Our Daisy Chain...Georgia & Olivia

Time For A Change...

2009-11-09T13:20:00.003+13:00

Time For A Change... ...it seems the right time for a fresh start...Our Daisy Chain is filled up with memories and there is no space even in computer land for more pictures...and as we are homeward bound with just six weeks to go, we will continue our adventures at 'Our Pink Gumboot Tales' . Come and join us...x

Click here...

Christmas Commissions!

2009-11-08T12:11:00.002+13:00

...Kate made these wheaty bags for us...you put them in the microwave and heat them up...no more hot water bottles for us. Kate makes such amazing stuff...Mummy has commissioned some orders for the girls (and Maisie) for Christmas - a new project Kate has been working on...

Saturday Antics...

2009-11-07T19:33:00.008+13:00

...we popped into Josh's house and got up to some lazy hazy weekend playing...

..."Run Daddy Run!"...and as Josh lives right next to the school there was a whole field to run around and heaps of other liitle faces to tango with...

...Georgia was pooped!

Fish And Chips On The Beach...

2009-11-07T19:17:00.008+13:00

...we got Olivia's new owl dress at the markets today...isn't it gorgeous! We all had fish and chips on the beach tonight, (while the Daddys went for a run)...glorious...

...Olivia made a rock house for thumberlina and her Lucy doll...
...a bit of rock climbing finished the night off...

Daisys...Daisys...Everywhere...

2009-11-07T19:00:00.003+13:00

...Spring is here...daisy-chain season has began!

Local Market Day At Charlotte's Kindy...

2009-11-07T12:42:00.008+13:00

...Olivia's gorgeous little friend Charlotte goes to a different kindy...they had a mini-market day today and we went along to support it. Mummy Marie was on the sausage stand and we noticed Daddy did a great job at supporting that!

...always good to try out new swings...

...Olivia as a butterfly and in a moment of madness Georgia wanted a bunny-face...we sensed this was going to end up in tears so we tried to talk her out of it and into something more George-appropriate such as fairy, Princess, blah, blah, blah...BUT...it ended in tears...as soon as we got home she ran upstairs to wash off her bunny-face...

...we actually quite liked it, but it became more of an angry bunny face and that wasn't always a pretty sight...(WARNING - nobody mention anything to do with rabbits and faces at the moment!!!!!)

...Olivia made a little friend on the playground - they had the same shoes and that was a great meeting conversation and bond for the pair...bless...

Guy Fawkes...

2009-11-06T21:32:00.013+13:00

...while Mummy, Olivia and Huddy-dog stayed in the warm and quiet at home - George, Daddy, Cherry, Paul and Josh went to the annual Guy Fawkes celebration...a glorious time was had!

A Very Good Point...

2009-11-06T17:48:00.006+13:00

...as we were sitting down enjoying our dinner tonight, (Daddy was home early), he made a very good point as we watched a container ship go by. "Make the most of this view girls as it will probably be your last opportunity to sit down and have dinner as you watch ships go by"...how true, how sad, we feel lucky to have experienced this amazing view for two special years...

...Grandma and Grandad, and, Narnie and Papa must be jumping up and down after reading this...sorry...we forgot...we will just have to come over to your places more often!!!!

Daddy Surprised Us At School And Kindy Pick Up...

2009-11-06T17:10:00.005+13:00

Project Scarecrow Complete...

2009-11-06T17:01:00.004+13:00

..aren't they gorgeous! Huge too!

School Project - Making A Scarecrow...

2009-11-05T20:49:00.006+13:00

...the children have been doing a project on scarecrows as they are having trouble with the birds eating the plants and vegetables from their school garden...today and tomorrow the children are making their own classroom sarecrows...Georgia and Anika were responsible for turning their scarecrow, (their classroom was making two) into a very girly figure with lots of sparkly jewellery and bling to scare away the birds...the boys scarecrow looks more like Rambo apparently...

Guess What We Did Today! Spring Is Here...

2009-11-05T15:37:00.002+13:00

...we are hoping warm summer days will be around the corner...we did our nails today in hope...x

Royal Inspiration...

2009-11-05T14:58:00.005+13:00

...we are working on our Christmas gift project this weekend and lets just say we are seeking royal inspiration from our London days...

Mummy Aspirations...

2009-11-05T13:21:00.005+13:00

...with Lou coming closer to school age, it feels like it is also coming to a time when Mummy can start making some of her own goals and aspirations. Quite exciting times...aside from nearly TEN of us now planning to do the half marathon next year, (better start running soon huh?), there has been talk of finally getting organised to go primary school teaching - a longtime ambition, (six years out of the corporate world has left Mummy with no desire to return). Long-term those book plans are still on the charts and George and Mummy are loving The Silk Sisters series at the moment! THEN when Mummy becomes a fully fledged teacher, a convertible VW Beetle has been promised! Don't I have the best name to be a teacher?

Mainly Music And Kindy...

2009-11-05T10:39:00.002+13:00

...aside from family and friend's there were two things about moving down here which were very, very hard. Georgia went to the most amazing private kindergarten which is really 'one-of-a-kind'...the waiting list is years. BUT we just got confirmation, Olivia starts next year, three afternoons a week and we are so lucky! We also went to a beautiful local Mainly Music which has also been irreplacement down here...AND back we go to that next year as well...Olivia will love it - (it was often the highlight of Mummy's week too!)

...First Sleep Over...

2009-11-05T10:30:00.002+13:00

...two years ago, before we moved down here, Henry would have been Georgia's best of friends. He is first on the list for a sleepover! We always use to call them Grandma G and Grandpa Hen because they were like an old married couple together...hilarious! Wonder how much things have changed. Henry's Dad is very sick at the moment, so we look forward to having lots of adventures with Henry and Millie and give Mummy Gill and Daddy Matt a helping hand...x

Thanks Rho and Girls!

2009-11-05T10:24:00.004+13:00

.At Rho's house..Sophie and Laura have a 'shop' that all the children in their street play at...it is in their garage and the girls spend time making crafts or baking and then sell their wares in their wee 'shop'...Georgia has been invited to join in...she will be very into that!

...see that spot where Narnie is sitting...that is my cup of tea spot at Rho's house...

Thanks Boys!

2009-11-05T10:17:00.002+13:00

...good to have friends...some of Georgia's wee buddies in Auckland are starting to rally around...invites to babysit Joe and Nick's gorgeous labrodore dog Coco have come in, invites to swim in the boys new pool have arrived and hearing about all their antics at their exciting schools and kindy have been well timed! Congratulations Joe for winning the six year old art competition at your school!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see you and hang out! Mummy has been invited into Mummy Angela's book club too...so very excited about that!

We Are Tired And Grumpy In Our House...This Sums Us Up Perfectly!

2009-11-05T10:00:00.000+13:00

One Down...

2009-11-05T07:29:00.003+13:00

...always such a sad sight...sick Princesses...well just Olivia so far...up all night with a nasty chesty cough...so it will be a quiet couple of days and off to the doctors for us...luckily Georgia has a playdate with Anika after school so lots of rest is on the cards for small fry and watching the Tinkerbell movie over and over and over again...x

The Rock Club

2009-11-04T10:59:00.003+13:00

...at school, Georgia and a group of her friends have created a rock club. It isn't a singing rock club, but a stone rock club. They have quite a sophisticated structure and you have to earn levels before you can become a 'boss'. Thankfully they are all 'bosses' now as they have all earned enough points by doing tasks such as finding a love heart shaped rock, hiding a large stone and keeping their rocks with magical powers hidden from the baddies, (anyone not in the rock club). It is hilarious hearing them talk about the group and with lots of chiefs running the show, there can be some very interesting dynamics! The rock club has been going for many weeks now each lunch time, and it is certainly proving to be a very entertaining endeavour...

Love Heart Sammys

2009-11-04T10:54:00.002+13:00

...you know your baby is growing up when she asks you to stop making her love heart sammys for her lunchbox. Actually to be fair Georgia has never liked sandwiches, unlike Olivia who adores her shaped sammys - ham or marmite are normally her favourites! Georgia is more of a cruskit and cracker kinda gal...so we put her last mini love-heart sammys in her lunchbox today...another milestone down...

PMP At School...

2009-11-04T10:35:00.006+13:00

...Gawd knows what PMP stands for, but twice a week the school children do it in the hall. Mummy goes every Tuesday afternoon to help out while Olivia is at kindy. It is a fitness programme that teaches coordination skills to the children and the parents run it. We are going to try and get Daddy to surprise Georgia one Tuesday and turn up instead of Mummy...Georgia will be BESIDE herself...

Georgia's New School...

2009-11-03T09:34:00.006+13:00

...listening to guest speaker Mark Inglis...

...a few pics from Georgia's new school...The school has 537 students and slightly more girls than boys (great for us) - the school is primary only (unlike down here). It is a beautiful green school with gorgeous, huge, established trees all around the area, and a big old English stone fence at the entrance and at least three different playgrounds (and school pool). The school is split into three areas - junior, middle and senior school. Georgia will be starting middle school next year.

..they have a 'complusory sit down to eat lunch time' for the first ten minutes which is great for us! The school also has a competitive gym team which will be a great thing for George to aspire to...

The school is very technology focused - all the inclass whiteboards are connected to computers and a lot of the homework is done online. According to the latest ERO report the majority of students sit above the national average in most subjects. We will be walking to school and we are thrilled to report they have heaps of different team events, a school band and they always do lots of extra activities such as dress up days, school trips, concerts, a school disco and they even have one of the last 'inhouse' dental nurse systems in place...we are planning to take Georgia up one day this term and show her around...

Official Kindy Photos...

2009-11-02T13:48:00.007+13:00

...a photographer came to the kindy to take photos of all the children...Olivia is in the red spotty tights on the left, sitting on Diana's knee. Olivia is in love with Diana, in fact if we turn up to kindy and Diana isn't there, Olivia turns around and walks out!

...this is actually the official teacher photo but Olivia wouldn't leave Diana's side...

...had to get this one as it sums Olivia up really - the swing, the doll, her favourite poka-dotted cardi and that jolly tongue...

Handsome Hudson...Boy We Are Going To Miss You!

2009-11-02T11:11:00.003+13:00

...Olivia took these photos of Mummy with her favourite pooch-boy...going to miss you sooooooo much. A gorgeous dog, so human like and gorgeous to have around the house...he just plods around, very respectful of everyone's space, just quietly plods his way to and fro keeping an eye on what everyone is up too...wonder if he will fit in our suitcase?

Hair Cuts...

2009-11-02T11:07:00.002+13:00

...Mummy had to trim Olivia's hair today...her hair is a nightmare...unlike Georgia's very thick, straight hair which rarely gets knots, Olivia's is very thin and whispy and prone to tangled nests. Olivia did decide to grow it but as that means Mummy has to tie it back and brush it lots, she has since changed her mind...so we had a wee trim today and the bribe was that she could play hair-dressers with one of her dolls...

Georgia's 'Wizards of Waverly Place' Poster...

2009-11-02T11:05:00.002+13:00

...you know it is serious stuff when you have to lie on the table to concentrate on your drawing...

Mama Mia

2009-11-02T10:50:00.002+13:00

...Mummy and Georgia went to the stage show Mama Mia on Sunday and it was AMAZING!

Seven Weeks To Go...

2009-11-01T11:55:00.004+13:00

...seven weeks until we move...it is such a hard thing for us as we know we are moving back to so many wonderful, wonderful things but we have to say we will be very sad at letting go of magical days like today...the sun is shining and this neck of the world is just magical...

...at least both our parents have properties on the beach back home...thank Heavens for that!

Halloween!

2009-11-01T10:29:00.038+13:00

...it is always the best Halloween party in town...Cherry puts on an amazing party with fish and chips for all the children and spider cupcakes...the adults get lots of witches brew and sushi, club sandwhiches and lots of other vices...then we hit the streets...a truly amazing experience...

...Georgia ended up wearing only half her outfit..."But I want to be a pretty witch" she said...not sure she grasps the full concept of Halloween...

...Grandma Fran had made 22 named, sewed, individual Halloween bags for each of the children...how special is that...

...we had brought Olivia a new outfit this year, she chose Snow White, but when it came down to the 'crunch' she insisted on getting out her Lou Lou Lion outfit...her firm favourite...

...Lou Lou Lion and Fairy Bella...these two were a tight two-some...x

...Grandma Fran's house...

...we arrived on mass to Mrs Kliffen's house, (Head of the Junior School, Georgia's old teacher and Deputy Principal of Georgia's gorgeous school)...bless her heart she always looks so happy to see the children and is always prepared for the big group...

P.S We will be flying down for Halloween next year we have all decided!

Peek-a-boo!

2009-11-01T10:26:00.001+13:00

Morning Adventures....Got Wrapped Up And Off We Went...

2009-10-31T11:50:00.009+13:00

...we biked and scootered down the road for a bite to eat...then home to thaw...

Georgia's Art Class Masterpiece...

2009-10-31T09:59:00.004+13:00

...it took three classes to make Georgia's yellow tweety bird, the nest and the 'stage'...little miss was very proud and rightly so...

It Is Cruise Ship Season...

2009-10-31T09:55:00.000+13:00

Busy Friday...Before Our Busy Weekend...Hold On To Your Hats...

2009-10-30T15:53:00.005+13:00

...the day kicked off early with picking lovely Aunty Rho up from the airport (down for the day) and giving her the tour of Georgia's school. Then we were off to Martha's Pantry for a cup of tea and a cupcake before having to drop Aunty Rho off at her appointment...

...then we had to pop into Daddy's work to do a couple of chores and on our way to get fresh fish for dinner tonight we bumped into Cherry...two lattes later...we continued our chores...

...Lou needed a sugar burst...

...then back to the airport to pick up Aunty Gail (Daddy's sister) who is here for a 'sleep over' as Georgia would say.

...we are looking forward to spending tomorrow with Aunty Gail as well as juggling Georgia going to Holly's special 7th birthday party and then Cherry's big Halloween party. Halloween is HUGE in these neck of the woods and it will be a big night. THEN Georgia and Mummy are going to see the Mamma Mia stageshow while Daddy and Lou go to the little local school fair....phew...going to be tired and grumpy Monday me thinks!

...Thought The Girls Looked Cute Today...

2009-10-29T10:56:00.003+13:00

...although excuse Olivia's grumpy face but she had her cute Trelise Cooper scarf on and wasn't in the mood to show it to the camera...x

Book Club Preparations...

2009-10-29T10:47:00.005+13:00

...Georgia stayed up to answer the door for Mummy and those strawberrys were in mortal danger of being eaten by little miss...
...Mummy hosted book club last night and had lots of little helpers...it is a little more formal than our super casual craft group, so preparations had to be stepped up a notch or three...

...shabby chic...must admit looking forward to moving back into our own home with all our own furniture and have a nice modern interior in a character home - which is very much our style...good-bye wood panels!!!!

...LOVE, love, love my new pink coffee plunger from Grandma and Grandad...but do you like my new teapot?

Mummy's Little Helpers...

2009-10-28T11:39:00.004+13:00

...Mummy is hosting book club tonight so had a few chores to do today...had lots of little helpers though...oh lordy...

...lots of outside play was encouraged!

Inside The Classroom Today...

2009-10-28T11:32:00.006+13:00

...Georgia announced with great pride this morning that she has been the class Super Star the most times this year with a grande ole total of four...we have no idea if this is true or not but it is Georgia's story and she is sticking to it...

...the class are studying scarecrows because the school vegetable garden is having a few issues with birds eating the children's 'projects'...spot Georgia's artclass scarecrow down the bottom of the picture...

Super Star...AGAIN...At School...

2009-10-27T21:45:00.005+13:00

...Georgia is Super Star AGAIN at school tomorrow...George's teacher is having two release days to write school reports so the class had a reliever today. She said that Georgia could be Super Star tomorrow because she was the most helpful in class and was always the first to put up her hand and offer to help...AND check out our homework this week...maths, spelling and a super hard, long book that is 5 levels above what we were reading last week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eeekkk...going to have to have our homework wits about us!

A Few From Daddy's Camera...

2009-10-27T19:04:00.009+13:00

...Uncle Wayde on the balcony of the boys apartment. Daddy went away for a boys weekend with Uncle Wayde, Uncle Terry and Uncle Ian...old, old friends of Daddys - in fact these lads go right back to primary school and the stories they can tell...oh brother...

...the five day break was fill of fast cars, sun and all the 'accessories' that accompany motor-racing...if you know what I mean...hmmm

...the hang-over cure each day was a swim in the sea...

...speaking of fast car accessories....hmmm...

...and for the record, there were quite a few photos that came home like this...when Georgia saw this photo she said that the girls' shorts were cute but did notice one of them was wearing ugly sneakers...good on you darling!

...there is talk of an annual trip...sounds great because when Mummy showed the photos to George she asked why there were so many car photos...'pretty boring' she announced back...so Mummy suggested an annual shopping trip instead...there was a definite sparkle in the eye from our George!

Daddy's Home...

2009-10-27T12:13:00.004+13:00

...Daddy's home after having a wonderful time...he came bearing gifts - and there was a strong Australian indigenous animal theme to the prezzies...Mummy got a great loot too! These pink Kaola t-shirts were popular, as were the Kaola bags and the necklaces. Georgia took her snake into show and tell at school today and Olivia's soft toy baby Kaola is packed safely in her back-pack...(Mummy is having technical difficulties downloading Daddy's photos from his trip...so watch this space...they will be up soon)...x

Flip, Flop, Flap At The Pools...

2009-10-27T12:03:00.006+13:00

...while Georgia went to the movies with Josh, Olivia and Mummy went to the pools with Charlotte, Ruby and Marie...

...flip, flop, flapping in the water sure makes you hungry!

...the swings were popular...fancy that...

We Have The BEST Project....

2009-10-26T10:01:00.002+13:00

...we have a family tradition of the girls making Christmas presents each year...we have wanted to teach the girls about the joy of giving and that Christmas is not just about presents for them...previously we have made jam, made biscuits and various other things, but this year we have thought up the BEST idea...it will take a bit of organising this year...but we are very, very excited! Your only clue is Daddy will be very instrumental this year!!!

Mrs Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself - Virgina Wolfe

2009-10-26T09:47:00.001+13:00

...we need flowers in the house today...and gawd damn it...Mummy is going to buy the flowers herself...Mrs Dalloway would be most proud!

Cousin Gems Has Been Staying With Us...

2009-10-26T09:42:00.002+13:00

...while Daddy has been away...cousin Gems has moved in and it is lovely having an extra body plodding around the house...everyone has been doing their own thing...but this morning we had a big fry up with our cups of tea...x

Crazy Lou...

2009-10-26T09:36:00.002+13:00

...while we are dealing with the emotions of our six year old George about leaving this wonderful ole town where we have spent two fabulous years...our three year old Olivia is taking it all in her stride - a much better age for a change like this...we know that once we move, everyone will be absolutely fine and happy...it will be just the transition that might need some Pinot support!

This Mumma Needs A Plan...

2009-10-26T09:27:00.003+13:00

...oh lordy....Georgia woke up this morning and said, "How long have I got now before we move?"...oh crumbs. So feel we need a bit of a plan on how we are going to attack this. Firstly we acknowledge that moving sucks, moving is sad but we are also going to focus on what we are going to. A leaving party for the girls is off the plans, too much drama and focus on saying good-bye we feel, (and we will be staying in touch with our friends anyway!)...but we are going to have a welcome home party and start making a list of all Georgia's friends in Auckland...hmmm...what do you think?

Arghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-25T17:44:00.001+13:00

...arghhhh...do you like our new Halloween costumes? Georgia and Olivia were going to go as a Pirate Princess and a Lion (the same as last year) but disaster struck...and we needed a distraction and a 'new project' to focus on...this afternoon Georgia has been sob, sob, sobbing about leaving all her friends and school in eight weeks...it was truely heart-breaking...Mummy started crying, Lou was mesmerised and we were all feeling quite down in the dumps...but dinner at Wagamamas and new Halloween costumes perked us all up and we are trying to focus on all the exciting things waiting for us back home...x

Athletics Training At School On Friday...

2009-10-24T20:21:00.002+13:00

...Friday morning the children all raced around the track...while waving to Cherry (and camera)...who lives in a beautiful home overlooking the school...Go George go!!!

Lazy Lunch And Cartwheels!

2009-10-24T15:36:00.011+13:00

...at lunchtime we all headed to the new Chocolate Fish Cafe for some fuel and ended up lottering around practising cartwheels and playing chase...

...just love this photo...Aunty Cherry and Lou Lou...

We Will Miss Our View!

2009-10-24T15:33:00.002+13:00

Sun And Tea...

2009-10-24T09:29:00.005+13:00

...finally, finally, some sun has hit this town...so the house was thrown open and we celebrated with a tea party...x

...hmmm...the sun is sneaking through, nothing like where Daddy is though, getting texts from him saying that it is 28 degrees and they are doing loads of swimming...Olivia told everyone in the school corridor that Daddy has gone away for one big party....there might be a bit of truth in that....lucky Daddy...

...New Duvets For Homeward-Bound...

2009-10-23T21:04:00.003+13:00

...a prezzie arrived for George today...her duvet covers for her brand new bunks...a lot of thought and searching went in to finding the right ones and re-enforcements were called in (thanks Cherry)...they were happily well received and George is very excited about her new bunks and room!

Art Class...

2009-10-23T21:00:00.003+13:00

...at art class George finished off her clay bird by painting it, making it a nest and then they children made a stage set for the bird to 'live'...it was a busy afternoon...

Pull Huddy!

2009-10-23T15:55:00.002+13:00

...Huddy's favourite game...x

Pirate Lou...Charlotte's Influence...

2009-10-23T15:52:00.002+13:00

...Olivia's little friend Charlotte has a love for playing pirates and it is clearly rubbing off on our Lou me thinks!

...there is lots of 'ahoy me hearties' talk in our house...

Our Craft Night Group...

2009-10-22T11:39:00.003+13:00

...we had a gorgeous night at Cherry's (only Mel was not able to make it) and as Cherry was photographer we had two absent from the photo sadly...will miss this gaggle of gals who have become such good friends for Mummy down here...x

(From left...Belinda, Katherine, Julie-Ann, me, Sue, Marie and Jane is sitting)

Three Girls And A Slide...

2009-10-21T18:25:00.003+13:00

...while George was at jazz ballet, we ventured to the park and stumbled across half the community down there...much to Olivia's delight, Lucia and her older sister Isabella were there...the local boys (including James, Lucia's older brother) were having T-ball lessons but the girls had a grande ole time on the slide...

...Home Alone...

2009-10-21T14:14:00.002+13:00

...the girls are home alone for the long, long weekend as Daddy heads off for a boys holiday...we have lots of girly things planned...x

...We Have Mail...

2009-10-21T13:59:00.005+13:00

...one of the way family back home have stayed in touch with the girls is through the good old traditional snail mail. The girls love getting letters and it has always been Olivia's job to check the letterbox each day. Today a lovely big bundle of treasures from Narnie has arrived...everyone back home was so impressed with Georgia's improved handwriting, a few rewards have come her way...the parcel is sitting on the front seat of the car, waiting for George to open after school...x

Poise...

2009-10-21T13:51:00.002+13:00

...two people have commented this week (thanks Belinda, thanks Lynne)...so felt it was worthy of a public mention, how poised Georgia is. Quite the sophisticated, quietly confident young lady these days...in fact Mummy noticed over the holidays how grown up Georgia seems of late...brace yourself Auckland faces, Miss George is growing up...x

First Class...

2009-10-20T17:10:00.003+13:00

...it is no secret how fond we are of Huddy-dog...he really can be so human, an adorable nature...anyway on his way to our house for a 'playdate'...he sat in first class, up front with Mummy Sarah...he was quite at home...x

3D George

2009-10-20T11:32:00.003+13:00

...we got Spykids out on DVD and it is in 3D...it was always so amusing to come into the lounge and find George sitting there with her 3D glasses completely mesmirised and looking a bit dorky...

Huddy, Charlotte and Lou Have A Playdate...

2009-10-20T11:24:00.006+13:00

...we had three over for a playdate today and Huddy was most cooperative...they all briefly played doctors (and Huddy was the patient) but as he kept walking off in the middle of his 'operations', blanket still over him and everything, it got a tad frustrating for our medical staff. The team then decided to play parties and Hudson was very in to that! His little tail was wagging the whole time...

...Huddy loved morning tea time and Mummy is sure a few things went east....hmm

Sophia's Party...A Family Affair...

2009-10-18T17:19:00.019+13:00

...Sophia had a rock climbing party today and we all tagged along...

...flash backs of Georgia's broken arm were whirling about our heads, but luckily this rock climbing is very safe and the children are fully harnessed at all time...

...Lou was there boots and all and was an active spectator...

...back to Sophias for pizza and cake...and a few party games...

...Missy moose found a doll, how surprising...

...we love partys in our house and we know Narnie can't wait for us to come back to Auckland so she can join in on the girls social engagements just like she use too...x

Prepare To Be Shocked....

2009-10-18T11:00:00.003+13:00

...Mummy is still in shock and still not quite sure how all this happened...but before she knew it she had been decked out

in running gear and about to start training - so Marie, Cherry and Mummy can do a half marathon next year...yikes! Daddy is very, very happy...

Playdate With Josh...

2009-10-18T09:38:00.007+13:00

...we call Georgia our 'Cherry Groupie' because where-ever Cherry and Josh are going is where Georgia wants to be. She is getting very good at wrangling an invite now and including herself in their adventures, which on Tuesday meant following Josh to his swimming lesson.

...apparently Georgia was running up and down the side of the pool cheering Josh on. It must have taken huge constraint not to jump in the pool - Georgia is half fish and completely addicted to water...we did all go to the big pools yesterday and both girls got a swimming fix...

A Couple Of Others From Mummy's Birthday...

2009-10-18T09:34:00.002+13:00

... prezzie frenzy at Cherry's house...x

At Junior Hui Yesterday...

2009-10-16T19:29:00.001+13:00

...Miss George forgot to mention she got a certificate at the Junior Hui yesterday...it was most unlike her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was for trying hard to improve her writing.

Phew...It's The Weekend...

2009-10-16T17:50:00.002+13:00

...sigh...it is relax time...after picking Georgia up from art class, we are watching DVD's, eating fried rice take-aways and snuggled up. It has been a crazy ole week here and we are so happy the weekend has arrived. Apart from George having a party on Sunday, we will be just chillin!

All The Rage In London...

2009-10-16T17:44:00.003+13:00

...these personalised charm bracelets are all the rage in London. Apparently all the 'Yummy Mummy's' at the upity schools have them and Miss Cherry brought one back for moi...just love it!!!! The little hearts say Georgia and Olivia....feeling very hip and happening and in with the London it crowd...Madonna and I are off for soy organic lattes next week...x

Blast From The Past...We Looked Like This When We Left Home...

2009-10-16T13:21:00.004+13:00

...the cats have got bigger, so have the girls...

Stage One Complete...

2009-10-16T11:06:00.003+13:00

...the removal company arrived today to view all our worldy goods to book in our moving truck, order boxes and get ready to venture us all home...stage one complete...eight week countdown...x

The Wild Washer Woman...

2009-10-16T10:32:00.003+13:00

...Mummy is striving for some nice piles of clean, dry laundry today...the washing machine and dryer look like they are going to explode and there are piles of washing everywhere...Mummy feels like the wild washer-woman today!

Love Notes From George...x

2009-10-16T09:15:00.000+13:00

Lou Lou Slept In Until TEN Today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-16T09:13:00.004+13:00

...poor little Lou is super pooped today...she had a world record sleep in until TEN! WOW - pity she didn't do it in the weekend. Yes, I did check on her Narnie, yes she is OK Narnie. It has been a bit of a big week and I think it had all caught up with her...x

Lovely Marie...

2009-10-16T09:01:00.004+13:00

...Mummy is on a mission...before we go home she is going to get photos of all her lovely friends down here...got our first one...Gorgeous Marie!

P.S In a moment of madness Mummy Marie and Mummy Sarah have said they are going to do the Auckland half marathon next year in November (The Daddys are going to do the full marathon)...so we will be off to Rebel in the weekend to get some snazzy gear for Mummy to at least look gorgeous to compensate for her atrocious running style. Any other takers? I can see Cherry keen and what about Aunty Kirsten?

Happy Birthday Mummy...

2009-10-15T18:06:00.002+13:00

...Georgia was up at the crack of dawn making Mummy her birthday cake...

Surprise! Surprise!

2009-10-15T17:44:00.008+13:00

Surprise! Thinking I was going out to Martha's Pantry, a gorgeous Cath Kidson styled cafe which serves high tea with Cherry for my birthday, Mummy got a HUGE surprise. Mummy's very, very special friends were all there waiting as a wonderful surprise birthday treat. It was very over-whelming and so special. Mummy feels this has been one of the best birthdays ever!!!

...concentrating on the tea menu being read out...and still a bit teary eyed after the surprise...

...Ollie helped me blow out the candle...

Thanks so much to Cherry for organising this very special birthday. What a gorgeous thing to do and it meant so much. Thank you to Julie-Ann, Sue, Marie, Belinda and Jane for coming and making my birthday one of the best ever! It will be saved as one of my favourite memories down here...x

Super Star George At School Today...

2009-10-14T20:35:00.011+13:00

...George was Super Star today, so she sits in a special chair and get to be first in line and lots of other treats...

...it was wonderful timing, the class is talking about scarecrows as the children have their own vegetable garden they look after, so Georgia was able to bring in the scarecrow she made at art class last week...she was most pleased...

...the super star chair...

...Georgia was chosen for Super Star today because of her gorgeous neat writing...

Georgia Is Super Star At School Today!

2009-10-14T09:33:00.001+13:00

...she was chosen for doing super duper writing...it will be a good day...x

After School Antics...

2009-10-14T09:26:00.006+13:00

...look familiar? Tag-of-war with Huddy...

...pull!

...oops...what are you going to do now Huddy...

...come and get me...

...Swimming After School...

2009-10-13T19:29:00.003+13:00

...Josh, George and Lou Lou headed for the pools after school and kindy today...

The Pirate And The Baby...

2009-10-13T19:22:00.004+13:00

...Lou Lou went to Marie's house today and the general theme was 'the pirate and the baby'...

School and Kindy Are Back...The Sun Is Shining...

2009-10-12T11:35:00.003+13:00

...we always knew the sun would shine once school and kindy went back and sure enough it has. The girls are looking forward to seeing their friends and getting back into the swing of things. We felt quite sentimental this morning as we acknowledged this would be Georgia's last term at such a beautiful school...

...Daddy had a bleeding finger yesterday and Doctor Lou was quite mesmirised and very helpful with her band-aids and full medical care. We started calling her Doctor Lou, Georgia reminded us she wants to be a florist...Daddy and Mummy looked at each other and thought there might just be some truth in both those predictions...hmmm...time will tell for sure...x

Sun! Sun! We Have Sun!!!

2009-10-11T16:48:00.011+13:00

...we were so excited to see the sun today...we all grabbed our bikes and ventured out! Now that Georgia can ride to the school and back (which is a long way), opportunities have opened up for us...

...we visited the giant swing, the playground, the school and the dairy...

...Georgia's school has a new climbing frame...

Last Movie For The Holidays...

2009-10-10T17:23:00.005+13:00

...off we trotted to Aliens In The Attic...the zillionth movie we have seen these school holidays...but honestly with this appalling weather it has been a good opportunity to exhaust all theatre motivations...then we were home, (with Josh and Huddy) for Huddy tag-of-war games, and fort building...

...we missed you so much bootiful, bootiful boy...

Lots And Lots Of Treasure!

2009-10-09T17:50:00.007+13:00

...talk about 'top dog'...the girls got so spoilt with treasure from Turkey and the UK from Cherry, Paul and Josh. Olivia's new nighty went on straight away, along with her new Turkish headband - the fairy wand was very popular as well! Georgia loves her nightys so another one in the wardrobe is great news, headbands, colouring-in books and felt tips!!! Not only that the girls got very special Turkish good luck bracelets with the famous purple Turkish eye, (a bit of a lucky charm for our family with huge sentimental value that goes all the way back to Uncle Justin) and some other beautiful silver bracelets...soooooooooooo spoilt...

...did I mention chocolates, scarves and also this amazing owl outdoor ornament? Owls are very lucky in Turkey - fancy that...

...AND Georgia got a traditional Turkish dancing belt...gorgeous...the list goes on...

...and of course our beautiful, beautiful boy Hudson is back in town...we missed his handsome face!

....WOW...totally overcome with such generous gifts from such far-away places. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

Brrr...It Is Cold...It Is A Blanket and Movie Day...AGAIN...Brrrr...

2009-10-09T11:57:00.005+13:00

Where The Heck Is Spring?

2009-10-09T11:50:00.002+13:00

...we want to put on our frocks, make daisy-chains, go to the beach and run outside...where the heck is Spring? It is is FREEZING!

Rapture...They Are Home!!!!

2009-10-09T11:06:00.005+13:00

...our fiesty three year old insisted on having her umbrella up in the airport and we were too excited to care...Cherry, Paul and Josh FINALLY arrived home...looking amazingly well considering their long ordeal getting back...we have missed them so much...x

Sleep-Over Girls...

2009-10-08T18:34:00.006+13:00

...Georgia's sucky - met Jasmine's blanky...both very important friends to the girls. A little sparkle went into Georgia and Jasmine's eyes when they discovered they both had special bits of cloth that they take to bed and snuggle...

Love Josh...

2009-10-08T16:31:00.004+13:00

...look what the mail blew in...

Our New Icing Technique...

2009-10-08T15:43:00.004+13:00

...Jasmine is staying for a sleep-over tonight...an impromptu addition to a successful playdate...the girls are buzzing...so we are in entertainment pursuit of all things girly and baking, of course, is always high on the list...this was our new icing technique...

Finger Puppets...

2009-10-08T13:46:00.005+13:00

...at 'arts and crafts central', Jasmine came over and we made finger puppets....it is looking likely that that the Tsunami warning might blow over again...fingers crossed...

Be Patient George...

2009-10-08T07:44:00.002+13:00

...horror of horrors...George will have to wait a little longer to see Cherry, Josh and Paul...their plane hit an albatross and they ended up overnighting in LA...a bit of a nightmare...home tomorrow they will crawl very tired and over-it we suspect...fingers crossed...just one more sleep George...x

Dance For Grandma Fran...Press Play...

2009-10-07T18:54:00.002+13:00

Grandma Fran...

2009-10-07T18:44:00.004+13:00

...we had fish and chips with Grandma Fran, the troops are back tomorrow...

...the girls put on a dance for Grandma Fran...(yes we had interesting outfits today!)

...we have loved our time with Grandma Fran...thanks for sharing her with us Cherry!