeleine and generally keeping her well entertained! It was lovely to catch up with Sarah (an old pal from School) and Esther and Sarah and I even managed to go out for a meal one night as Ally ushered us out the door - thanks Ally! Can't believe I didn't take any photos of Esther or Ally!!!

Sarah with Eva and Madeleine

Having lunch with my good friend, Helen, in Edinburgh

While you were out...

An Armstrong/Durham/Johnston blog needs updating so I pick me. The undisputed heavyweight of the extended Johnston clan wordsmiths.

As you all know I have been existing Star Wars style out here in the colonies (THAT’S FOR YOU SAGIE BOY – ask your Dad he’ll explain the reference. Gudrun / Helen you may need help with that one too). But I digress. In fact I had grand plans while Betty was away cavorting about that place but digressing was about all that got done while I was with child. It seemed that the days ebbed into night and before I knew it I was having another feast of a canned delicacy on bread or toast if I had time to cook the bread (one night I even had a pita bread with two fillings). Once I had muddled through the early evening and packed the wean off to bed with a satisfied/stupid grin I realised that I had not planned for my own entertainment / meals (clean clothing etc).

So let me break it down (insert a MC scratch sound here ¯). I have tried to bring as much colour to this as our Ginger friends however there may be the odd patch of tan or beige mixed in (but as boowah and kaawla sing “If you take a splash of yellow and you take a splash of blue and mix them both together what colour do you get…..”).

Week 1: The week of the Granny

We Armstrong’s are closely related to the whirling dervish that is Taz . Through generations of procreation the fizzy gene has been diluted, tripled rinsed and spun dry. However a small piece of the all action, perpetual motion characteristic has grimly hung in there. The personification of this characteristic however is anything but grim. It arrived like a bad knock knock joke at the door on the Sunday after Betty scampered off. Quickly the house was knock knocked into shape. I had done the basics but as I soon found out I am way outta my league on the whole ship shape thing.

Vivien, Viv, Mum, Granny rolled into PBay and the 3 weeks started to count down. Mum was everything you could ever hope when the cavalry are called in (nae sabres). At the door to see me off to work and awaiting me slippers in hand, pipe lit and paper ready.

Day 1:
Molly and mum got on famously after they had made that each others buttons gave the appropriate reactions. Molly, after relenting and accepting that Granny held the upper hand in the ‘you must eat your breakfast, lunch etc’ stakes held on to the only form of resistance available to her. Toileting. Dourly she held on and held out and refused to ‘go’ even when deposited on the loo on every 15 minutes. She made her wee protest as often as her bladder would allow sprinkling decent around the lounge/kitchen/bedrooms. It was close to pistols at dusk but I arrived home in the nick of time. I dashed through the door (put on my slippers, lit my pipe and read the business section) and interceded. Much like the US in Iraq or the British in Northern Island progress was slow and beset by obstacles.

Day 2:
Peace agreement brokered and I again set of to the mines. You could say the rest is history. It was one thing after another.
Day 3:
Crayfish and scallops for dinner. The rest of the day I forget. Oh Granny and Molly went swimming. Maybe that is where the seafood came from.
Day 4:
Must have been the swimming as Day 4 proved to be the day where the two strong willed ladies in the house started to enjoy themselves. Molly broke her toileting fast and Mum just continued to be Granny.
Day 5:

An adventure to three medical appointments in 12 hours. All in different parts of the greater Wellington area. Granny was chief of entertainment and navigation, Molly was the client, I was a sea of calm under that stressed exterior. Admittedly this is one of the harder days for everyone even under the best conditions. Conditions were ideal so off we set. 7 hours, 4 coffees, 2 subways, 4 muffins, an apple juice, 2 litres of water, 2 bananas, 5 crackers with cream cheese, 2 accidents (no vehicles involved) and 6 albums of children’s music we arrived back at PBay. Molly asleep by 6.15 and lights out by 8.

Week 2 – Where are we going? Tall Mountain! Granny and Molly disappeared to Taranaki on Saturday am so I could paint the bathroom. Naturally I thought that this was an easily achievable task in the day and set out to prove it. Naturally I know nothing of painting and decorating other than where to buy paints and brushes so come Sunday morning when I was scheduled to head to Hawera to pick up Molly I was still touching up and washing brushes (actually I am still touching up some bits and pieces). Still the bathroom is now Chocoletto with a trim of white and I have a very happy wee wifey. In my defence a friend had a baby on the Saturday so I had whiskey to drink with the new Dad. Speaking of whiskey the ‘Linkwood’ is a nice drop Laughton.

Taranaki was grand. Weather was atrocious. Granddad and Trish were sick with the flu. Molly picked it up. Guests dropped in unexpectedly and Molly and I were bunking together. However I did get a whole day off when Mum took charge (she is a dab hand now) and played 9 holes of golf with Dad then headed up to New Plymouth to spend the night with some friends. One of the seldom acknowledged benefits of bad weather is that you are forced to stay in doors and actually catch up with folk. Visiting is a great tool to get out and about, some home baking and seek out those people that you never really do as you are at the park/beach/pool etc.

The undoubted highlight for Molly was feeding a lamb. The first thing she asked it (of course) was ‘Where’s Mary little lamb?’

I also got a haircut.

Week 3 – Nanny (our Nanny has better jewellery)
The third week was when I had committed to getting back to work. Mum was unavailable for a couple of these days so we tracked down a Nanny through some friends of ours. Our friends are pretty level headed so when they recommend this Nanny we jumped at the chance to meet her and let Molly meet her etc etc. Even after Meeting Ashleigh I was pretty apprehensive. Just an overprotective father I guess but let’s dace it how much can you trust a 22 year old with your little one? In this instance, tonnes. Ashleigh and Molly hit it off. Every night I came home to a happy, engaged, feed, etc etc Molly and every night Molly slept from 6.30 until at least 7. This is really out of character. One morning I woke her up as it was 8.20 and I had to be gone in 40 minutes and Molly needed dressed and feed. This could not have worked out better. It still took me 2 days to fully relax though.

There is something to be said for working off site. No annoying conversations breaking out all around you. No annoying phones ringing and ringing and ringing. You know no one is going to pop by to see you to discuss something and side track you for hours on end. But most excellently is that the café that is situated just alongside the library where you are working. By day 3 they figure out that you are the ‘short black and a small jug of hot water on the side’ guy. No ordering just an acknowledgement that you have arrived and they get it to you asap. Certainly makes you feel like a big shot.

Abba’s Arrival - Beth got back on time and on budget 6th of October. Molly and I were waiting with baited breath at Wellington Airport. There were tears and a ‘who the hell is this guy with the rug on his face’ semi-adoring look from Maddie for me. Molly dinnae want to let go of her Mama. Fair enough. I just had to get in line. Home, 3 loads of washing, dinner…(oh the glamour)

ps – Beth is not allowed to go anywhere without me for any longer than a week from now on.
pps – I am over the rugby loss now so it is safe to call…..