End of January

Where did that month go to? Gone in the blink of an eye and on to February.

Its been a muddly week. Dropped off the car to be fixed and boy did it need a lot of fixing – Andrew lost the brakes driving it there! Turned out to be not as expensive a fix as we initially thought but still something we could have done without at this time of year. Now the other one needs a tune up (says Andrew).

Andrew went back to work today for the first time in 5 weeks. He took his long service leave and let me tell you it’s been a very long holiday. He was not looking forward to it and I did not really appreciate the alarm going off at 6am. For me its been a taste of what life could be like when he retires – I think he needs a few hobbies just so that he doesn’t know what I do with mine and how much I spend. LOL.

Talking of spending – had a bit of a spurge on Monday with Tanya, Meg and Megs friend Sharon. Nice to meet you at last Miss Meg. First time I have been near the scrapbooking shops all holidays and was hanging out a bit for it as well. Just bought some papers, stitching templates and Thickers lettering – seem to have a bit of a thing for this at the moment. Afterwards Tanya & I went out for tea and had Thai – very yummy it was too. It was just about the last supper and was happy to get home in one piece – isn’t that right Tanya!!! ROFL.

I had to go and sort out the girls courses for this year and there were a lot of other girls there doing the same - says a lot for exam results. Now its really up to the timetable people as to whether or not they are able to change into what they want and also how many are already in those classes. $300 later and I guess we will just have cross our fingers (and no that wasn't a bribe - just school fees and course fees) LOL.

Have been scrapping but nothing really wonderful - I call those pages "duty" pages. You know, they are the ones that you feel should be scrapped to tell the story ie Christmas and birthday and then it gets to a point where there are only so many pages you can do of kids opening presents and standing by a tree!!! Duty pages!!! I did get some new photos printed today but are definitely getting more selective in what gets scrapped. Might share a layout or two tomorrow. Got some more ink for the printer so can now finish Debbies CJ as there was too much journalling to just write it out. Only 3 to go until mine comes home. Yahoo - can't wait!

Am flicking between writing here and the chat room at SE - talking to Angela and Tanya - hi guys. Well can't really concentrate on both so will be off for now.

From the Blogs

In cruising around lately have found that Rochelle has some fantastic news to share, Alison has done her first ever sketch challenge and entered it, Mrs Frizz is ROFL over the new SE chat room (as are we all), Elsie has a new book coming out, I have won a RAK on Trina's blog and Tanya has set up a showroom on the SE Consultant blog. What a lot going on and in so many different and interesting ways! I think I am addicted to blogging (you reckon). Either that or I am just damn nosy!!!!

Looking forward to tomorrow when I get to meet Miss Meg.

I have scrapped - not too sure about the background cardstock (Scenic Route from the Oct Kit) and used some scraps, Prima flowers, AL stamp and rub on from the Jan Kit. Also took the quote from Alisons blog - thanks Alison.

Akaroa

Right, 3rd post today. We went off to Akaroa for the day. Have been trying to get here all holidays and Aaron was busting a gut to go fishing again. We went with Nana and Grandad. Took a heap of photos and are really pleased with most of them. Had a wander round the shops and along the beach. Lunched at the pub and went up to the lighthouse. Finally, Aaron got to do his fishing but ended up being more interested in crab hunting and there were hundreds hidden under all the rocks. Found this really cool painter doing portraits for free! LOL.


Aaron just had to do this....


Andrew and the girls....


Rebecca at the Lighthouse....


Yes I was there too....but for some reason blogger thinks we have enough photos on this post and won't let me put it on here.

Have finally got into the new Chat Room at SE. It is very cool and a bit mind blowing to try and keep up. The ladies just flit from topic to topic and the sounds are sooo funny. I feel I've
done really well today technology wise what with downloading Picasa and joining the Chat Room. Now just need to upload photos into my gallery and tomorrow will try to email some photos to family in Australia.

Alexia is at a 16th birthday party tonight and sleeping over. A bit concerned as alcohol was mentioned but she has had a talking to over it and there is a parent there all night and only 3 sleeping over. I guess sometimes you just have to trust them and let them get on with it. She knows she can phone home and also the consequences with her epilepsy medication. But will still worry about her until she is home.

We took everyone to see National Treasure a couple of days ago and what a fantastic movie. Just as good as the first and maybe even just a little bit better.

Also met up with Tanya, Louise and Michele from the SE forum for coffee. It was really nice meeting Louise and Michele for the first time and hopefully will do it again at some stage.

Second Attempt

Here is a layout using the January Kit. It is from Janines layout instructions that came with the kit. Had already used the D on another layout and so have used the p instead until I can replace it - yeah right! Gave up on using the crown as a mask as I just didn't get it so have used it as a sticker instead. Now off to see what I can do about getting into the new SE chat room - not having much luck there either.

Just Having a Play

Have finally done something positive. I have downloaded Picasa and been having a play with my photos. Have never learnt how to send them by email as they always end up too big and I end up giving up in frustration. So been playing with the crop thing on a couple of layouts. This is one based on Tanya's layout for last weeks Friday night challenge and managed to use up some scraps. Thanks Tanya. Have also done one using the January Kit but have to figure out to get a second photo from Picasa to here! It sure is a learning process and I think I am getting there very slowly.

May have to do another post for it and we have had a busy day in Akaroa with lots and lots of photos to share.

Its 3am!!!!

Its 3am!!! Can't sleep - just tossing and turning and all sorts of things going through my head. I really don't like nights like this and thankfully they don't happen often. Am sitting here drinking a milo and playing on the computer because at this time of night theres nothing on the box. Have already been onto the SE forum and do you know that at this time of night there are 7 people on it! Perhaps they can't sleep either or are from somewhere else in the world where its daylight. Have also put the finishing touches to another layout which I will share tomorrow.

I feel a bit silly sitting here typing away (even though the computer is going super fast - funny that) so will try again for the Land of Nod.

January Sketch Challenge

Heres my take on the sketch at SE. I love sketches and it is making things so much easier. Am just powering through Aarons photos but can't wait to do some girlie pages. Also using up some of my stash with old papers and embellishments and thats got to be good.

Just a thought on blogger - do I always have to sign into my blog to be able to leave comments on other blogger blogs? Wordpress ones are OK and I can just leave a comment but for some reason blogger does not do the same.

Domestic Bliss!!!

Yeah Right!! With Alexia home from Jamboree today I now have a mountain of stinky washing to do. Couldn’t resist taking this photo of her with the worst of it! Everything else is either soaking or already on the line.

She has had a blast and talking non stop about everything – what she did, what she spent, what other people did, what other people said – blah blah blah. You get the picture. Am so happy that she had a really good time and feel like it was money well spent (even if I did think she was rather ungrateful about it). We were a pair of worriers about her especially after reading through previous posts but am glad she’s home and the noise level reflects that. Am thinking I might make her up a little album of it all as she has two films to get developed and her unit leader is sending everyone a CD of photos that they have put together. After going round to see Nana & Grandad to fill them in, she is now catching up on last weeks episodes of Shortland Street. Tele addict that she is!!

After reading Trina’s blog about her family growing and then harvesting food from her garden – I can now really relate. Here are my meager offerings – the first of many judging by the triffids growing out the back. They have been carefully tended by staking, watering and pinching out the tops and it’s a first for me. Other years tomatoes have just been left to fend for themselves so its been pot luck whether they even survived. I am off to skite to my father-in-law as he gave me half of his plants and the ones he kept are much smaller than mine!

On the scrapbooking front have finished my pages for Donna's CJ and also finished my layout for the Friday Night Challenge at SE. Had to use blue/orange or pink/orange, old stickers and title of Summer Days. Have used the January Kit.

Now off to finish the January sketch challenge which is half done on my desk.

Congratulations

Its the best news of the year! My friend Tanya has set a date for her wedding. Go Tanya and Neil. Big congratulations from all of us here. I really think you might be joking that there is to be no pink though!! LOL.

It was a lot cooler today and we have had a lovely day at Hanmer and even saw Alexia. We thought she might be there today and had a big catch up on what she has been doing. Her highlight so far would have to be flying the plane yesterday. She is just buzzing and got a certificate. She did half an hour and apparently it counts towards something later on if she continues and has lessons!! Gulp!! Aaron was looking out for her and although he says not, he has really missed her. Andrew got a bit sunburnt and I have a huge sandfly bite on my foot - the bugs really really like me. I always seem to be the one they go for and its not just a little nip - they take a whole chunk and the whole top of my foot is all swollen. Any suggestions how to prevent it would be gratefully recieved as have struck the same every time we go to Australia and we off there in April.

This and That

Have had a busy couple of days and boy has it been hot. Been joking with family in Oz that our temperatures are higher than theirs and that was the reason why Mum moved there. LOL.

Have been aquagjogging and am exhausted. Its hard to believe that I have lost my fitness so quickly as I haven't been since before Christmas. Andrew and Aaron came too and just had a swim and a play. Just as well we went early as it got really busy. Today we all went again, this time with Heidi and it was great to have a catch up as its been a while and also makes the time go faster when you have someone to talk to.

Rebecca didn't come with us again and we are slowly coming round to the fact that this is the way its going to be from now on. She went off shopping with her friend and then on to work at 4pm so haven't seen her since 9am this morning. Have heard from Alexia and she has "played in the mud", been surfing and today was up in the plane. She wanted her NCEA results and am glad to say that she has passed. We had strict instructions to text her when we had found out but haven't heard from her since. I am really pleased with her as I think she underestimated herself and has done better than she thought. Andrew now owes her a chocolate fish. More about Rebeccas later as she doesn't yet know her results although Andrew & I have had a sneaky look!!!

Hired a couple of DVD's - latest Harry Potter and the Fantastic Four Silver Surfer. I am sooo over Harry Potter. It was a bit hard going and Aaron really liked the Fantastic Four. I wanted to see Ratatouille(?) - next time!

I got my SE Kit today and can't wait to get started on using it. It is perfect for all the summery photos and in particular will be great for boy pages which just fits what I am doing with Aarons album.

We are off to Hanmer tomorrow - again with just Aaron - and will have a soak in the hot pools. This was his wish for the holidays and he is cashing in his coupon for a Date with Dad/Mum from the book I made him for Christmas. Will try and remember to take some photos that are different to every other time we have been! The weather is supposed to be a lot cooler tomorrow so should be quite nice and are looking forward to it.

The Water Horse

We took Aaron to see The Water Horse this morning and what a really nice movie. He really enjoyed it and now wants the DVD when it comes out. Even Andrew enjoyed it. Soppy me - I cried!

Here is a layout just for Alison to show that I can 'do' simple!!! My sister bought a Church and renovated it. There was an old organ that may have come with the Church sitting on the stage at one end of the big hall (lounge) and the kids just loved trying to get some sound out of it. Here is Rebecca when she was little - she could barely reach the pedals. Not the greatest photo - sorry.

Have heard from Alexia again and yesterday they did an Amazing Race around Christchurch ending up at Science Alive. They also had a 24 hour Rave going on so hope she didn't stay up too late last night.

Are off now to go and get Aarons school stationery. Much easier for us to do the kids one at a time than to have all 3 reading off separate lists and trying to co-ordinate it all. It can be very stressful.

Been Scrappin'

Perhaps I better throw a wobbly a bit more often - seems to have kick started the scrappin' mojo big time!! Have done about 4 and also the New Years challenge. Here are just a couple of them from this week. This is when I first got a digital camera and seem to have a huge amount of Aaron taken in April 2005 but am getting a bit fed up with all the yellow and blue. Just had to tell the story of Aarons ducks.

And also about his favourite clothes at age 9.

And here is one of my wooden spoon. This has been hanging around my laundry for the past 17 years. It started out by stirring the dirty nappies in the bucket (yes I actually used cloth nappies in the old days! LOL). Now it is looking a bit sad as it has finally snapped and up for replacement so thought I would take a photo before tossing it out and do a "Nic Howard" and scrapbook it!!

Here is the one for the New Years Challenge at SE and yes thats me. Did an 8x8 as I'm not sure if I want to do a 12x12 Me album but thought that I could alter this if I change my mind about the size of the album.

Just have to get started now on Donna's CJ.

In family matters we left Alexia at Jamboree, a bit nervous and excited - thats both her and us. It was very windy here on Friday afternoon and they had a lot of tents still to go up so left them to it. She texted us on Saturday as we needed to sign a permission form for her to be able to fly a plane - thats a real one - and she was making sure that we would come to the open day to do it and also bring more hand sanitiser. She must have been worried that we wouldn't come as she sent about 5 texts and then rung us!! They are being real vigilant over the handwashing and she had already gone through one bottle of sanitiser in 2 days! We went to the open day and found her OK and even managed to find our wee friend Georgie from Blenheim so was able to let her Mum know that she is having a blast. Forms all signed and now Alexia can't wait to fly. She went rafting in the Avon on Saturday and also abseiling on the Port Hills. She has abseiled here before so wasn't worried. We didn't stay too long as it seemed like she couldn't wait to get back to her friends and the other two were getting a bit bored. They are very well organised although the rangers are a long way away from the Guides and have a bit of a hike to get to their catering tent for their food. Will do her good! We are really missing her and wondering all the time what she is up to.

Its Been One of Those Days

Today I spit the dummy and threw the toys from the cot and if I was 2 years old I would have stamped my feet too! Have been trying to get Alexia packed up ready to go off to the Guide Jamboree tomorrow. We started yesterday but it was not a happening thing and I told her she had the attention span of a flea and was wound up like the energiser bunny. I ended up leaving her to it and having some retail therapy instead as she was driving me nuts. Tried again today but she argued with me over everything that went into her bags! There were 2 things I was insisting on but she wasn't having it. One was her medication which I thought would be safer in her big bag and left in the tent rather the whole 10 days worth being carried around all over the place. If she lost her pack then she would be in trouble without it but she just couldn't see it. The other thing was just a simple case of denial that she would need something I was insisting on going into her pack. Her reasoning for both was I will do it when I get to camp - YEAH RIGHT! There will be so much going on and people coming and going to even remember what day it is let alone do this for your mother. I may suss out who holds the medication whilst she is there anyway but since starting High School have found that it is the kids responsibility as she has never had it taken off her.

I keep telling myself it is a phase. So you see people, that not only 2 year olds have phases it extends to 15, nearly 16 year olds, as well. I know there is a nice, unselfish, undemanding person inside just waiting to come out as we have been there, done that with her older sister. So, today I am feeling really fed up and wondering why I bothered making her nearly 50 swap pins yesterday, hemming 2 pairs of 3/4 pants today, getting her a disposable camera and giving her spending money for the privilege of spending time with 3000 other people and having a blast doing it. Considering that I was the one who fundraised all of last year for it then perhaps I should be the one going!! Its a phase! Its a phase! I'll just keep telling myself that. Have also realised that I really need to pick my battles.

One good thing though, I took my aggression out on the ironing pile and did the lot. I absolutely loath ironing so its a good thing that its done and I feel better for it. However when trying to stuff Aarons clothes into his drawer, I broke the runners. Haven't managed yet to fess up to Andrew about that yet!

Grandad took Aaron and Megan fishing today around Redcliffs, Sumner and then back to the Avon. Apparently only Grandad caught a starfish. He teased Aaron this morning about whether he had his bucket and knife and Aaron was really worried that he would have to actually kill a fish. (He's not good with blood and likely to faint). Up to now its been a catch and release thing so he was most relieved when Grandad said thats what they would do. Nana said the look on his face was priceless.

Neither Alexia or Grandad have heard about the jobs yets so its not looking too hopeful for either of them.

Thats about it for now - am off to watch the final of Survivor but it is spoilt for me this time round as I inadvertently found out who the winner was a couple of weeks ago when watching another programme. Just a tad annoying!

Its Been a Productive Day

Finally we have had a huge tidy up throughout the house and especially in the kids bedrooms. We now have 3 piles of "stuff" - one for Trade Me, one for the rubbish and one for the mission. The housework is done and I can see the floor again. The kids have got back into doing their jobs although I'm sure Aaron just gave the dusting a bit of a flick. He has cleaned out his bookcase as it still had all his "baby" books on it and he was running out of room. Bit of shame really as it means he has really moved on from all the old favourites. One thing my kids don't suffer from is a lack of books! I am a big reader and so are they all except to get Aaron into it we had to buy him books that he related to. When he was little anything that had a duck in it did it for him. Still does, I might add. Bit of a trip down memory lane going through this big pile and some of them have since made their way back onto the shelf! Now just have to find somewhere to store them as I am not very good at getting rid of books.

Here is a layout I have done from the December Kit with a Rhonna Farrar paper thrown in. Not too sure about all those little beads though and I'm sure there must have been an easier way of attaching them. Glue and I are not really the best of friends.


Aaron is out with his friend Megan fishing in the Avon River with her Grandad. I hope he doesn't bring anything home! He just loves it but unfortunately for him neither Andrew or I do. Will just do a quick edit here - he has just come home and of course we have the story of the one that got away - apparently it fell off the line!!!

Alexia has a job interview tomorrow morning at the new Bunnings which is opening a couple of streets over in March. It is a group interview and she was schooled up by Grandad today on what to expect as he has also applied and had his interview today. He will be 70 in April and so not ready to retire but thought a little part time job there would just be right for him as its just over his back fence. So good luck Lex and Grandad.

Just realised what a hotchpotch of a blog this one is and also am over the 1000 post mark. Thanks guys although am sure that half of them are me!!! LOL.

Yesterday

Well, it sure was a hot one yesterday. We went to the Groynes with Tanya and her family and another family, who we had met at Tanya’s Christmas BBQ, for a picnic lunch. The day just got hotter and hotter as the wind dropped. We were in a fabulously sheltered spot right next to the river. The kids all ended up paddling in it and building a dam to eventually getting wet all over. We didn’t take togs so they gradually all started stripping down to next to nothing. Its not really a good place to swim and there are signs up but it was so hot and the water is really cold. Found a mother duck and her 9 ducklings and she allowed the kids to get really close - bread helped. This was all before they started fishing for eels and then they were too scared to go back in. The eels were disgusting – there was about 5 of them in one particular spot in varying sizes. Aaron had found a fishing line in the water with a bit of a hook so they put sausage on it which the eels really liked and then they tried to pull them out of the water. Even Tanya had a go!!! Took lots of photos during the day but none of them really great – am so going to have to get a better zoom. We had a fabulous day out and I guess that is what kiwi summer holidays are all about – a bit of sun, a bit of water, a picnic lunch and friends.

Heres the boys and Alexia in the water. She led the way and they weren't going to be beaten by a GIRL.





The boys across the river.

It takes a lot of people to catch eels!!

Have been catching up on the blogs today and boy has everyone been busy or what. Some excitements that some could have done without (right Michele)! Thanks for the photos Trace - sooo cute and now I know who you are talking about and having seen your photo know who I am "talking to" as well. I like today as it’s really the start of things back to normal. And Alison may just see you one day on the forum. They are a great bunch of ladies and make up most of my blog list. Also I did have a sizzix but replaced it with the cricut. Was not using the sizzix and the alphabets cost a fortune. Much happier now with the cricut and have been swapping cartridges with Tanya so am not stuck with the same alpha on every layout.

I like today. The public holidays are over and done with for another month, shop hours are back to normal and most people are back at work. We have been out shopping for a BBQ today. Those on the forum know this story. Andrew is one of those people who take forever to buy something. He has to study the junk mail, paper, TV etc and then do the rounds of the shops to make sure that he is getting the best possible deal. We have narrowed it down to a couple at Kmart but the one we (he) really wants just had to be the one without 30% off. So, of course have come home without any and will think about it some more!!

Off to find Aaron now. He's out in the street somewhere or at someone's house. Don't panic -we are in a tiny cul-de-sac with about 10 houses so its a process of elimination and he's not allowed out of the street unless he tells us. Usually I find the skateboard leaning up against someones house which is a good indicator.

Review of 2007

Thanks Michelle. Have also checked out the blogs of Trace, Louise and Hannah. All very different answers and very interesting.


1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?

Travelled around the South Island with the family visiting the places that we hadn't seen or seen for a while.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any resolutions last year but did achieve some goals in regard to my scrapbooking and getting out there and meeting more people. This year I have "good intentions" thanks to Hannah - its a cool idea.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Our beautiful 4 year old Siberian Husky - Jasper died in October. We are all still recovering from that.

5. What states/countries did you visit?
None for 2007 but off to Australia twice this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

A bit more get up and go. Less weight. Less on the mortgage. No VISA bills.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Nothing really stands out.

8. What is your biggest achievement of the year?
Joining in with the forums and entering a scrapbooking competition and doing challenges. Lost about 3kg.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Keeping a rein on the VISA card

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No but still have my thyroid condition and always will - no big deal.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Cricut machine for me and a second car.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Our so called Politicians - what a pack of babies!

14. Where did most of your money go?
Kids activities, scrapbooking and mortgage.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Getting a 3rd place for one of my layouts in the SE Ultimate Scrapbookers Challenge.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Have to think about this one.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? 
Happier
b) thinner or fatter? 
Thinner
c) richer or poorer?
Richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Housework and then I wouldn't have to be doing a huge spring clean in summer!

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Stressed about the small stuff intially but got better as the year went on.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Breakfast here with Grandparents and then to their place for lunch. Gave up on any tea. It revolved around food.


21. Did you fall in love in 2007?

Have been for nearly 23 years with Andrew and my cricut comes a close second.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Love all reality shows - Survivor and Amazing Race.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Hate's a pretty strong word but no.

24. What was the best book you read?
I reread the whole Diana Gabaldon series again. Lost count of how many times I have read them but just love them. Also Nora Roberts.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Rediscovered Faith Hill and Dixie Chicks and of course my boys - Westlife have done a new CD!


26. What did you want and get?

A second car and a cricut machine. Also got a new laptop.

27. What did you want and not get?
Better digital camera and new cell phone.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Cant think of anything right at this moment. Would rather wait for the DVD than go to the movies.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Went out to dinner with family to Spagalimis pizza and turned 44 (yikes).

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Tried to buy better fitting clothes and not hide behind the baggies.

32. What kept you sane?

Family and friends. Retreated to my desk and got creative.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

None that I can think of but did get fed up hearing about Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

Anti-smacking got a reaction.

35. Who did you miss?
My friend Colleen in Blenheim. We sort of drifted in 2007.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Tanya, of course. Also lots of new people through the forums and blogging.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.

As Michelle said hmmmm..



Now for a layout finished today. Have used up one of "those" theme papers which I don't really use anymore but kept it because all 3 of my kids do rockclimbing.

Timaru

Yesterday we went to Timaru for the day - only a couple of hours travelling each day so not too bad. Its a trip we make every year to go to the carnival. The rides are quite cheap and this year the kids favourite - the Chairoplane - was back. Its a $2 ride and goes for a long time - good value. We went without Rebecca as she had to go into work to discuss her hours but I think it was just an excuse not to come with us and have a day out with her friend as I'm sure the work thing could have been dealt with over the phone. It is the first time we have left her on her own for the day with us being out of Christchurch but at nearly 17 and a half (don't forget the half - its important!) she is starting not to want to come with us - a sign of the times perhaps. She got a list of instructions of what times to text us etc and she was really good at sticking to it. We are lucky that she is quite responsible and more than happy to hang out with her girlfriends and is not into the boys etc. Still wasn't quite the same not having her with us as the trip to Timaru is a tradition - as Aaron would say!

We stopped at Temuka on the way down - for me to look at the Temuka Factory Shop (just fabulous) and the kids to get ice creams - another tradition! Arrived at Timaru around lunchtime and got some lunch from Couplands. Aaron had a wander down at the beach at Caroline Bay and found "coral" and "worms" in a mussel shell which turned out to be maggots. Yuk! We thought the carnival this year was the best one that we have been to in a while with lots more rides adding a bit of variety. We "did" the shops up the main street and ended up at the Botanic Gardens for afternoon tea. We went with Andrews parents so it was a bit of a cruisy day. Got home around 7pm with time to spare to watch Titanic. Love that movie.

Heres Aaron on the beach with the port in the background. Also the kids on the Chairoplane. Did take a few go's to get them both in the same photo.


Heres them on the bumper boats - they both got soaked. Just as well we had just bought Alexia some swimming shorts so she was able to change. Aaron made it his mission to get Alexia as wet as possible.

Finally, Alexia got hold of my camera and took heaps of photos of Andrew and me in the gardens unfortunately this is the only photo I liked! LOL.

Off now to spend some time at my desk doing some more scrapping. Hopefully will have something to share later on.

Busy Start to the Year

We have had a busy few days and started out with good intentions on the exercise - the whole family that is. Went for a walk around the Otakaikino Reserve - its only about 20 minutes walking but was good for a starter for the new year. We haven't been there for a few years even if it is only 5 minutes down the road. May have to go back for a picnic now that we have sussed it out with toilets etc. There is a huge grass area which is just like a bowling green lawn - absolutely perfect.

Have also been walking through Bottle Lake Reserve - lots of pine trees and walking/mountain bike tracks. I think the last time we were here we were walking the dog and Aaron found the tree where Jazz got him all tangled up! We sure do miss having him around and will get another one (just not a Husky) but we can't decide on what to get and will do something about it once we get back from our holiday in Australia in the next lot of school holidays.

Yesterday after we dropped Rebecca off to work we went to Corsair Bay. Again its been ages since we went here. We all went in swimming and Aaron and Alexia had a ball swimming out to the raft and just generally having fun. Had forgotten how salty the sea is - its been a while since I swam in the sea (not the same since seeing Jaws!!). Have decided it would be a great place to go back for tea one nice evening and swim. Its a really hot place during the day with not much shade unless you want to sit way up on the bank area away from the water.

Today is supposed to be 27 but it seems to have cooled off a bit. We were going to go to Timaru for a day trip but are going tomorrow instead with Andrews parents who don't like the heat. It is supposed to be 21 tomorrow. The carnival will still be on and we will visit the gardens and just have a nosy around. We usually go every year for the carnival but thought we would give it a miss this year but the kids still really want to go - well Aaron does anyway!

Have also been scrapbooking. Have done 2 layouts or rather just turned one 8x8 into a 12x12 plus another one. It feels good to get back into it. Am going to make more of an effort to use up what I have and think twice about buying anything new - especially papers. I've got to stop saving them for something special and just use them. Yeah right!

Off to watch the ladies tennis now - we have all got into it. Go the Kiwi girl!