off to the south west.

Ella and Jack.

We will be away for a few weeks, as we are traveling down south having a autumn holiday, (freezing our butts off in a camper van somewhere in the south island...)
will update after the 10th of may.
enjoy autumn everyone!

Narly and Rachel's Wedding

Great afternoon of Golf on thursday, I competed in the Kalupahana Classic, and managed to card a 129 round, which supposedly is not too bad for someone who has never played 18holes of golf before... I even managed a 280m drive off the Tee at the 18th, (with witnesses,) and made par on the par4 hole! other holes were not so crash hot, with highest score on one hole being 11! I did get involved with water hazards on about 4 occasions, but achieved my goal for the day, being to finish with the same ball that I started with!!! so I was well pleased. Then we all went out for a few beers, to celebrate Narly's birthday and kinda ended up being a very tame Stag do.
Ella found a new friend at the wedding, (this is Thomas) and she really enjoyed the Party!

Narly and Rachel were looking smashing as you would expect, and Narly did have a hair cut just 3 days before his wedding. (although it may not look like it!!!)

busy easter

has been a busy but rewarding Easter, Ang's parents came and stayed from Thursday through till Tuesday lunch time, and we had a productive weekend with the renovation. Barry helped me with painting all weekend, and Grandma helped by spending time with Ella, and helping out in the garden and kitchen. We had great weather all weekend, which was nice, and made the most of having Barry and Margaret here staying up till after 11 every night socialising and going over things that they will be doing while away on holiday this year. Unfortunately with our plans to be away at the end of the month and then Ang on nights, we are not going to get another chance to see them before they leave, and then it won't be till October in spring, that we will see them again. Ella will have changed so much by then! Add to that we have a house guest this week, a friend from Hamilton that is attending the Drama school locally for 8days, from last Saturday through till next Sunday. Poor thing, had to put up with Ella waking up in the wee small hours, as she has been sharing a room with her. She will get better sleep tonight.
Off to Wellington tomorrow, to spend a few days with Narly, and then help him celebrate his wedding on Saturday. (also going to fit in a golf tournament, stag do, cricket, and watching a game of Rugby, along with a few quiet wines.) will update with some photos after that.

weekend at Grandma and Poppa's

Ella is having a weekend with Grandma and Poppa, while Mum is at work, and Dad is doing some DIY... Ella, Grandma and Poppa all went out to the farm today,
This, according to Ella is a little Camel. I think it is actually an Alpaca sweet pea, but i suppose from down there it could look like a camel... below is the email we got from Ella half way through the weekend...

hello Daddy and Mummy,

Today I went to the farm. Uncle Cole and aunty Tania were not at home but I had a lot of adventures there anyway.

Hope you are having a good day.

I had a big sleep when I got home. I wouldn't go to sleep in Grandmas bed so Grandma put me in the pushchair and we went for a walk and I went to sleep in the pushchair.

Now I am going to see Kay and Molly (the dog.)

Love Ella.xxxxxx



Looks like she found all the big machinery at the farm today..

Ang's Birthday

And congrats to Mandy and Dean on their new Arrival...
What else can you do on a hot Hawkes Bay afternoon, but go and sit on some winery's front lawn, and eat pizza and contemplate life in general...

That is where the grapes grow, Ella worked out you could just go down there, pick them and eat them!!!!!!!!!!

Birthday cake for Mummy! Ella had to help blow out all the candles!?!?

Morning tea at work with Mum, special treat and flowers for the birthday girl

Ella's new tea set, (thanks Helen) let me pour you a coffee, Sugar with that?

Tastes great!

Now how about these fake plastic cookies, mmmmm just as good as Daddies...

Not one of Ella's more popular moments, at least 8.30-8.45 one evening recently, far to busy to be going to sleep, but upset that she can't get in to the togs by putting her head through one of the leg holes....

Other times I can be a real sweetie, Especially if I get to have all my books out at once, and not actually read them, but just lye on them to absorb the words, while eating my apple...

Alterations progress

5th Feb, day one. mark out and cut concrete

after the digger came and went, and the footings were dug, concrete laid and then backfilled/leveled, it was ready for the floor by 14th feb.

the floor down, 21 feb

Framing up by 27th Feb

and roof finally went on by 5th March, Had to empty all the misc stored stuff out of the garage, (what a mission...) to make way for progress to move inside.

Floor down in new bedroom, and framing up, Brickie also on the job now.

Sparkie was here today doing pre-wire, and Plumber due tomorrow. so all go here!

congrats to Kate and Dion

Well done to Kate and Dion, who are the proud parents of Harrison John, born this morning, weighing in at 7lb 3oz! Ella is well impressed, and wants to take the baby for a ride in her buggy. (At his own risk obviously)... and sung a verse of Happy birthday dear Harryissson, happy birthday tooooo yoooooooou...