HCS B4 Class Camp

Jess and Phil are at Lake Whakamaru with the rest of Jessie's class from Monday to Wednesday. They left school at 7:30am and arrived at 11:15. Jess' group has already done rock climbing and orienteering, and jumped in the Lake from the Tarzan Swing. Sounds like fun.

Thomas Kite

On our way home we were detained for three days in Taupo due to the snow that had fallen on the Napier/Taupo Road. Many others from church found themselves in the same situation, including Shane and Glenys Doake, who called us and offered accommodation with them in a lovely home in Kinloch. While there, Grammy and Oscar called by on their way back to Palmy and gave Daniel his birthday present. It was a highlight. Part of the present was a kite and all the kids went outside and flew the kite. Here is a pic of Jacob and Daniel flying the kite at home today. What fun.


When we were finally able to drive home on Wednesday, we drove with the Doakes and we all got out at a nice spot to play in the stuff that extended our holiday for us.







This is the Oddy on Sunday after turning around to head back to Taupo, realising we probably shouldn't go much further.

Mt Maunganui

In the Sept/Oct school holidays we did a house-swap with a family from Mt Maunganui for a week. It was great and we didn't get washed away with the tsunami despite the warnings (thanks Anne).





We had a lovely time walking around the Mt, playing on the beach, visiting the waffle ice-cream shop, going to Bay Wave, eating out at a Mexican restaurant, and of course, celebrating Daniel's 3rd Birthday.






One of Daniel's birthday prezzies was a little drum kit. It seemed like the perfect present for him as he plays the 'virtual' drums on virtually anything at any time. The fact that the drum kit is pink and purple is totally irrelevant to Daniel and he plays it many times a day.

Time with Grandpa

Every Tuesday we get to have Grandma and Grandpa over for dinner. I caught Daniel snuggling with Grandpa and just had to get this photo. We are so glad we managed to twist their arms to migrate to the Hawkes Bay. Now we'll turn our energies to Grammy and Oscar !!

Player of the Day

Jacob and Jessie both received Player of the Day on the same day. They both had a great season with Jacob playing soccer and Jess playing netball. Jacob was one of the top goal scorers and Jessie got Most Consistent Player at prizegiving.

Sideline supporters were many for soccer and netball. There was Mum and/or Dad, Daniel, Uncle Nige and Aunty Sereena and now Grandma and Grandpa brave the cold to stand on the sidelines.

After soccer and netball we usually headed to the Golden Arches for a good time all together.

Arataki Honey Open Day

Grandad and Margaret came to visit a few weeks ago and we all headed down the road to the Honey Shop at Arataki for their Open Day. We arrived just in time for the last tour of the day. Inside the shop we looked around and the kids played with the bee-keeper safety costumes.

Jacob's First Car

We have tried to help Jacob understand that his first car will be something like a Morris Minor but I think he has his eyes on something else, maybe something a little shinier!

Teddy Bear or Blankie ...

Yes, most little children like to go to bed with their teddy bear and/or blankie, and Daniel would usually opt for both, but tonight ... it's the soccer ball. Not too snuggly, but comforting - of course it brought 'virtual' tears to Phil's eyes when he saw Daniel sweetly sleeping with his soccer ball.