Home after 3 Weeks away

We made it back to Auckland after a long time away. We had a great two weeks on holiday with the family. Sadly on our drive home we found out Trevor, my Aunty's husband had passed away. He had drowned while taking his long board out during a family trip to the beach. We were not far from them when we found out so were able to turn around and be with my aunty and the family for the duration of the funeral. It was very sad after spending a great two weeks with Trev down the coast. We will miss him!
The kids are home now and will settle into their normal routine. They did so well over the past 3 weeks, sleeping in different beds with lots of people around.

We look forward to 2008 and hope it is a good one for all reading this. Life is a blessing, please appreciate each day you have and take notice of those you love and give them the time you have. That is my goal for this year.

Another Awesome Te Kaha Holiday

Once again we headed East to my family's spot. A lot of work has been done this year levelling it out and getting it looking awesome. It was different having a little bub as it kept me more camp bound, but it is such a relaxing place I wasn't too fussed about getting out too much. We had a couple of cool day trips out which was good. She did great sleeping in the tent etc and took to camping well. She wasn't the only baby as there was Tipene who is about 3 weeks younger who was another camp baby. Nathan had a great time and it's always good seeing him run around and lose a bit of his city boyness for a little while. The weather was great with only one rainy day towards the end, so there was lots of swimming and fun in the sun.

Our home away from home for 2 weeks, very comfy!

Maia enjoyed camping, but we kept her lily white skin our of the sun!!!

Lots of fish to be eaten

It took Nathan ages to get into the water, but once he got in it was hard to get him out

Putting the Flu on the Bio Loo!! Our latest purchase for the camp, a composting loo. Much different to the long drop from the old days, it breaks down into compost and that big thing that looks like a aeroplane hazard takes the smell away - YAY :)

NEW YEARS EVE

Opening and gutting our freshly caught crayfish

Cooking our delicious crayfish with my very own made up fresh herb oil - Yum!

New Years Eve feed, Crayfish, Fresh Snapper, Kina, Potatos

Sitting around the fireplace

Good Times with Trev

Smiley Girl

A daddy and Nathan outing to the beach

Nathan with his battle wounds after tripping and going nose first into the deck, ouch!!

Winding down in the evenings outside the Caravans

Breakfast Time for the Kids, Nanny Louie is the pancake, Fried Bread Breakfast Queen

Sandcastles at Hariki Beach

Having a bath in Nanny and Poppa's Caravan

Nanny and Poppa with the kiddies

Trev, The Mounties and the kids playing cricket

The Mount Crew checking out the Kina action

Amadeus the exchange student trying some of the Kina he helped snorkel for,

He wasn't really into it :)
As for me, I love it :)

Stone skipping at Whanarua Bay

Nathan and Cadence, little buddies

The Mount Crew before they headed off home

The Kids at Whanarua Waterfall

The Cuzzies getting some board game action

Maia off for a walk with Nan

Christmas Day

What a cool day we had. It was neat this year as Nathan was a bit more clued up on the whole thing. He was such a good boy too, he loved his presents and played all morning with them. He also ate lots of chocolate and lollies :) I let him go hard for once.

We spent the morning at our house with my family and had a bbq brunch, with ham, tomatoes, mushrooms, croissants, salmon and cream cheese bagels and fruit. Yum!
After Nathan's much needed nap we headed over to Dean's parents to spend the afternoon with the Hilliards. Nathan and Ayla had lots of fun even though it was raining once we got there so they couldn't make the most of their new swing set. It was a long day but a very enjoyable one.

Nathan has headed off on holiday with my mum and dad to Te Kaha, and we will follow, via a couple of days in the Mount. So from about Saturday we will be in wop wop land so fo any regular visitors don't expect an update for a couple of weeks but check in mid January for our holiday pics. Until then hope you and yours have a great break if you're having one. Take Care!

My Pretty girl in her pretty dress

Mrs Claus spreading Christmas cheer

Hmm not to sure about this present business!

What could be in here?

Christmas Eve when he was a bit tired he kept saying "I don't want the big present!!" But on the day was right into it

A packet of golf balls for dad always goes down well

Well it's not so bad when it has a pretty pink bow on it

Nathan loved his car garage as he is just mad on cars at the moment, he got the Lightening McQueen car he thought Santa might bring

Poppa helping Nathan learn to ride his new trike, he got it in the end. But we'll be keeping the gates shut so he doesn't zoom down the hill

Some of the Hilliards enjoying Christmas dinner

Having a break from the rain

Ayla giving Kael some help with his new toy

Maia enjoying some of her new toys, and trying on a dress Nana gave her

Yay finally a turn on the new swing/slide set

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Well Friends it's that time of year again. Looking back we've had a great year. There's been lots of new babies, including our own beautiful girl. We've a new newphew and lots of close friends have had new bubs too, awesome!! Thats what life is all about, populating the world, making it a better place with these lovely new beings.

All in all things have been awesome. With thanks to our family and friends who enrich our lives and bring joy we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a blessed, safe and happy New Year!!

Lots of Love

Dean, Janna, Nathan and Maia

Secret Swing Set Mission

Last night we had a bbq at Bruce and Miriams so the dads could complete there mission of putting up the kids Christmas Present. We managed to keep the kids oblivious to what was happening outside with a Mickey Mouse Christmas movie and a bath.