Hi,
What a weird weekend of wacky weather here in Wellington. Friday was wet, wet, wet and I went to collect the kids and Ma from Ngaio to head out to Queensgate with the intention of a glowworm tour in the botanic gardens afterwards. But the dire weather put paid to all that. Ma bought the kids shoes (very nice blck school shoes) and we went back home really.
Saturday morning dawned even worse on the weather front, and we hadn't even thought that was possible. The southerly was bringing rain in sheets all day. Wee Tom had his 4th birthday party in the Wadestown Plunket and his parents had a superbly organised event. Great food for the adults as well as the kids. The outdoor activities were curtailed but John did organise some gladiator events with blow up swords. I think everyone had a good time despite the indoor nature of it all.
After the party we headed home to re-group after the fun and food and got ready for swimming. We went to Karori pool and the kids swam by themselves with us hovering from afar. The Karori pool is quite small and easy to keep an eye on them. They had a ball and never had any problems. Toby seems to have forgotten how to swim properly though. Better take him again after Tyler heads off so we can practise his strokes.
Sunday was more of the same weather - but lighter rain. Mike was busy all day with TradeMe buyers turning up to take things away and helping the Tabors move houses. The kids and I donned jackets for a walk to the dairy but they really wanted a stay-at-home day. Understandable given the weather!
Sunday evening Lesley and Wally turned up for dinner and we're trying to book Avatar 3D tickets with them.
That was about it really. Mike was a machine all weekend and this morning. He had to be at work by 7.30am this morning too so he was off early. I dropped the kids off under a mist that was very thick. It is supposed to be wet day at Skids (so Toby has his two super soakers and they both have togs) but I can't see them doing it unless the weather clears. Which it might. Tomorrow is supposed to be lovely.
Ok. Better get stuck into work. I need a break after getting two kids ready for Skids this morning. Heheheheh. Phew! Toby seems to be a bit fragile (he has a snotty nose so he might be getting a cold) and Tyler has a cough every so often. Tyler ate well - cornflakes and then two pieces of toast! What a good girl. Toby - not! Some rice bubbles and that was it for him. Never mind.
Love,
Angela
Monday, January 18, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Our Christmas adventures - Part 1
Hi,
It's taking a while to recall our exciting activities over Christmas and New Years, so here is the first part I have dredged up from the recesses of my mind. If I wait, you might never hear a thing about it. I know how I work!
We spent Christmas Eve making the lunch items for Christmas Day. It all went very well with Ma going to get many of the fresh items during the morning. Mike and I slept in the lounge as my parents had our bed. I quite like the idea and even if my parents are enjoying a hot Christmas Day somewhere in Australia next year, I might suggest we sleep there again!
Mike's parents had arrived today and were entertained at Vivienne's before retiring to 40WLW for the Christmas festivities. I hope their Christmas Day routine includes a pilgrimage to Wellington from now on to spend the day with their family from now on. Fingers crossed, eh?
Christmas morning was an early start - Toby woke up at 5.30am and was so excited. Santa had left a stocking (Aunty Vivienne's trusty huge stocking) full of presents and he dragged them up to the lounge. He was so excited he was shaking. We placated him with one present but we wanted him to try and wait a little longer for his grandparents to wake up at a more decent hour. Trying to tempt Toby back to sleep did not work at all. Ma and Dad were up at 6am.
The present opening started in fury then. There was no stopping Toby. We must have all been a bit sleepy as several presents were opened by the wrong people. Oops. Santa seemed a little out-of-touch with Toby's wants and desires, but his parents and grandparents seemed to have hit the mark. Toby was gracious in any case. Opening yet another figure of Swampfire from Ben 10 Alien Force Toby merely said "Oh, another Swampfire, good!". Santa will try not to make similar mistakes next Christmas.
The breakfast started in earnest not too long after the present-opening started to slow down. There was loads of food and the prospect looming of more food later on At Sally and Andrew's place. Bring it on! We eventually got sorted, stacked ourselves in the car with the food we had prepared and made it (a little late) to 40WLW. This is where we discovered that the items we made were the first course. Bother. Perhaps we should have got here a little earlier in that case. The weather was lovely and the BBQ was soon roaring cooking the chicken skewers. People tucked into the prawn/watermelon skewers (soaked in juice, fish sauce, chillies and tamarind - fiddly but tasty). Then it was on to bigger things topped off by a dessert extravaganza!
Dad had to work on Boxing Day so we didn't have a very late night. We got home after dropping off Ma and Dad and realised we had copped a bit of sunburn from the ferocious sun. Dad had some colour too. Mike and Toby seemed to have escaped anything.
Boxing Day was a quieter day. This is blog-speak for "I can't recall what I did on that day". If anyone wants to enlighten me, please feel free. I rather suspect the day was spent playing with new toys, for both children and adults. That's my take on the black hole in my memory that signifies Boxing Day. Oh. Wait! The inane babble has meant a thought has bubbled to the top of my mind and something is tugging at my neurons. Mike was told by Dad of a LCD TV special on at work and so Mike drove in super early and bought a new Sharp LCD TV and proceeded to install it in our wardrobe. It worked an absolute treat. Mike was amazed to measure the new TV and find it was way bigger than the one on our lounge. He's seriously contemplating upgrading that one too! Heheheheh.
Sunday passed with me and Toby counting down the hours to the arrival of the Kittos. We went to visit the Sampsons to say a hello and gave them two Camelbaks (different brand, same idea) for their Christmas. They do a lot of orienteering so I think the hydration packs will be well used by them all. And on the Easter Rail Trail too! The Sampsons got a Wii for Christmas so we spent a lot of time playing on there. Great fun!
Monday arrived and we were all excited by the coming arrival of Kittos. Oooooo. I had to deliver Dad's phone to him at work and Mike and Toby drove to the airport to meet and greet. By the time I got there they were all out in the car park with their luggage waiting for the car. We drove to our place and sorted out luggage as the kids were staying with us and Karen and Scott were house-sitting Andy's house near the Wadestown shops.
Tuesday it was a little damp but the kids decided to play at Toby's school. Mike took Toby and Tyler walking and Abby and I hopped in the car and caught them. I dropped off Abby and went on to collect Karen and Scott. Then we collected the kids and went into Te Papa for lunch. Mike and Scott arrived later in the wee green car. Fortunately for me as I had no coins for the parking machine!
Te Papa was great fun. The kids really enjoyed the lunch and the cave. Wee Abby had to pluck up courage to disappear into a black hole but once she did it, she was hooning through the cave with the others. They also enjoyed the 3D colossal squid movie and Abby created some electronic colossal squids (Toby made about his 20th version - he loves it!). The Earthquake House simulation was funny. Abby was nervous after all our hype and wanted to hold my hand. But once it started she let go and said it was scary in a very loud voice.
After Te Papa we visited Ma and Pa and sang Singstar for ages. Abba's Mamma Mia was a huge hit with Tyler and Abby and we heard little else for quite some time. Then it was home to bed. We were off the next day on the ferry.
At 8am the next morning as Mike was driving around sorting out stuff for the trip away, the Interislander people rang him asking where we were for our 8.30am sailing. Oh dear. Someone had said we were on the 6pm sailing and none of us double-checked. I think at one stage that sailing had been considered - hence the confusion. But the Interislander people quickly re-booked us on their 6.30pm sailing that evening. What great service!
So we got ready, filled in the day with stuff and headed to the ferry ready for the next step in our holiday adventures.
To be continued...
It's taking a while to recall our exciting activities over Christmas and New Years, so here is the first part I have dredged up from the recesses of my mind. If I wait, you might never hear a thing about it. I know how I work!
We spent Christmas Eve making the lunch items for Christmas Day. It all went very well with Ma going to get many of the fresh items during the morning. Mike and I slept in the lounge as my parents had our bed. I quite like the idea and even if my parents are enjoying a hot Christmas Day somewhere in Australia next year, I might suggest we sleep there again!
Mike's parents had arrived today and were entertained at Vivienne's before retiring to 40WLW for the Christmas festivities. I hope their Christmas Day routine includes a pilgrimage to Wellington from now on to spend the day with their family from now on. Fingers crossed, eh?
Christmas morning was an early start - Toby woke up at 5.30am and was so excited. Santa had left a stocking (Aunty Vivienne's trusty huge stocking) full of presents and he dragged them up to the lounge. He was so excited he was shaking. We placated him with one present but we wanted him to try and wait a little longer for his grandparents to wake up at a more decent hour. Trying to tempt Toby back to sleep did not work at all. Ma and Dad were up at 6am.
The present opening started in fury then. There was no stopping Toby. We must have all been a bit sleepy as several presents were opened by the wrong people. Oops. Santa seemed a little out-of-touch with Toby's wants and desires, but his parents and grandparents seemed to have hit the mark. Toby was gracious in any case. Opening yet another figure of Swampfire from Ben 10 Alien Force Toby merely said "Oh, another Swampfire, good!". Santa will try not to make similar mistakes next Christmas.
The breakfast started in earnest not too long after the present-opening started to slow down. There was loads of food and the prospect looming of more food later on At Sally and Andrew's place. Bring it on! We eventually got sorted, stacked ourselves in the car with the food we had prepared and made it (a little late) to 40WLW. This is where we discovered that the items we made were the first course. Bother. Perhaps we should have got here a little earlier in that case. The weather was lovely and the BBQ was soon roaring cooking the chicken skewers. People tucked into the prawn/watermelon skewers (soaked in juice, fish sauce, chillies and tamarind - fiddly but tasty). Then it was on to bigger things topped off by a dessert extravaganza!
Dad had to work on Boxing Day so we didn't have a very late night. We got home after dropping off Ma and Dad and realised we had copped a bit of sunburn from the ferocious sun. Dad had some colour too. Mike and Toby seemed to have escaped anything.
Boxing Day was a quieter day. This is blog-speak for "I can't recall what I did on that day". If anyone wants to enlighten me, please feel free. I rather suspect the day was spent playing with new toys, for both children and adults. That's my take on the black hole in my memory that signifies Boxing Day. Oh. Wait! The inane babble has meant a thought has bubbled to the top of my mind and something is tugging at my neurons. Mike was told by Dad of a LCD TV special on at work and so Mike drove in super early and bought a new Sharp LCD TV and proceeded to install it in our wardrobe. It worked an absolute treat. Mike was amazed to measure the new TV and find it was way bigger than the one on our lounge. He's seriously contemplating upgrading that one too! Heheheheh.
Sunday passed with me and Toby counting down the hours to the arrival of the Kittos. We went to visit the Sampsons to say a hello and gave them two Camelbaks (different brand, same idea) for their Christmas. They do a lot of orienteering so I think the hydration packs will be well used by them all. And on the Easter Rail Trail too! The Sampsons got a Wii for Christmas so we spent a lot of time playing on there. Great fun!
Monday arrived and we were all excited by the coming arrival of Kittos. Oooooo. I had to deliver Dad's phone to him at work and Mike and Toby drove to the airport to meet and greet. By the time I got there they were all out in the car park with their luggage waiting for the car. We drove to our place and sorted out luggage as the kids were staying with us and Karen and Scott were house-sitting Andy's house near the Wadestown shops.
Tuesday it was a little damp but the kids decided to play at Toby's school. Mike took Toby and Tyler walking and Abby and I hopped in the car and caught them. I dropped off Abby and went on to collect Karen and Scott. Then we collected the kids and went into Te Papa for lunch. Mike and Scott arrived later in the wee green car. Fortunately for me as I had no coins for the parking machine!
Te Papa was great fun. The kids really enjoyed the lunch and the cave. Wee Abby had to pluck up courage to disappear into a black hole but once she did it, she was hooning through the cave with the others. They also enjoyed the 3D colossal squid movie and Abby created some electronic colossal squids (Toby made about his 20th version - he loves it!). The Earthquake House simulation was funny. Abby was nervous after all our hype and wanted to hold my hand. But once it started she let go and said it was scary in a very loud voice.
After Te Papa we visited Ma and Pa and sang Singstar for ages. Abba's Mamma Mia was a huge hit with Tyler and Abby and we heard little else for quite some time. Then it was home to bed. We were off the next day on the ferry.
At 8am the next morning as Mike was driving around sorting out stuff for the trip away, the Interislander people rang him asking where we were for our 8.30am sailing. Oh dear. Someone had said we were on the 6pm sailing and none of us double-checked. I think at one stage that sailing had been considered - hence the confusion. But the Interislander people quickly re-booked us on their 6.30pm sailing that evening. What great service!
So we got ready, filled in the day with stuff and headed to the ferry ready for the next step in our holiday adventures.
To be continued...
Good morning on Fri, Jan 15
Hi,
Well, Mike and I got up and showered and changed into our bike gear. Mike had proclaimed it suitable riding conditions. But as I munched my toast and stared out the window, Mt KauKau disappeared in a drizzly squall from the south. So I suggested we change and take the bus. Mike mentioned (often) how soft I was but he seemed quite happy to get changed if you ask my opinion.
Last night was fun. I left work with Fran (colleague) and we met Vivienne and went to see The Lovely Bones. I was a bit unsure about how depressing it might be, but I think Peter Jackson did a great job (not having read the book, I can't be definitive about that, but I suspect it was handled well in film) because it could have been heavy-handed on the violence and that would have been quite sickening. The imagery was well done and probably a good interpretation of the book's descriptions.
After the movie, Fran went home and Vivienne and I went out for dinner to Monsoon Poon. Mike joined us. I have to say I didn't enjoy it quite as much as last time I was there. The food was a little sweet for my liking (I did order a plum sauce dish so I only have myself to blame).
We dropped Vivienne off and I crashed into bed. Mike, however, heard the call of the Internet and surfed for a few hours. This morning I feel fine and Mike is a walking zombie (that is a Gilbertism).
Toby and Tyler are off to Skids today (I assume). Shame about the weather as they have a field trip to an outdoor destination (Zealandia at Karori Wildlife Sanctuary - lucky things). I wonder if it will go ahead.
We will collect the kids from Wadestown Skids after work and I'll drive to Ngaio to collect Ma and we'll go to Queensgate for shopping and dinner. Mike will drive to Kaitoke for a tramp in the rain (a recce for anniversary weekend where he is leading a family trip there). I rather suspect we won't be walking in the botanic gardens afterwards looking at glow-worms.
That's about it. Looking for forward to seeing the kids this evening.
Love,
Angela
Well, Mike and I got up and showered and changed into our bike gear. Mike had proclaimed it suitable riding conditions. But as I munched my toast and stared out the window, Mt KauKau disappeared in a drizzly squall from the south. So I suggested we change and take the bus. Mike mentioned (often) how soft I was but he seemed quite happy to get changed if you ask my opinion.
Last night was fun. I left work with Fran (colleague) and we met Vivienne and went to see The Lovely Bones. I was a bit unsure about how depressing it might be, but I think Peter Jackson did a great job (not having read the book, I can't be definitive about that, but I suspect it was handled well in film) because it could have been heavy-handed on the violence and that would have been quite sickening. The imagery was well done and probably a good interpretation of the book's descriptions.
After the movie, Fran went home and Vivienne and I went out for dinner to Monsoon Poon. Mike joined us. I have to say I didn't enjoy it quite as much as last time I was there. The food was a little sweet for my liking (I did order a plum sauce dish so I only have myself to blame).
We dropped Vivienne off and I crashed into bed. Mike, however, heard the call of the Internet and surfed for a few hours. This morning I feel fine and Mike is a walking zombie (that is a Gilbertism).
Toby and Tyler are off to Skids today (I assume). Shame about the weather as they have a field trip to an outdoor destination (Zealandia at Karori Wildlife Sanctuary - lucky things). I wonder if it will go ahead.
We will collect the kids from Wadestown Skids after work and I'll drive to Ngaio to collect Ma and we'll go to Queensgate for shopping and dinner. Mike will drive to Kaitoke for a tramp in the rain (a recce for anniversary weekend where he is leading a family trip there). I rather suspect we won't be walking in the botanic gardens afterwards looking at glow-worms.
That's about it. Looking for forward to seeing the kids this evening.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Good morning on Thurs, Jan 14
Hi,
What a lovely morning here in Wellington - the sun is shining, the sky is trying to be blue and the wind is non-existent. Mike and I enjoyed the ride in - long may it last! Well, NIWA has sent out a report to confirm my suspicions of the weather patterns being disrupted. They chose to call it "see-sawing temperatures" but I know they really mean the weather is completely toast. So, I think the weather will turn to garbage by tomorrow and be on the way down into the pit of despair of the see-sawing motion. The pit itself looks like being Saturday. Not good as that is wee Tom's birthday party and we want to set up the bouncy castle. Oops. The bouncy castle may be an underwater event!
I'm off to see The Lovely Bones this evening (Vivienne, are you free - Sally, are you free?) at 4.45pm at Reading, Courtney Place. Lucky I got in early so I can leave early.
I'm also going to see Ma and the kids (and maybe Sally too) at lunchtime today. We're off to Clark's in the library and then Frank Kitts park. Cool!
That's about it for today. Busy at work once more. You get that. Have fun wherever you are.
Love,
Angela
What a lovely morning here in Wellington - the sun is shining, the sky is trying to be blue and the wind is non-existent. Mike and I enjoyed the ride in - long may it last! Well, NIWA has sent out a report to confirm my suspicions of the weather patterns being disrupted. They chose to call it "see-sawing temperatures" but I know they really mean the weather is completely toast. So, I think the weather will turn to garbage by tomorrow and be on the way down into the pit of despair of the see-sawing motion. The pit itself looks like being Saturday. Not good as that is wee Tom's birthday party and we want to set up the bouncy castle. Oops. The bouncy castle may be an underwater event!
I'm off to see The Lovely Bones this evening (Vivienne, are you free - Sally, are you free?) at 4.45pm at Reading, Courtney Place. Lucky I got in early so I can leave early.
I'm also going to see Ma and the kids (and maybe Sally too) at lunchtime today. We're off to Clark's in the library and then Frank Kitts park. Cool!
That's about it for today. Busy at work once more. You get that. Have fun wherever you are.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Good morning on Wed, Jan 13
Hi,
So nice to finally ride in after the Christmas break. It was a great ride too as the roads were perfectly dry. Mike said it was a wake up ride after being soft for so many weeks. So, we're riding home a longer way this evening.
Last night we bought our very own window washer (and house weatherboard washer) and Mike tried it out as soon as we got home. We're very excited. Weird, eh?
However, last night we went out for dinner with Christine, John and Tom. Tom's first question was "Where's Toby?". Yep. To Tom we're boring without Toby. We went to the Mongolian BBQ place down near the Embassy cinema. A good place for kids.
Then home to try out the window washer and watch some TV before bed. Not too shabby a day.
The kids are off to Skids holiday programme today. It is a scavenger hunt day so I thought they'd like it. I'll report back on it once I know.
Friday we're going shopping to get Tyler some school shoes (and check if Toby needs them too) and perhaps walk in the botanic gardens on the way home. The glow-worms will be out and I'd love to show Tyler them!
Ok. Time to kick start the day. And I need to start a note about the Christmas adventures before I forget them all. Heheheheh.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
So nice to finally ride in after the Christmas break. It was a great ride too as the roads were perfectly dry. Mike said it was a wake up ride after being soft for so many weeks. So, we're riding home a longer way this evening.
Last night we bought our very own window washer (and house weatherboard washer) and Mike tried it out as soon as we got home. We're very excited. Weird, eh?
However, last night we went out for dinner with Christine, John and Tom. Tom's first question was "Where's Toby?". Yep. To Tom we're boring without Toby. We went to the Mongolian BBQ place down near the Embassy cinema. A good place for kids.
Then home to try out the window washer and watch some TV before bed. Not too shabby a day.
The kids are off to Skids holiday programme today. It is a scavenger hunt day so I thought they'd like it. I'll report back on it once I know.
Friday we're going shopping to get Tyler some school shoes (and check if Toby needs them too) and perhaps walk in the botanic gardens on the way home. The glow-worms will be out and I'd love to show Tyler them!
Ok. Time to kick start the day. And I need to start a note about the Christmas adventures before I forget them all. Heheheheh.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Good morning on Tues, Jan 12
Hi,
Mike and I had a nice evening yesterday. We peered intently at a house on Sefton St that was a reference house for the architects we have chosen. It was from afar though - the other side of a valley. I'll have to go back with my telephoto lens. Heheheheh. We bumped into John, Christine and wee Tom while we were skulking around that part of Wadestown. So we got to chat for a wee while.
Then we were off to dinner and see Avatar in 3D. The almost-3-hour movie went in a flash and I'd have hardly known the time had past if it wasn't for our third row seat and my sore neck towards the end. We both enjoyed the move a lot. We also spotted Hayden (our work colleague with a crowd part) twice! We're thinking of going again just for the sheer joy of the experience. The crowd was really keyed up for it too. Very funny.
Not much else happening. We took the bus in as it poured with rain when we woke up. We're so soft.
The kids are off to Skids tomorrow for the Scavenger Hunt day because we made a mistake with their booking yesterday. Oops. They get dropped off at Wadestown school between 8 and 9am and then someone takes them to the Newlands school to join their programme. We just need to find out when they get dropped back.
I'd like to pop to Ngaio after work for dinner tonight. But Mike might not. He might have a window mop on his mind. :-) We'll see.
Have a great day, wherever you are.
Love,
Angela
Mike and I had a nice evening yesterday. We peered intently at a house on Sefton St that was a reference house for the architects we have chosen. It was from afar though - the other side of a valley. I'll have to go back with my telephoto lens. Heheheheh. We bumped into John, Christine and wee Tom while we were skulking around that part of Wadestown. So we got to chat for a wee while.
Then we were off to dinner and see Avatar in 3D. The almost-3-hour movie went in a flash and I'd have hardly known the time had past if it wasn't for our third row seat and my sore neck towards the end. We both enjoyed the move a lot. We also spotted Hayden (our work colleague with a crowd part) twice! We're thinking of going again just for the sheer joy of the experience. The crowd was really keyed up for it too. Very funny.
Not much else happening. We took the bus in as it poured with rain when we woke up. We're so soft.
The kids are off to Skids tomorrow for the Scavenger Hunt day because we made a mistake with their booking yesterday. Oops. They get dropped off at Wadestown school between 8 and 9am and then someone takes them to the Newlands school to join their programme. We just need to find out when they get dropped back.
I'd like to pop to Ngaio after work for dinner tonight. But Mike might not. He might have a window mop on his mind. :-) We'll see.
Have a great day, wherever you are.
Love,
Angela
Monday, January 11, 2010
Good morning on Mon, Jan 11
Hi,
What a shock to the system. I have been counting down the days to when I had to go back to work with dread. And yet, now that I am here, it is all back to normal routine already. How weird is that?
Our weather has gone manic. Yesterday was extremely unusual with dark clouds, driving sheets of rain and lots of wind. Completely wrong for this time of year. I think the El Nino/La Nina patterns have been disrupted and science will slowly catch up with my theory. Stay tuned for a breaking report from NIWA after they realise I am right. Friends here have said they know loads of people that are contemplating moving to Auckland as the weather has gone mad. But it'll settle back to normal eventually I am sure. Roll on the stable Feb weather!
This is not going to be the summary of our great Christmas/New Year holiday as it would take too much time right now. So I'll compose the massive missive at my leisure and update you all later.
The kids are with Ma today as we botched up the holiday programme information and Dad didn't drop them off at an empty school. Toby and Tyler probably wouldn't like that much. We'll sort out the location and see if they can go on Wednesday instead.
Tonight Mike and I are off to see Avatar in 3D. We can't wait.
I hope you all have a great day!
Love,
Angela
What a shock to the system. I have been counting down the days to when I had to go back to work with dread. And yet, now that I am here, it is all back to normal routine already. How weird is that?
Our weather has gone manic. Yesterday was extremely unusual with dark clouds, driving sheets of rain and lots of wind. Completely wrong for this time of year. I think the El Nino/La Nina patterns have been disrupted and science will slowly catch up with my theory. Stay tuned for a breaking report from NIWA after they realise I am right. Friends here have said they know loads of people that are contemplating moving to Auckland as the weather has gone mad. But it'll settle back to normal eventually I am sure. Roll on the stable Feb weather!
This is not going to be the summary of our great Christmas/New Year holiday as it would take too much time right now. So I'll compose the massive missive at my leisure and update you all later.
The kids are with Ma today as we botched up the holiday programme information and Dad didn't drop them off at an empty school. Toby and Tyler probably wouldn't like that much. We'll sort out the location and see if they can go on Wednesday instead.
Tonight Mike and I are off to see Avatar in 3D. We can't wait.
I hope you all have a great day!
Love,
Angela
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