Best visit ever!!!

A few photos of our December visit from my Dad, Hilton, Shaun, Emily, Craig and Dawn.  It was so nice seeing them again and getting to know some of them properly as well!  We missed you as soon as you had left and hope to holiday again soon!

All the cousins together

Dawn and Dad

At the dinner table

Sarah with Aunty Dawn

Myself, Hilton and Emily

Eastern Beach

Just another reason why I love where we live.....Eastern Beach in February....there's not a lot can beat it!

Simple words which moved me

These words hit me between the eyes.  They were spoken by a new grandfather.

 "If I could re-do my parenting from the beginning I'd ignore every one of my children's faults and celebrate every one of their strengths."

Fortunately for me my children are still at home and I feel that I want to take these words to heart.

Australia here we come!!!

Our airtickets are booked and we are off to Australia's Gold Coast in April!  I am beyond excited and so so happy.  Randel and I plan to marry on the beach, we will be staying at Surfers Paradise, spending days at waterworld and movieworld, exploring Brisbane, catching up with old friends and best of all enjoying it all with our Australian family! 

Too Sad For Words

Christchurch, New Zealands largest city in the South Island was struck by another huge earthquake at 12.50pm yesterday.  Unlike the September 2010 earthquake, this one hit during the busiest time of the time and has left many many people dead, injured and still unaccounted for at this stage.  The prime minister has declared a state of emergency and this it seems is our country's worst natural disaster.  As a New Zealander I find it shocking that something so dramatic, violent and tragic has hit one of our major cities and as a wife, sister, daughter and mother I'm filled with sadness at what the people in Christchurch are being forced to endure.  May the angels carry them all through this. xxx

First Day

First day of school and VERY excited!



Team Building and a lot of fun

Last night I joined my work colleagues at Main Works where an awesome Aussie chef show us how to make a delicious three course meal - all three things I haven't tried before.  We then broke up into two teams and with the aid of a few glasses of wine each managed to then cook our own three course meal using our new found culinary skills!

It was really enjoyable and a lovely time spent with my work colleagues.

 My team (a really good combination I must say - I'd choose them to help me in my kitchen any day)

 Michelle with Justin our chef

 The main meal - lamb rump, rosti and spinach in a lovely sauce, the name of which I can't remember right now!  Delicious...

Sitting down to dessert - lemon tarts