Dawes Family in New Zealand

Moving On

2009-04-18T23:13:00.002+12:00

We have now moved - please check out www.dawes.co.nz for all the latest updates.

Down Time

2009-04-03T12:35:00.011+13:00

Well we have been a little busy here at Dawes HQ recently creating a new website for our blog - you may have seen the notice on our blog page. We are still working on it and it's become a very interesting little challenge!

So why the change?

Well after a couple of years of blogging we felt our much loved blog was worth an upgrade. Unfortunately for Blogger they don't really support the dynamic and rich content we want to display, so we are switching to a Wordpress solution.

If you are still accessing our page by the old http://dawesinnz.blogspot.com URL, then you'll need to update your shortcuts/favourites to point to www.dawes.co.nz - this will ensure you see the new site when it is launched.

So for now there will be a week or so of down time, but please keep checking back as the all new bigger and better Dawes In New Zealand will be back soon!

Tony Pepperoni

2009-03-31T17:05:00.011+13:00

At the weekend we celebrated our good friend Tony's 40th Birthday - known to some of us as Tony Pepperoni, amongst other things! Tony is a Londoner who has been in Kiwi-land for many years, married to the gorgeous Denyse who is a kiwi and they have two stunning girls. You have probably seen them mentioned many times before on this blog!

For Christmas Michael and I were given some Experience Vouchers by our lovely family, and from a list of 'experiences' you can choose whatever takes your fancy. Saturday night we thought would be an ideal opportunity to stay in Wellington City and enjoy the night properly so we used some of the vouchers as a stay in a hotel.

We have had some really nice nights in hotels and some not so good ones too, so we were little apprehensive, however this time we didn't need to be. We stayed at the James Cook Hotel and our room, although small, was lovely. Modern and clean, just what you need - and not only that, the best pillows I have ever had the pleasure of in a hotel. And if you weren't happy with your pillow you could order 'pillow service' and someone would run up with a whole host of pillows for you to try out!

Shame about the view however!

Bethany stayed at my much appreciated friend Jo's house, and of course Denver went into the kennels which he just can't get enough of, Homelands is definitely his second home now.

After lazing around in the hotel on the afternoon we popped on our party clothes and headed out early evening, we met up with everyone at JJ Murphy's which definitely had that Irish spirit. We also got to spend some time with our fabulous friends Stef and Rich, it was good to see them, plus we also got to meet the many other lovely friends of Tony and Denyse too.

Onwards we went in true Kiwi style to our restaurant (as we were late!) which was for the evening called Tulsi - Indian Cuisine of course. I am partial to an Indian meal, it's something I grew up eating and my mother can cook up a mean curry (despite not having any Indian relations) and so I always enjoy trying new restaurants, and of course to find something similar to what we had in the UK is a bit of a mission - Kiwi food is very different.

It made us smile to see something written down that we had only ever heard mentioned before - English Hot!

Anyway, the meal was lovely, the wine flowed a little too easily and the conversation was delightful. Very successful, and I think we all had a lovely time. I had a wonderful chat with Denyse's sister - I was very much appreciative of her advice regarding children and what to expect as the years go on!

Afterwards we tumbled out into the street with our tummies full and headed for a place called Good Luck which is a strange name for a nightclub, a name we associate more with our favourite Chinese back in the UK. Anyway, a club it was, and fantastic it was too.

Yippee for proper music! Not an 80's hit in sight and we loved it, Michael and I danced together and just loved the Hip Hop tunes that were blaring out. The place of course was absolutely jammed and our party started to filter off -I naturally managed to grab some photos before they left!

After saying goodbye to everyone and a final Happy Birthday to the old Pepperoni we hung around dancing for another half hour before tottering back to our hotel, making a loud fingers over lips 'shhhh' type arrival just before 2am.

A fantastic night!

Bethany came back with treats and was very pleased, a successful sleep over - yey! Bethany has done nothing but ask when she can do another one. Denver didn't want to leave the kennels and although excited to see us was obviously miffed by the fact we had taken away his fun.

Oh damn, it's such a shame really, our children fine without us. Just means we need to plan more nights away just Michael and I more often!!!

Happy School Days

2009-03-27T18:34:00.007+13:00

I am pleased to report that all is going well for Bethany at school, she is absolutely loving it!

I linger in the morning just watching what she is doing, if I head over for a goodbye kiss and cuddle I normally get a wriggle and an embarrassed voice that says "get off mam". 5 going on 15 I think.

Bethany can now read really well, we struggled at home to teach her, but within the first week she was off recognising words and sounding out the letters to make the word. Everyone said it would take off once she started school - how right they were!

This week has been EOTC week - which is Exercises Outside The Classroom week. It started on Monday with the children taking their bikes or scooters to school and having a talk from a Policeman about Road Safety. It sadly rained all day so the children never got to test their skills on the playground, so it was rescheduled for Tuesday. Thursday was a great day as the children got to explore tents that were put up at the school and have a Teddy Bear Picnic. Today we were greeted as we arrived at school by a huge climbing wall!

Wednesday was the best day however. I volunteered to go along as parent helper for the day as they were short on numbers. We walked roughly 20 minutes down to the little shopping centre. From here we walked to a Nursing Home where the children had prepared to sing some songs for the older community.

It was really lovely, I must admit I was a little worried - old people and children together - my worst nightmare!! But seriously it was great, the children sang fantastically, getting through the New Zealand National Anthem (first in Maori) and then in English, followed by a few other songs they had practised at school.

The Nursing Home were then presented with a huge flower which was made up of all the children's hand prints - with the words 'have a happy day'. We were also absolutely bowled over when one of the teachers announced that we should sing happy birthday to one of the ladies in the home - and sing we did when we found out she was turning 103!!

Afterwards the children were allowed to go introduce themselves to the people in the home, Bethany absolutely loved it - she really couldn't get enough of meeting them and talking with them. Most of the children shyed away, some scared at what they saw, but Bethany had to be dragged away which was really sweet.

Onwards we went back to the park where the children ate lunch and then blew off some steam playing in the play area and playing games with the teachers.

Our last hour was filled with a 'behind the scenes' tour of the Physiotherapist, the Travel Agents and New World the supermarket. All very interesting, especially seeing how a supermarket is away from the shoppers and the shop floor.

We had a great day, it was really nice to also have chance to talk with the children, despite my charade of not being keen on children I secretly enjoyed myself (but don't tell anyone!).

Bethany has really settled well and it has made things for me a million times easier too. I was having such a hard time with it all but as time has gone on its become easier, my days seem to fly by and despite the early days of not knowing what to do with myself, I now do not have enough hours in the day.

The Easter Holidays will be here soon and I am looking forward to being with my girl again, also looking forward to having time to do what we want and not feel pressured by a routine. It's good news all round and we are all enjoying the new changes immensely.

Weekend Walkies

2009-03-26T17:49:00.009+13:00

Once again we popped on our walking shoes and headed out. The weather wasn't the greatest and we did most of the walk under our hoods. The choice of walk this time being a place called Tunnel Gully, I had heard about it from my wonderful friend Julie who takes her boys ('boys' being Fortnum and Mason her Basset Hounds!).

The walk was really lovely, a nice simple forest track that had been superbly marked out. All the usual wonderful forest delights were there, the smells, the sounds - it always takes me on a journey into my childhood days.

Some of the trees we saw were amazing, they were huge!

As we headed into a clearing we smelt something like never before, rows upon rows of Eucalyptus trees - it was just wonderful! I could imagine myself popping a picnic blanket down, a nice soft cushion and a good book whilst enjoying the fabulous aroma.

As we headed round the corner we came to a really long tunnel - of course hence the name of Tunnel Gully. Named for its link with the historic Rimutaka Railway between Wellington and the Wairarapa, this is a 221m long tunnel named Mangaroa Tunnel, built between 1875 and 1877. The tunnel's working life ended in November 1955 when the new Rimutaka Tunnel was opened.

We ventured only half way before the thought of possible overhead Weta's got the better of us and we retreated!

Lucky that we headed out at that point, because look who we bumped in to!!

It was nice to see Julie there, she was right in her recommendation. The walk was lovely and we really enjoyed our time there. Of course next time we need to do it in better weather so we see a little more than just the hoods on our coats!

Meeting John Grogan

2009-03-25T20:27:00.008+13:00

Does the name sound familiar??

Well it should do, Mr John Grogan is the author of Marley & Me, you may know it better from the blockbuster movie that is showing in the cinema right now.

Last night I was lucky enough (along with my gorgeous friend Jo) to go to a cocktail evening in the company of Mr Grogan, which was held at the Holiday Inn hotel in Wellington City. It was such a lovely evening, people filled the room chatting over a nicely chilled wine and a few canapés. Mr Grogan joined us and mingled talking with various people.

Mr Grogan entertained us with a wonderful talk on the inspiration that was Marley - for those of you who don't know - this is a true story. He also went on to tell stories of what had happened since his book took off, being part of movie when it was made and then going onto his new book which is out now called The Longest Trip Home.

Afterwards we got to meet John and have a little chat whilst he signed his new book which I had just bought that evening. I was also cheeky enough to ask for a photo!!

It was truly inspirational listening to John. He was an ordinary man (and still is of course!) who wrote a story from the heart, one that has touched every single dog owner like never before. With the movie being made it will reach an even further audience, even those who have never had a dog will relate.

It was humbling to be in his presence, and I feel so very inspired. I am so pleased to have met him, thank you Mr Grogan for being gracious enough to share your journey with us.

Dog Squad Part 3

2009-03-23T22:54:00.010+13:00

Once again we popped on our SPCA capes and stood anxiously smiling at the shoppers heading in and out of New World in central Wellington City.

Bethany came along too, she was an absolute star shaking the bucket for the whole hour and offering stickers to those who donated. Although this time she demanded we take a chair for her to sit on and she was dressed up!

Denver of course lapped up the attention, he has developed so much - and grown too. Looking back at the photos of the last Dog Squad we did he is now huge! He didn't need his halti this time either which was just awesome.

Such an interesting and different mix of people - the ones who pretend to be looking at their phones or receipts so as not to make eye contact. The kids who run over with panicked parents running behind. The old dears who get down to pat the dogs but then could not get back up again. The young boy who cradled his skateboard, grunted, nodded and dropped in a coin.

Julia and her lovely daughter stood side by side the whole day, welcoming new volunteers and patting their dogs, and getting us all into position - they are truly awesome and deserve a whole lot of gratitude for what they do.

Denver Dawes once again did us proud - raising a nifty $124.50.

The total for the whole day reached $2204. If you passed a dog on Saturday whilst doing your food shopping and popped in a coin or two, be damn proud of yourself for all you have done. The SPCA thanks you.

A Rare Occurance

2009-03-20T23:23:00.010+13:00

Yesterday Michael had a day off work which meant a whole 6 hours together of free time without Bethany!!

Gone are the BC (before children) days when all we needed to worry about was maybe eating at some point in the day. Our day started with getting organised for school, washing, hoovering and doing general chores. After breakfast we donned our walking boots and headed to the car, onwards for a forest trek!!

Just over the hill of Wainuiomata you are greeted with the most stunning countryside and views. This then leads to the coast, but before the coast we are met by the bottom end of the Rimutaka Forest Park. The park is huge, covering 220 km's. This area has been developed superbly and at the visitor information you can select the type of walk you want to do - anything from two days to a half hour. We opted for the '5 mile walk' estimated to take 2 hours.

The pathway was excellent, it took us deep into the luscious forest, over the ridge line and back down the other side, despite the estimated 2 hours it only took us an hour and a half, and that was with me stopping every five minutes to get my breath back!

On one of the below photos you will see a giant spiderweb, it was hard to get a decent photo of it but my goodness whatever made that thing must have been huge, the web could have captured a cow! Remind me not to walk the forest in the dark!

So instead of heading home straight away we took Denver to the doggy exercise area, and then we sat and had a picnic lunch. A really lovely day out, a much needed mammy and daddy time, one which we will have to do again soon.

105 Today!!

2009-03-19T12:00:00.004+13:00

A gorgeous yellow Labrador came into the world 15 years ago today and she was named Poppy.

Poppy could tell some stories I bet! In the 15 years she has been part of so much, she has watched Michael and Helen grow, leave home and have children of their own. She has watched her loving 'mother' Lynn grow beautifully older and never leave her side - Poppy has probably been told the most interesting secrets.

Anyone who has a dog will know how much a part of the family they become, Poppy has been a loyal and loving member of the family since the day she arrived. I have heard some of the most hilarious stories that only is possible from a Labrador!

We miss her very much, but it's so wonderful to know she is still going strong, still making us smile and still holds that mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Happy 15th Birthday Poppy!

Bush Fires

2009-03-17T12:17:00.012+13:00

Things we used to read in the local paper about the rest of the world whilst we were back in England did what they were supposed to do, shock us, interest us, yet never affect us. Of course reading about all the doom and gloom in the world was the norm, since being here in NZ I now never go near a newspaper or watch the news - in a way if I don't know about it, then I wont worry about it.

Yet one thing we can't escape being on the other side of the world are the issues that affect our every day lives. Things like earthquakes, landslides and flooding are all every day occurrences here in New Zealand, but worse still on the hot days we are plagued by bush fires.

Of course most of you will know about the horrific happenings in Australia - our neighbour. The unbelievable bush fires that ripped through most of Victoria is just unbearable to think about. Being so close, New Zealand is affected deeply by what happens there, I have ran into numerous people who had family caught up in the disaster and we have donated to the appeals to aid recovery. But the most devastating is the story of a family of 6 who originally decided to move to New Zealand but then changed plans last minute and moved to Oz. After only being there for 2 weeks in their new home their life journey was cut short when they were killed in the fires.

In our previous home here in Wellington we witnessed many bush fires, some sadly were deliberately caused. You may remember this story from April 2007 when upon returning from Kindergarten we weren't allowed into our street due to a bush fire opposite our home. At the time it was all new and interesting to us (hence the light hearted blog post) but it isn't until you are part of it that you realise how scary it can be.

Just the other day the forest land to the back of our home was the victim of it's most deadliest enemy, and fire raged for many hours. The streets were lined with people taking photos and watching it - always amazes me why people do that?

I took photos from our garden instead!

Our thoughts are with the people affected in Oz, despite the silly 'we hate our neighbours' thing that the Kiwis do, it's something we can sympathise with endlessly.

Boot Buyers

2009-03-15T19:40:00.008+13:00

Today we decided that after living here for nearly 3 years we had accumulated too much stuff, stuff that was starting to go into boxes and the back of cupboards - stuff we didn't need, stuff that could be someone elses treasure.

So we rocked up at Lindale Farm and parked up next to the other 10 sellers. The expectation of other sellers arriving never happened, and the expectation of many punters also never happened. Please excuse the quality of the photos - they were taken on a phone.

We sat back and watched the place buzz with possibly one or two people, at one point I think there could have been at least 6. I mean, it was that busy.

We reminised back to the days of when we would sell stuff at Sedgefield Racecourse - the place of a proper Car Boot Fair. I think Kiwis would be stunned to see so many people and so many sellers in one place (an estimated 300 sellers and 4000 buyers on the day!!).

The person next to us was a Brit. She was there with her friend (also a Brit) and her two daughters. She was from York - for those of you who don't know that was pretty much a neighbouring city to our town in the UK. I decided on a wander and as I went I chatted, speaking with more and more Brits. At the last stall I thought it couldn't happen, but sure enough - another Brit!

So it seems 'Car Booters' are something the English love. I'm guessing by the poor turnout on an absolutely glorious day meant that this is something Kiwis are just not into. We also noticed there was a lot of buying of the older merchandise from other stalls, meaning our shining modern items were bypassed!

It was heaps of fun though, we got to chat extensively with our neighbouring sellers, and I also got the number of a lovely lady who I hope to catch up with again soon. Bethany enjoyed sitting in the car watching Spongebob on a tablet PC and getting a bargain of Barbie items from the stall next door.

Despite the poor turn out, we got a lovely tan, ate some delicious ice-cream, came home with some bargains and still made a comfortable $80.50. Not bad.

Cold Snap

2009-03-12T20:50:00.012+13:00

Naughty Jack Frost has decided to bring the cold a little earlier this year, or maybe it's just colder where we live now which is away from the coast. This time last year we had been in our home only a few months so maybe we didn't notice the cold, or maybe the climate is different this year.

Along with the chilling temperatures and all the stress of starting school, the first round of illnesses are upon us. Bethany has the best immune system in the world and is never ill (and neither am I), yet Bethany and I have both ended up with a horrible cold which we are finding hard to shake off.

Bethany is still going to school despite my efforts to keep her off (and my worries of infecting others at school), but the teachers are adamant to keep taking her if she wants to go. One of the teachers said that they would have an empty school if it came to keeping sick children off - not sure if thats something to boast about or not!

Yesterday morning Bethany aka, Little Miss Iceblock raced to our bed in an attempt to get warm, it was 6 degrees outside and probably inside too. Kiwi's always laugh when I mention how cold it is, they always follow it up with a 'but the winter is worse in the UK isn't it?' and they are right, it is colder and the winters are rough - but not inside the house where you have double glazing, central heating and all that brick to compensate!

Unless you are rich or have a newly built house there is no central heating here, it's a brand new concept to Kiwis. In our last house we were lucky enough to have a log burner, that was fantastic during winter - this house now that we are in has absolutely nothing. Our wooden home was built early 1980's and this meant it was never rigged up with any type of heating, sun was the natural option then. Of course the years have changed dramatically - so for us it's back to condensation drawings!

So in the spirit of winter I cooked a nice roast pork dinner tonight, it included my most favourite vegetable - one that will always remind me of sitting around the family dinner table at Christmas time whilst watching the snow slowly fall outside. Oh how I could just pop up the Christmas Tree now!

It's the good old Brussel Sprout!

I'm not ready of prepared for winter this year, I have all my winter veggies ready and am looking forward to some winter sowing and growing but I could leave everything else. The last few years haven't been very consistent so it's always a suprise when one day it's a high 25 degrees and the next a tiny 9 degrees.

It's still confusing, these New Zealand seasons are without doubt going to perplex us for many years to come. Until we understand them we will just do as they do down under and 'rug up warm'.

Hot Off The Press!

2009-03-10T23:19:00.010+13:00

As I pulled open the door on our mailbox which is situated at the end of our driveway, I saw the brown envelope peeking out and knew what it was straight away.

I ripped frantically at the envelope - and there it was! Bethany and I stood in the street and screamed with glee, we danced about whilst looking at our faces, our story, our life, all glossy, and all magazined up!!

As you may remember we did a photo shoot a while back for Living Abroad Magazine. Never could we have imaged just how much fun this was going to be, and not only that - our feature is simply awesome. At the risk of being a little big headed here - we rock!

It's not everyday that a normal family who set out on the unknown journey into a new life, would one day claim not only victorious in the move, but we would tell the world about it too by being featured in a magazine.

Below are the scanned pages from the magazine, you wont be able to read the text but you can see that it was a fantastic 4 page spread. Of course our Kiwi friends will be subjected to many viewings as I will carry a copy of it in my bag at all times, and as for you all in the UK - go buy it!

Truly amazing, truly truly amazing.

We learn and grow as a family everyday, making choices and doing things we never thought possible. We never really knew where this journey to the other side of the world would take us, and a journey it has been so far.

Through it all we have triumphed magnificently. I think its safe to now say we have made it.

Scenic Sunday

2009-03-08T19:18:00.009+13:00

Well it's been quiet again here at Dawes HQ, the whole past week has been filled with packing Bethany off to school, pacing the floor and clock watching - hopefully soon I will find some type of routine I am comfortable with!

We've been out and about this weekend, really just soaking up the glorious weather. Yesterday I spent my time soaking up the weather in the pub with Rachel whilst Michael, Bethany and Denver soaked up the sun at Makara - one of our favourite beaches.

Today we decided for a country stroll. I was raised in the country, rolling hills, beautiful scenery, trees and birds - oh and plenty of cow pat (cow poo for those of you who don't know what a 'pat' is!). So we thought we would embrace what our home of Upper Hutt is all about and head off for a country walk.

We ended up at the Rimutaka Rail Trail, an area and a track steeped in the history of an old railway line. Originally this line linked many communities together, ending it's trail at a place called The Summit - an isolated settlement.

Engineering had to be created to allow heavy trains to flow easily along the steep track, thus now known as the Rimutaka Incline. But despite best efforts and the fact it was known as an engineering marvel at the time the incline fell out of favour and was described as 'accursed bottleneck' and a 'wearisome journey'. It lasted 77 years finally being replaced by the now well known Wellington to Featherston line - a flat straight journey!

The track was really easy to walk, surrounded by massive trees, stunning mushrooms and toadstools and some of the most breath taking views. We passed many people enjoying the day, biking, walking, riding horses - we could see why this is a popular place.

Walking back we stopped off to eat a few brambles and tell Bethany stories of our childhood. A really beautiful day, and so wonderful that be it beach or bush, they are just as amazing as each other.

Off She Goes...

2009-03-03T20:16:00.008+13:00

As I stood there over her bed I could see her chest rising and her eyes flickering with dreams of what could be. Every night since she was born I spent it by her bed, watching, kissing, touching her little hands. Five years had passed, a lifetime to such a little being, a being who lived in the moment, a being who relied on only you, a being who knew nothing for the world, yet here I was sending her into it.

As I stood facing the bathroom mirror I removed my 'war paint' from the day and I looked at my sorrowful face, a sad face, a tired face, with tear streaks making clear pathways. I knew that tomorrow I would have to have a happy face, a joyful face, a positive face...an inspiring face.

Many times I woke that night, dreams of my baby girl running into the distance never to be seen again, dreams of my baby girl being just that; a baby, and handing her over to a stranger wrapped in her favourite blanket. Or the worst, the dream where her bedroom is empty and the window open.

Morning came early for me, I sat and watched the shadows of the palm tree dance against our window blind, listening to the sound of the Cicada growing with every new sparkling sun ray. At that moment I hopped out of bed and went straight to the same mirror that had given me difficult faces the night before, a smile flickered onto my face as my baby girl welcomed me - that would have to do.

The day before it happened was a long one. I spent it in the garden doing the only thing that could bring me to peace - planting and caring for new seedlings. The day was a long one as every time I looked at the clock I knew tomorrow would come. I did not spent her last day together, and I could not, she spent it with Daddy, as I didn't want it to feel like her last day.

Not only was this a venture for my baby girl but of me too. It has been a long time since I stepped into the real world as myself and on my own two feet. Various chapters of life come and go now like the clouds in the sky, I used to be a young free girl who would laugh at those with 'responsibility' promising that would never be me, yet here I was now teetering on the edge of a brand new chapter, it scarily hangs on a single branch over a cliff edge.

So here we were, Monday morning came and tension was high. Daddy was home too to watch the first step into the world alone. We checked and re-checked our list and off we went...

Bethany's first day at school went well, she interacted, she made new friends and no tears were shed. Well none from Bethany anyway. I sadly could not contain myself and it was best just to write Monday off and start Tuesday afresh. Yet of course my newly painted face that morning didn't last long either, that horrible dull ache was back as I walked away from the classroom.

In the supermarket I bumped into friends who understood yet laughed at the silly things I would do now I was on my own. Arriving at the supermarket I had already gone to Bethany's side of the car to let her out when I realised where she was.

So it seems this is going to be harder for me than Bethany. I have no doubt she will fit in fine and be very happy, we are so very proud of the way she has grown. We are so very proud of the way she moved across the world and started a new life with us so contently. We are so proud that she is our little girl, proud of our little school girl.

Be free Bethany, be all you can be and never look back.

Discovering Marlborough: Finale

2009-03-02T12:07:00.018+13:00

Picton was glowing in the glorious sunshine, we wandered for a while stopping to pick up a take away lunch. Onwards we drove towards our final holiday destination; Nelson. The road was an easy one and the views were amazing, made even better by the blue skies and the stunning array of white clouds.

On the way we stopped off at Happy Valley Adventures, which is the home of The Skywire, and many other activities such as quad biking and paint balling. Before we left home we had seen their website and watched a video of The Skywire in action. Of course Michael was up for that, I however wasn't so sure!

Set on 1600 acres of farm land you are not short of amazing views and the owners not short of a story of two. We headed off into the bush up a steep incline road in a little mini van, on the way we stopped off to view Mareikura - the world's oldest Matai tree which is apparently over 2000 years old. At the top the views were just breath taking, yet what was more breath taking and made my pulse race was the four seater Skywire. I really wasn't sure about the whole thing at all, not being a fan of fast rides, heights or even things that move make me very nervous.

The Skywire is the longest flying fox in the world, set above native bushland you soar like a bird for over 3km, up to 150m above ground. As Michael and Bethany got strapped in (Michael especially pleased he had to wear pink socks!) I hesitated. Of course peer pressure got the best of me and in I climbed.

The video shows it all, but to be honest it was brilliant! The best bit was actually coming backwards - we reached 90kms at one point. I am glad I did it although not too sure I would again! Afterwards we headed back down to the farm where we got to feed some tame eels, feed the sheep and the million ducks they had. If you have a duck phobia this definitely isn't the place to be with some bread in hand!

In the car I still felt a little sick but was looking forward to arriving at our Motel in Nelson for a few wines! In Nelson we were staying at a motel called Cedar Grove - and very nice it was too. Done out with the most lovely quality furniture, a separate bedroom, balcony and the best bit - a jacuzzi bath!

A quick unpack and we headed out into Nelson town centre to check it out. We had a lovely wander through the shopping streets and to the end where there is a magnificent bell tower, the view from the top to the ocean was lovely. We grabbed a take away that night and just headed back to chill out in the room and enjoy that lovely spa bath.

The next day we were up bright and early with the plan to head up to Kaiteriteri, stopping off of course along the way to take in some of natures most glorious sights. Kaiteriteri was a lovely little spot, the golden sandy beach was awesome and the views out to the vast ocean amazing. It was quite busy too, obviously very touristy with a hint of retirement location added on. After lunch in a lovely restaurant we headed on further to Marahau.

Marahau wasn't really what we expected, very small with the odd walk here and there. We did find a gorgeous hand carving shop with the most amazing outdoor area where you could view the biggest pieces of work. We enjoyed a cuppa in the cafe opposite before heading back to Kaiteriteri.

We arrived back just in time to grab the last water taxi of the afternoon and head out round the bays to our swimming destination which was going to be Anchorage Bay. On the way we passed Split Apple Rock where we got to listen to many tales of what could of happened to create such a rock. After switching water taxi's a little further on we finally arrived at our destination for the afternoon. We quickly took about wandering around the amazing rock formations, having a swim in the ocean, building sandcastles and looking for sea life. Such a beautiful place, the colour of the ocean, the golden beach, the warm(ish) water and the fact it rained whilst we waited to be picked up was well needed in such heat!

Back in Nelson we got ready for a night out. Of course not the usual standards we were once accustomed to considering we had Bethany with us, but we headed out to a lovely little place which we had passed the night before and was heaving called Cafe Affair. Here we enjoyed a few bottles of wine and a stonegrill meal - very nice too!

The next morning came earlier than it should after many bottles of wine but we knew we had to be up and sorted for our road trip back. But before we left Nelson we stopped off for one last visitor attraction, WOW - World of Wearable Arts. Anyone that knows anything about this place knows just how amazing it is. Year after year public shows are held (and sold out in hours if held here in Wellington) displaying some of the most wonderful clothes that have literally been made from anything, random household items have been turned into clothing - quite amazing!

Now the video you watch is my sneaky attempt at capturing the moments inside. Camera's were a huge no no and so I had to be stealth like, sadly its isn't the best but you kind of get the scene!

Attached to WOW was the classic car collection where we were free once again to take photos! It was very interesting but I walked round with the same highly uninterested face as Michael did walking round the clothes!!

Discovering Marlborough: Finale

We made it back to Picton and joined the queue of cars waiting to board our ship back. It worried us that boredom may get the better of us as it was the same ship as we travelled out on, but once aboard we booked to go see a movie in the cinema. We watched Bolt again, although Michael hadn't seen it and we enjoyed it heaps.

Before getting on the ship we spotted the notice that said 'moderate crossing'. Anyway, 'moderate' turned into throwing people around and many losing their boddily contents. The toilets bubbled and shot water out like some type of Geyser. Even Bethany, the strong stomached one was complaining of her food coming back up!! Luckily it was only for an hour right in the middle - and it was quite good fun really.

Our short break away was the most perfect break ever, we did so much in that small amount of time, things to be very proud of, moments we will cherish and remember forever. It makes it even more amazing to know that New Zealand, is now part of our lives forever and we can do it over and over again as many times as we want.

Discovering Marlborough: Part Two

2009-02-27T17:59:00.014+13:00

As we huddled under the covering at the office of the Cougar Line water taxis, we stood excited but worried what the weather was going to bring us. The lovely lady in the office promised us the heavy rain would clear up and that gorgeous New Zealand sunshine would shine. Being English you get used to bad weather but it's not every day you get to go to a 5* retreat so you kind of just hope for some of the nice stuff.

Our boat was ready and the suitcase was loaded, we had arranged to have our car stored in secure parking for the duration. The people at Cougar Line said 'some man' will come and take it away, it was a bit worrying to say the least - paying a stranger to take our car away to who knows where, but being that there were no other options and we had a boat with our name on it, meant we had to just hand the key over and hope for the best.

Aboard our water taxi the rain subsided meaning we could sit on top deck, we waved a very wet and soggy Picton goodbye and headed off destination: Bay Of Many Coves Resort.

Along the way we stopped off at various places where other people on the boat were staying, there were some of the most amazing resorts along the Queen Charlotte Sound, and some amazing homes too that are only accessible by boat - imagine that as your weekend house!

As our resort came into view our mouths dropped open and we could hear people muttering the words 'wow' and 'stunning' as we trundled off the boat very pleased with ourselves. We were personally greeted by a member of the staff (which we later found out was the Manager) and we were escorted to our 'room'. Our room was actually a wooden lodge on stilts which had been built into the side of the hill, the 5* of it all oozed from every pore. The view was just completely unbelievable - we were in heaven.

The day was still very overcast and dull but it managed to hold back with the rain meaning we could enjoy exploring the resort. We got to meet many members of staff that made you feel like family and as there were only 12 lodges on the resort everyone made a point of speaking to each other - it became very community orientated. Listening to tales of other travellers was so inspiring.

We headed for the pool - rain wasn't going to stop us. It was a little cold being that it wasn't heated but doing a few 'canonballs' to keep Bethany amused soon warmed us up (yes I did them too!). We ended our swimming fun with a soak in the cedar hot tub.

The next morning we awoke to sunshine! The sun peaking out from behind the clouds and lighting up the ocean was breath taking, being able to open up the bi-fold windows in our bedroom was an extra special luxury which created the most lovely atmosphere. I sat for quite some time reading my new favourite book and just chilling with the moment. The noise from the cicada's was utterley deafening, never have I heard such a noise like that.

That morning we suited up and headed out on a kayak - the first time for me in a kayak. It's always been something I have wanted to do as I love the ocean but somehow never did it. We went out in a two person kyak with Bethany sitting with me between my legs. All was fine to start with but as got further and further out I started to panic a little. I can swim and like I said have not worried being in the ocean, but not being able to paddle or move my legs because Bethany was restricting my movement and it did freak me out. Suddenly claustrophobia was on me and I sadly voiced my concerns meaning Bethany then developed an issue with it too. We did actually manage to work through it and the paddle round was awesome in the end - just next time I do it, I'll be in my own kayak alone!

Later on in the afternoon we headed into the forest to do a loop track walk that took you past a waterfall. The walk was pretty easy going and our jandals (NZ word for flip flops) did us proud, although the terrain was really meant for trainers and a backpack!

Just as we arrived at the waterfall, 30 minutes into our walk Bethany sadly stopped right next to a wasp nest where she ended up with her very first wasp sting on her upper leg. Of course she cried but was actually a super soldier and battled on till be made it back to the lodge where we issued medical care. Bethany is known for her amazing immune system, being that she is never ill even when exposed to others that are, and within half and hour the sting was merely a little red speck.

More fun time was needed in the pool to compensate!

Just as we arrived back at our lodge and was getting ready to head down to the bar for a few drinks before dinner, I just so happened to glance out and see dolphins in the bay! Of course I was standing there in a towel and wet hair flowing so Michael and Bethany headed off to the jetty to go watch them a little closer. I said I would join them soon and so inbetween getting ready I kept checking through the provided binoculars to check on the action. The next thing I spot is a little boat with my husband and daughter in it!

Down in the bay everyone was out getting turns in the little boats which were kindly offered by the staff, people went out and swam with them and Michael even got to reach down and touch one as it glided under the boat - pure magic. The photos he took say it all.

That night we ate magnificently in the restaurant - very excited to be eating food prepared by award winning chefs. As the sun went down we watched the Dolphins continue their display, they were very happy to hang around and we were very happy to be part of it.

After an exquisite 3 course meal and a bottle of wine, we really should have known better than to head off into the bush in the dark - but that was what we did. One of the lovely staff offered to take us and another couple out to see some glow worms. I expected a little wander into the bush - not quite! A 20 minute walk over the roughest terrain, in the dark, with one torch between the three of us, whilst being tanked up on wine and food made for a good giggle at the usual NZ health and safety practices!! We did get to see the glow worms and I must admit the sight was just amazing - well worth the near death experience!

Our last day brought glum faces all round, two nights really was not enough time, we should have stayed longer. This resort is truly top class, despite the fact there were limited activities for children it worked in our favour, not only did you not have the usual noise created by lots of children but it meant a little imagination had to be used too. Bethany loved feeding the fish in the bay, she loved seeing Poppy the black Labrador, and she loved swimming in the pool. We also enjoyed the fact we could pop on a DVD for her and shut the ranch doors so we could sit out on the deck and soak up the atmosphere.

We met some lovely people too, an English family were there and they had children too. However it wasn't the children Bethany was interested in - it was the man she described to me as 'the man who reminds me of Grandad'. We have their contact details and intend to stay in touch - maybe one day we will meet again.

As we paced the jetty waiting for our water taxi to arrive we wondered if we could sneakily stay another night, but it wasn't to be. We were booked to go to Nelson, that was the plan after all, so with a heavy heart we waved goodbye to the Bay Of Many Coves Resort, promising to see it again soon, and onwards to Nelson.

Discovering Marlborough

Discovering Marlborough: Part One

2009-02-25T15:29:00.019+13:00

It had been a while since our last family holiday together - in fact it was July last year, so we felt it was time to have a break away. So a 'break away' from what? Well Wellington is just amazing and to be honest I do sometimes still find myself in holiday mode, it's very easy to feel that way here. Although normal everyday life does continue, work, housework, routine etc. meaning a break is always much needed.

New Zealand is simply stunning from top to toe, with some of the most amazing places within easy reach. This time we decided to head to Nelson and so started making plans. Of course leaving the going away plans literally to the last minute in peak summer time is never going to work, and we found that out when trying to find accommodation. So our 5 night trip originally planned for Nelson, became a 1 night stay in Picton, 2 nights in the Marlborough Sounds and 2 final nights central Nelson.

We have had the most amazing time! One of the best holidays we have EVER been on, we did so much in those few days, more than we ever thought possible. Of course I am breaking up the posts - upon checking the camera there were over 700 photos and at least 30 videos, so the first part starts like this...

After packing up the car and dropping Denver at his most wonderful kennels, Bethany and I headed to town (locals call the city of Wellington 'town'!) and picked up Michael. Sitting in the queue at the ferry terminal conjured up happy memories of the last time we sat there with my parents when they visited last year, reminiscing of the fun times and how much we miss them.

As we sat we watched our ferry arrive which was to be the Arahua (a Māori word meaning "pathway to dawn") - the middle sized boat out of the three that run from Wellington to Picton over the Cook Strait. Last time we travelled with the bigger ship and enjoyed our time adventuring all that there was to see. A difference this time being that the biggest ship (called the Kaitaki - a Māori word meaning "challenger") holds 1600 people and the one we were about to board just 550 people.

The crossing was fine but to be honest we missed the fun of the bigger ship. There was only one bar, one restaurant and one tiny play area. 3 hours is a long time when there isn't much to do. Not only that when we ventured to the restaurant (literally 10 minutes into the sailing) for our last meal of the day, we found they had sold out of everything!

Anyway with a sandwich in hand we headed outside to take in the views and wave goodbye to Wellington.

The sun was shining as we left the inlet of Wellington harbour, but as we progressed further the sun was obscured by low cloud. I was hoping on a beautiful sunset but sadly the weather turned, and by the time we arrived in Picton it was overcast and threatening that wet stuff.

We hopped off the ferry with one very happy little girl in tow. Bethany had made friends with another little girl who was from Switzerland at the play area, the little girl knew basic English but that wasn't needed for a game of tag - Bethany and the little girl exchanged details and intend to email each other - long gone are the days of writing an actual hand letter!!

So we headed straight to our accommodation for that night - the Ferrylink Motel. As it was going to be 9.35pm by the time we were due to arrive in Picton we just picked the nearest and most convenient for a good nights sleep before heading off the next morning.

The motel was fine, clean, but very basic and not somewhere we could have survived for longer than a night. It was also a little over priced I think, really just putting a price tag on the fact its convenient for travellers straight off the ferry. Anyway, we still all had a beautiful sleep only being woken once in the night by the sound of heavy rain outside. The next morning we found this was how our first day was going to be.

We packed up the car, running in the rain and dodging the puddles. We headed for Picton where we enjoyed a big breakfast. After breakfast we headed for a quick walk back to the car stopping only briefly to take photos of a very wet and deserted Picton. From there we decided to head to the only place we knew that was inside entertainment: Eco World Aquarium and Terrarium.

Now we had heard from friends that this place was pretty nasty, so we actually sat in the car park wondering if we should waste our money going in. Of course not only did we have nothing to do due to the rain, we kind of should have known that Bethany can now read certain words and was not leaving without a fight - so we headed inside!

And how happy were we to discover it was wonderful!! We had a brilliant time viewing the fish, the stingray, turtles, and seahorses. We listened to a guy doing a talk on various creatures of the sea and watched him hand feed a baby shark. Later on we managed to get up close and personal with a Reef Star starfish and held Kina. Very enjoyable, we were even offered a free return within a week if we wanted which was lovely.

With that taking up our morning we headed to the supermarket to stock up on food and drink (and by drink we mean alcohol!).

Onwards we went into the rain, but that wasn't going to kerb our excitement as we headed off to our next destination - a 5 star luxury retreat - only accessible by boat!

It Ticks All The Right Boxes

2009-02-18T23:26:00.016+13:00

Last March we ended up with a small feature in a UK based migration publication called Living Abroad Magazine. Whilst it didn't lead to us being asked to open supermarkets or having streets named after us, it was a big thing for us.

We were recently asked to be part of it all again, but on a bigger scale this time. We completed an interview with Richard Webber on behalf of Living Abroad magazine, and we are featured in the March edition which is out now!

The coolest part to the saga was having professional photographer Chris McCarthy follow us around Wellington, taking photos as we walked through the city centre, round the waterfront and through the local parks and reserves - quite surreal really!

An excerpt of the feature called 'It Ticks All The Right Boxes' can be seen here on the Living Abroad Website, and if you look closely enough at the magazine cover in the top left, we even get onto the front page!

In-Betweeny

2009-02-18T22:14:00.016+13:00

Family time has been first and foremost lately, as mentioned before reeling from Lynn leaving has brought us closer together and we have cherished every moment together doing as much as we can. So much so in fact we're heading off for a much deserved break to the South Island shortly.

Our doggy member of the Dawes family Denver is just adorable. His character is the sweetest, so gentle and genuinely caring. We have also noticed a physical change and people often comment on how good looking he is and ask what breed he is, it's actually difficult to give them a straight answer, normally answering with 'an SPCA lucky dip'.

And lucky we were too, we cannot imagine our lives without him now. Doing some research online we now think Denver could be Great Dane/Labrador/Staffy...just Googleing 'Black Great Dane' brings up many dogs that look just like him, the only thing he doesn't have is the height....so that mix is something else.

Denver likes nothing more than the river, running, splashing and swimming. Then coming over for a good old shake right next to you. We have had some lovely nights down by the river in the late evening sunshine.

Today was another lovely day here in Wellington, Bethany and I spent the day with Rachel and Myles, heading to the Zoo for a gorgeous walk. Later Sarah, Charlotte and Sophie joined us too and it was so nice to see all the children play together and for us mummies to have a nice chat too.

All together now 'we're all going on a summer holiday...'

Tomorrow we head off to Nelson for 5 nights. We are so lucky once again to have our house sitters come and stay here again as they did when we went away over New Year. It's nice to have someone to water your plants and clean your house for when you return!

Nelson here we come!

Billy Connolly - Live in Wellington

2009-02-17T20:58:00.009+13:00

"Right then, so before I start don't any of you dare say I brought the weather with me...look p*ss off and be responsible for your own f*****g weather"

That was pretty much the opening line of Billy Connolly's first night in Wellington which went down a storm!

It was like welcoming a member of the family you hadn't seen in many years, so very strange for us to have grown up watching this man on television, hearing about him through our parents who were great fans, and then as adults watching him further on in his life journey as not only a comedian but a movie star too.

Billy's World Tour Of New Zealand a few years back is something we have watched many times, and it actually played a part in us making our move here. You may remember this post from a while back of our local supermarket that Billy went to on his tour here.

To see a man you idolise so much yet feel you have known for so long was just mind blowing.

Of course he is a funny guy, that what he does, and well he does it too. With a few oldies thrown in for good luck and the odd forgetful moment (passed off as part of the show....but not too sure if that was part of the show or not), the straight through 2 hours that he did flew by. Yet he says nerves still play a part in his performance, they didn't show last night.

As I type this now he is again on stage at the TSB arena wowing the crowds, a second night was made available after the high demand sold out last nights show within days. We would have loved to have gone to see him two nights in a row, it would have been lovely to see if his routine changed at all, or see how he was feeling that night and if his whole persona had changed.

A pretty rough day weather wise yesterday meant us dodging puddles and wearing coats on the way to the arena, yet today it's been blistering hot, good old Wellington weather, mixing it up!

The show stunning, the man a pure genius, and we were pleased to finally 'meet'.

Kapiti Summerfest

2009-02-16T10:41:00.008+13:00

The organisers of this years Kapiti Summerfest were lucky to actually have 'summer weather' on the day, it's been raining here now for over a week and again today it's raining, making yesterday the only gorgeous day we have had in a while.

The Summerfest was just a magical array of food stalls, crafts, clothes, art and music. There was entertainment in the form of live bands, and numerous activities for the children. We had a brilliant time exploring the stalls and grabbing a few bargains that you are only likely to find at events like this.

Bethany of course wanted to head for the rides, she had a few good turns on the inflatables and then went on a faster ride with Daddy. However as excited and as much as she enjoyed it, we walked away mumbling under our breath at the cost of the rides. $4 was the standard for one go on the inflatables and a whopping $12 for the ride that Bethany and Daddy went on that lasted 2 minutes!!!

Despite the overcharge on the rides we had fun sitting back and enjoying lunch listening to the live music, and soaking up some of that gorgeous sun we have been craving for.

Another one of those easily enjoyable family days out chalked up on the Dawes list of things to do!

School Visit Time

2009-02-13T18:19:00.018+13:00

Today Bethany had her first school visit!

It's been a long time in the making going to school. If we still lived in the UK Bethany would have started school in September last year, but here they go to school when they turn 5. On their actual birthday to be precise, nice birthday present!

So of course Bethany turned 5 in December but here in NZ that is the summer holidays - the same as in the UK, 6 weeks, but here they are of course over the Christmas and New Year period being that it is summer here then.

The school thought it best to leave the visits till the new year, they always have a lot of new starters at this time of year and so they felt it would be a better transition for Bethany to end at Kindy and start the new year afresh at School. Of course that's all fine, and at the time I was secretly glad, it meant I could hang onto her a little bit longer, but after what will be 10 weeks off Bethany is beyond ready and so am I!

Pinehaven School is just awesome, I knew from the moment I visited it was going to be lovely. We were taken to her room and met her lovely teacher Mrs Jones. There will be only 10 children in her class which is a fantastic number. Bethany was assigned a buddy who would look after her for the day and it was her gorgeous friend Logan who she was friends with from Kindy, not only that Tanaka was in her class too, Bethany felt instantly comfortable.

There are separate buildings at the school with the younger children being in one part and the older in another. Friday's are Discovery Days and so the three rooms of the younger children are transformed into rooms for them to discover and learn. We moved between the rooms, I followed and watched, not really needed. Every now and again Bethany would look over and check I was still there, but if I ventured forth to try and talk or offer advice I would get a 'back off mam' look!

It really was a brilliant day, she interacted so well with the other children, she made instant friends and hooked up with friends she had missed so much from Kindy. I stood far back and watched her at break time playing with the other children, she had them all running after her - being a leader already.

Back inside Bethany was picked out along with three others (Bethany being the only new starter) to show off the painting she made that morning.

Bethany was upset when it was time to leave! She really wanted to stay and couldn't understand why she only had a few hours. She wanted her friends to come back and play too so the best course of action was distraction - with an ice cream.

Next week Bethany is going in on a Thursday which is a learning day. So it will be interesting to see if she enjoys it as much when play time is over!!

I have such a good feeling about this school, everyone was so nice and I even managed to relate to Mrs Jones who was an expat from the UK too. The only down side I would say is that they could do with a uniform...I have no idea why most primary schools have no uniforms here.

So with a spring in our step the first day was magical. Bethany has been so happy all day and has never stopped talking, to the point where I had to take her aside and ask her to be quiet, for just one little tiny minute...yeah, it still never happened!

An awesome day, as I quickly write this up now I can hear the most lovely laughter from the other room, my initial worry about the changes in our lives may no longer be warranted - but lets give it a few more weeks and we will see how we all feel then!

Company

2009-02-12T15:21:00.004+13:00

Chips has a new friend called Midget. She also has a new tank again as the magnified effect of her swimming around in the bowl looked pretty bad, and we felt for her being all alone.

So why Midget? Well who knows what goes through the head of a 5 year old, whatever the name Chips seems to like s/he anyway.

Just Us

2009-02-09T20:44:00.020+13:00

It's been a miss mash of a few weeks here at Dawes HQ. Still trying to recover from Lynn leaving and wondering when we will see our parents again has been really hard, but it seems to have drawn us closer together as a 4. Family time has been well needed for us, and this weekend has been perfect.

The schools all went back last week meaning that everywhere has been really quiet. That's always good news for us and despite me worrying about what Bethany and I will do together the time has actually flown over. We have had a really nice time just playing games, baking, going out for walks and pottering round the garden.

One day we even went to the cinema and watched Bolt - which is one of the best movies I have ever seen. It made us both laugh and cry! It was awesome that we had the whole room to ourselves too!

It's been Waitangi weekend here meaning Friday was a public holiday. For the first time in ages Michael didn't have to work, and so we got to venture off as we always used to. We picked up the map and pointed to a spot, and off we went, and glad we were too!

We found the most gorgeous secluded beach. It was quiet, sandy and with the sun shining it was just idyllic.

It was so lovely that we went back again the next day. This time though swim suits (or Togs as they are called here) were to the ready. We set up Camp Dawes in typically English style with wind breakers, that staked our part of the beach (even though there was no-one around!).

Then for the first time in years we all went in the ocean together!!

I actually made it - I went in...and it was amazing. The water was warm and I just enjoyed the whole thing, the smell, the taste, the waves...oh it was wonderful!!! I haven't swam in the ocean for years due to the fact I am body concious (i.e. over weight) and so hate getting my body out in public. Finding this quiet beach where we were practically alone was just perfect. Yey for me!

As you know we also celebrated Denver's 1st birthday - crazy how time flies.

We have also had stick insect mania at our house this year. Everywhere you turn they are there! We have has three living together on the back deck for nearly 2 weeks. Every time you turn something over outside there is one, whenever you look out of a window they are dangling from trees, and then I found one inside today! Good job I find them fascinating.

Sunday we decided to head for a place called The Swish Dish which is in Petone. It's a little paint-your-own ceramics studio, you can chose from many already made pieces and then just paint as you wish. They will then glaze it for you and you can take home your personal made item. We should have ours back in a few days, it will be interesting to see what they look like!

So its been a lovey few days, we have really had some beautiful family time. Funny enough Summer is in full swing with temperature gauge (which is in the shade) reached 34 degrees the other day - it was hot!

With the beautiful days come the amazing sunsets and the stunning starry nights, I have never seen stars like what you see here, totally mind blowing.

Three more weeks till Bethany starts school officially. I don't know if I am pleased or not yet, but I am sure you will hear about it. Until then I will cherish my time with her and we will be spending as much time together as a family as possible. This is what it's all about after all.

Denver Turns One!

2009-02-07T17:00:00.006+13:00

Our little rescue pup grew up so fast, from a little over excited puppy to a big over excited dog!!!

You may remember the day when we got him, we just couldn't wait, I remember visiting the SPCA over and over, pestering them, wanting to know when we could have him and take him home. Here we are now - his 1st birthday!

We celebrated at home, a special little party for our gorgeous boy. We had lunch together and Denver was treated to a sausage and a piece of his birthday muffin - a very rare treat indeed for him! He was surprised with presents and even managed to win pass the parcel, no ends to his talents!

On the afternoon we headed to the beach, we played, swam and danced. Denver showed off his doggy paddle then sat at the side with that cute little doggy smile.

Happy Birthday Denver - our big boy!

Crusty Demons!

2009-02-04T20:48:00.013+13:00

Saturday night was by far one of the best nights ever. We were totally blown away by the magic that was Wings Over Wairarapa saying it was the best events we had ever been to, now it has been beaten by the Crusty Demons, held at the Westpac Stadium.

I took the train down into the city earlier that day all alone! Yes, all alone. Why you ask is that special? Well for the first time ever I actually managed to read a WHOLE magazine in peace without a 'get down', 'feet off' or a 'don't do that please' moment in sight. I met up with Sarah and we had a wonderful afternoon downing a massive amount of wine and catching up on our life news. Gorgeous!

Afterwards there was no escaping the arrival of my two most lovely guys and we headed off for some food first before the show. We ended up at Plate. A little unsure first as to whether we should eat there being that it looked a 'bit posh' but we really didn't want to walk for miles to find somewhere else, and so settled down. We had starters, main courses and *ahem* more wine and all for just over $60...not bad!!

As we approached the Westpac Stadium and you could hear the sound of the crowd, feel the rumble on the ground beneath your feet and you could smell the swirl of excitement that filled the air.

There were people for all walks of life there, plenty of the older rough tough biker dudes who rode proper bikes (you know what I mean Dad!). There were heaps of children there too which was good. We did wonder if we should take Bethany being that it was a bike show that are typically known for their adult themes, and the fact it was on late but we were assured by the ticket people it was a family show and so didn't really want Bethany to miss out.

Maybe next time though we might not take her. A lot of rude words were used and not only from the commentators but the people in the seats around us. Also plenty of half naked ladies which raised lots of questions - oh and a spanking competition....hmmmm.

Anyway, despite all that the show itself was literally amazing. We were even able to buy booze in the form of Tui in plastic bottles. Made better by the fact I was asked for I.D. when I went to buy them. I couldn't help but do my usual routine (being usual as I get asked at the supermarket all the time) of shouting as loud as I could how pleased I was and that I was nearly 30 just so everyone could hear. Yeah the girl behind the counter gave me that 'crazy lady' look and ushered me on my way.

Bethany also got to meet up with one of her buddies who is the new one in line for marriage. Not too sure his parents know that yet but, well he's cute and destined for great things. Michael also got to wave at many of his buddies from work. Well I say wave, I mean do the manly thumbs up thing.

With a roar of the engines the show started, the smell of the two stroke brought memories flooding back of the days I rode a bike as a kid and going to endless motorcross days with my parents. These guys were totally mind blowing, flips, hanging upside down, turns, jumps, and even a guy on a BMX who was pushed along by a motorbike resulting in a fantastic flip!

So here is the video. I desperately wanted to leave the sound on so you could hear the engines, but due to running out of space on our new camera I had to revert to the old one which was still in my bag, meaning the sounds was just muffled and basically rubbish.

No doubt You Tube will screw up the viewing pleasure too, but I think you can see just how amazing it was. I had feedback from friends round the other side of Welly that they heard the finale fireworks!

Crusty Demons 2009....lets ride!

Resistance Was Futile!

2009-02-01T23:27:00.007+13:00

I knew I wouldn't be able to resist, popping to friends houses and seeing their monster creations and them passing them off as 'good' drove me insane! I needed a veggie patch and I needed it now!

You may remember I posted about getting a little planter pot and putting in some seeds, well...

Of course in the back of my mind I always knew that the little planter tub wouldn't be big enough. So out came an old scraggy looking tree that was taking up valuable veggie patch space and in went the veggie seeds. To start with I was looking at them and wondering on spacing (as in too much space) and now we have a crowding situation!

From this...

To this...

To now this...

It's been very interesting looking after them too. I was just clearing out some old leaves, I dragged them from the back forwards and scooped them up with one hand, I felt wiggling and upon unclenching my hand found this guy....yeah I now know how fast I can run!!

Anyway, despite the odd snail, white butterfly, weta and mozzy, my veggies are on their way to success. The first pepper (or capsicum if you prefer) is ready, we have had endless strawberries, the beans have flowered, the chili's are never ending, and I'm not even going to mention the giant sized broccoli and cauliflowers!

It's all going well despite my late start this year. The lettuce, sweetcorn and carrots that Grandma planted with Bethany when she was here have started too.

Once day I dream of a plot bigger than our house, filled with fruit and veggies, imagine living self sustained - now that would be awesome.

Until that day we will enjoy our small garden produce, if you ring me though and there is no answer - well that because I am out talking to my plants...yeah I do that!!

All Good Things Must Come To An End

2009-01-28T20:11:00.045+13:00

So that moment came, the one of sorrowful sad heartbreaking goodbyes. It was a lot harder than we thought it would be, a huge jolt that we are still recovering from now. You count the days, the minutes and the seconds to the arrival, and in the blink of an eye it's gone.

At least we can proudly say it was an amazing blink.

It's difficult at this time of the year to find a beach that you are allowed to take dogs on (or that isn't so packed out with them). So we decided to take Grandma for a drive out around the beautiful Days Bay onwards to Eastbourne. Going as far as you can, the road takes you to a stunning walking track that runs along the side of the beach. Directly opposite is Wellington City and we were also lucky that day to have a gorgeous view of the South Island, seeing the snow capped peaks of the Kaikoura Range in the distance. We had an awesome walk, finally retreating as the intense heat got the better of us.

One day we took the train down to the city which was lovely, a real treat for Bethany (as she loves the train) and a 'something different' for Grandma.

We headed straight to the Museum of Wellington City & Sea. Always one of our favourites which is free to enter. There is just so much to see, right now they have a 'Welcome to Wellington's Indian Community' were we got to enter a caravan and listen to some Indian music (they also transmit live from here at certain times of the day) and we got to create some spice masterpieces in the kitchen area (which you can take home too!). Bethany also got to dress up and try on different Sari's. A really good exhibition.

Feeling peckish we met Michael for some lunch in a lovely little place called 3C.

Afterwards we headed up in the cable car to the top and did the big walk back down to the playground, of course stopping off for some Bethany time before heading on again to the Lady Norwood Rose Gardens. Here we enjoyed a cuppa and an extremely expensive cup cake ($5.50 each for a cup cake!!!!). Heading into the Begonia House and finally we made our way down through the Bolton Street Memorial Park and to the train station.

One night we laughed so hard to find a visitor in Lynn's bed...!

Nights of fun in the swimming pool...

Michael said to me before Lynn arrived "My mam said she is up for a bike ride". I had this astonished look on my face and said "Really? Did you say whether it was push or motor" thinking she would never be up for that - how wrong was I!

They headed off into the sunset together, right up to the Paekakariki hill. Nice one Grandma!!

A popular choice for us all is always the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. We adore this place, it really so very wonderful. We had a lovely walk round and as guaranteed you always get to see something new. This time round it was a first for us to see two Saddlebacks playing happy together in the bush. Numbers of these birds have declined, it is so wonderful to know that the Wildlife Sanctuary was part of creating a successful breeding colony, making it one of the most populated Saddleback areas in New Zealand.

I would however like to add that something that could do with being less popular are the ducks! We sat and ate our picnic very quickly, we were herded literally by over 20 ducks, and they were vicious! Nipping our toes and jumping up...no amount of orange sauce threatening seemed to work either.

Sadly the end of the two weeks drew near. We were all holding it together the best we could but that sickness feeling and the purposely distracted thoughts were there. Lynn made an amazing roast dinner for our 'last supper'. We were going to cook for Lynn or go out, but as a treat she offered to cook for us which was lovely. Normally we only ever get to see photos of the family sitting around a traditional roast at Lynn's house - now it was our turn!

Saturday was the big day. But first we had other things we wanted to do. We had such a lovely quiet morning, Bethany and Grandma planted some veggies together, whilst we reminisced of all we had done over the two weeks.

We then headed off stopping off first at the Terracotta Warriors exhibition at St. James Theatre. This was an amazing exhibition! There were 60 full size warriors in all, it told the history of where they came from and their purpose, which you can read about here if you want to.

They were very scary looking I must say. It made me laugh as you went along the line. At the front you had the two very big guys, next the not so big but angry looking ones, then the smaller ones, finally leading to the guys at the back. These were the ones with a worried look on their faces and a pot belly - 'the men who were untrained, but were fed on beer for courage!!'

Driving to the airport we realised we had some spare time, so we popped up to Mount Victoria to take in the panoramic Wellington views.

Tick tock, tick tock...

Sadness was looming over us all as we sat at the airport. The goodbye came and we all left that airport crying. We hardly spoke a word other than to comfort a hysterical Bethany. We were devastated at not only Lynn going but to see our baby girl so sad, with no way of being able to explain so she really understands.

We watched the plane take off and we wished Lynn all the love in the world for a safe trip back to her home in the UK. She is one brave lady that's for sure, and we will miss her so very much.

We all stood together in a huddle for one last cry before once again heading home in a devasted silence. I would like to think that it will get easier one day, but I doubt it. Bethany fell asleep on the way home and Michael and I were able to reflect on all that has happened, throwing questions and reasons, but trying to make sense of it all.

We know we now have an amazing life, we love every single second and that we just won't change. The heartache is something we are going to have to learn to cope with, there is no way to ever prepare yourself for the separation.

Thank you Grandma for the most wonderful time. We love you, and miss you so very much already.

"Do not be sad for it is over, smile because it happened"

Homelands Kennels & Cattery

2009-01-27T10:30:00.012+13:00

Whilst we were away in Taupo Denver went to stay at a new kennel. Normally he goes to a local one but they were full. So a quick call to my friend Julia and she advised of the only place she would use; Homelands Kennels and Cattery.

Unfortunately we had a sad experience with Denver recently. You may remember Denver went into home boarding when we went away on our New Year camping trip? It was three nights away from us (the most yet) but he had been to stay at this particular home before for two nights on a trial run, and he seemed fine and as if he had enjoyed it. The lady who looked after him said he was good and they had no problems.

However this time round on collection of Denver we noticed straight away the scratches on his face and the odd lumps of skin missing here and there. The lady said he had been a bit rough for her two jack russells and they had retaliated a few times. Denver didn't seem to have a problem with them last time, but we knew they were feisty as Bethany was nipped last time we were there by one of them.

Once we were home things changed, Denver's whole behaviour changed. He was withdrawn, so sad and he just followed us everywhere. Anywhere we were he would be curled up on the floor by our feet. Then the night problems started, he would scratch at the door to get through to us (he sleeps in the lounge on his bed at night) and whine. He would pull out all the washing from the laundry and sleep on it, sleep by the car through the day in an effort to stop us going out and even tried to get through the cat flap breaking the glass on the back door - all of which was sporadic out of character behaviour.

Then one night he just wouldn't settle, he paced the floor, was hyperactive, out of breath and wanting to go out all of the time. It started early hours of the morning and so with only a few hours to go till the vet opened, Michael camped out on the sofa with him which seemed to calm him down till morning came round.

A trip to the vet that morning was worrying, we were told that Denver could have symptoms of Bloat - which is potentially fatal. We were given antibiotics for his wounds and advised on new ways to feed and look after him. Sadly they also said that as he hadn't shown symptoms before it was likely to have been triggered by stress.

Whatever went on at the home boarding wasn't a good experience for Denver. For his whole behaviour to change so dramatically was terrible and it took over a week for him to return to normal. We felt so guilty and of course he wont even be going back there again.

Also when Lynn was here we felt very guilty about the fact we had planned to go away to Taupo but with this happening to Denver over New Year we thought it best to stay at home. This was when I called my friend Julia to ask for advice on how to help Denver and how to get him back into being comfortable with being away from us. Much needed advice and help was given and she advised us to give Homelands a try.

So I made a call to Homelands and was so utterly pleased to speak to a man who's voice I recognised! Craig was the person at the SPCA who went through our adoption of Denver - and now he was working there - it couldn't be more perfect!

We were still very nervous to leave Denver but we were reassured he would be fine and they would keep an extra special eye on him considering what had happened recently. Way back before we even got Denver we always said that if we had a dog one day we would have to get them used to being in the kennels. We have no family here to help look after him in an emergency, so finding somewhere he was happy with was imperative.

We returned from our trip this time find a happy and content boy. The lovely people at Homelands said he had a wonderful time, played well and really did thrive. They were even so wonderful as to capture the magical moments on camera!

Those of you that have a dog will know the heartache we suffered worrying about what had happened to Denver, feeling guilty that we left him somewhere where he was so unhappy. Denver has the most lovely nature, he is truly caring, very gentle and we love him so very much. They become part of your life so easily, develop little characteristics and give the most beautiful honest love. I hope he forgives us.

I am sure though that with the amazing time he had at Homelands, the other place will become a distant memory.

Thank you so very much Homelands, we will no doubt see you very soon!

Taupo: Part Two

2009-01-25T19:42:00.004+13:00

Awake bright and early we made the most of the sunshine and threw some bacon on the BBQ, we sat down and enjoyed a lovely full breakfast before getting ready and heading out for the day.

First stop of the day was Wai-O-Tapu which translated means 'sacred waters'. This was somewhere we have wanted to visit for years. Even before we made our move to NZ we watched Billy Connolly and his World Tour Of New Zealand, here he travels the length of NZ stopping off at places of interest, one of them is Wai-O-Tapu. It is literally as their website says - 'A Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity'.

So we had the most amazing stroll around. Everything, every moment, every step brought something new and literally jaw dropping to look at. Watching the steam rise, the geysers bubbling, the mud popping and enjoying the smell too that each one brought. Anyway, view the photos, they say it all in the most magical magnificent colour ever!

After a picnic, we moved onto our next destination for the day - Orakei Korako. Described as the 'Hidden Valley' and we were not disappointed. Hopping aboard a boat we were taken across the Waikato River where we were dropped off map in hand and a wonderland to explore ahead of us. This was a very unique experience, being dropped off by boat made you feel isolated, like some type of Jurassic island...very exciting!!

We again viewed more stunning pools of wonder, bubbling mud holes, touched boiling water (yeah won't do that again!) and had the most stunning walk through the track that led you through a beautiful forest track. The whole experience was totally mind blowing that such an area is possible, totally amazing.

Feeling a little weary we decided that there would be nothing better now than a relaxing dip in a thermal pool. So we headed for DeBretts which was 2 minutes from our motel. It's a gorgeous holiday resort that caters for visitors with a motel, chalets and camping grounds, all set against the magnificent bush. Even better all of the pools are supplied with actual mineral water that has poured from the ground!

So we rang and booked a private pool. On arrival we informed the lady at reception we had called and booked and instead of paying the standard $18 per person for the private pools, we paid only $10 (and $2 for Bethany!). Awesome!! So if you go, make sure you call in advance!!!

After a lovely half and hour of splishing around in the beautiful water we headed back to the motel, but not before stopping off to order an Indian meal!!

Again the next morning arrived early courtesy of an excited Bethany. We packed up and headed out. We stayed local this time and spent some time walking along the stunning waterfront of Taupo. The view over the lake towards the snow capped peaks of Mount Ruapehu was just breath taking.

We headed for the mini golf course and had such a laugh putting our skills (or my lack of them!) to the 18 hole course. The sun was beating down and by 11am it was blistering hot. We took a wander back and a quick break to somewhere we would not normally chose on holiday - but we ended up in McDonald's!!!

Why McDonald's? Well view the below photo!! They have a real plane built into the side of the 'restaurant'. You could go up the steps into it where they had tables and chairs and you could view the cock-pit!! Bethany spotted that plane the day we arrived, and of course we were as intrigued as she was!!

Home time and back on the road we scanned the map, so many things we had missed but it didn't really matter. We had seen some of the most amazing things. Lynn enjoyed every second and it was so lovely to show off what NZ is really all about. It was lovely wandering round seeing all the tourists, those speaking different languages, even in a different language you could hear the excitement in their voices. For the first time in ages we were also 'tourists'!

We had a brilliant few days, we collected a happy Denver who had also had an amazing time and headed home, full of the most lovely stories of what we had just seen.

Memories, well, we just can't get enough.

Taupo Trip - Part Two

Taupo: Part One

2009-01-22T18:57:00.002+13:00

Here we are!!

On Monday we packed up and headed off to Taupo for two nights. Michael visited Taupo and stayed over night a few months back with his biker buddies, the photos he returned with were amazing so we just had to head up there whilst Lynn was here to enjoy the sights and sounds of such and amazing area.

Lake Taupo is in fact a volcano that is currently considered to be dormant rather than extinct. It is the largest fresh water lake in Australasia, and approximately the same size as Singapore. Taupo itself attracts roughly 1.2 million tourists a year!

So we headed off early Monday morning dropping Denver off along the way at his new kennels (a post to follow on that soon!). Just a little under 5 hours later we arrived. The journey was good, Bethany has always been such a good little traveller, but having Grandma in the back with her made it even more special.

We took Highway 1 which is literally a straight route all the way. Passing through the Desert Road. Given the name as it is literally open land resembling the desert. The poor soil quality and howling winds cause chaos. Not to mention the flash flooding and heaving snow fall in Winter, this making this whole area uninhabited. As we drove on the Desert Road the temperature dramatically dropped from 22 degrees Celsius to 11 degrees Celsius!

We were staying at a Motel called Alpine Lake Motel, which was newly built and very nice. Michael and I managed to get a room to ourselves whilst Bethany was absolutely beyond excited at the fact she got to share a room with Grandma!!

So wasting no time we headed out. We were absolutely desperate to see some of the natural wonders of the world and so we headed to Huka Falls.

Huka Falls is actually a set of waterfalls on the Waikato River that drains Lake Taupo. The sheer force of this water flow is just breath taking, with this being the only way the water can get out it is no wonder! We spent some time here just gazing in awe at it all.

Next up we drove to Craters Of The Moon. The craters are significant as one of the very few geothermal areas in the world that appeared as a result of human actions. Due to the somewhat poisonous fumes and the fact that ground temperatures around steam vents can reach dangerous levels, the paths and board walkways that allow access to the field are relaid at irregular intervals to bypass them. All the work done here is by volunteers.

It amazed us all to see such an vast piece of land filled with plumes of steam rising from all different areas. We could hear some hissing and popping and the feeling of the steam on your skin was wonderful. We of course wont mention the smell that comes with it all!! We were also treated to some rain. Not the nice light type but the horizontal wild spray that made people run!!

Later on we headed back to enjoy the sights of Taupo. It's such a beautiful city, the waterfront is stunning as it looks over to the snow capped peaks of Mount Ruapehu. We had a gorgeous walk before sitting down at the waterfront and enjoying a lovely meal, the sun shone and we were treated to the most lovely sunset. We even had time once we got back to the Motel to relax in the jacuzzi bathtub!

With day one proving to be an already amazing experience we couldn't wait for day two, which was a trip to Rotorua.

Taupo Trip - Day One

To be continued....

Wings Over Wairarapa 2009

2009-01-18T14:58:00.007+13:00

On Saturday 17th we visited one of the most amazing events we have ever been to here in NZ. We were lucky enough to be part of the magical show that is Wings Over Wairarapa, held in Masterton every two years. This year of course being extra special as we could take Lynn with us.

We were a little disheartened as we approached a massive queue of traffic trying to enter the venue, but within 10 minutes it had cleared and we got the most awesome parking spot. As we ventured forth we could see the planes overhead, we walked alongside others who were laden down with chilly bins and camping chairs, and we laughed at the family who's house looked onto the grounds as they sat their in the middle of the field full of cows, under a gazebo sitting on a sofa!

Just the night before we heard on the news that the show finale was cancelled, the main attraction which was a Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX had crash landed whilst on a practice run. What made it even more sad was that veteran John Pattison (who is now 91) flew this stunning machine in the war in 1945 was due to star in the finale too. However despite that he still attended the show, we smiled and waved as he drove past us in a golf buggy!

The absolute best part of the show and the most heart stopping was Doug Brooker in his Spitfire. Watch the part in the video where he flies up, stops the engine (when the smoke stops) and then free falls through the skies, starting up his engine again and roaring off into the skies again! Totally mind blowing!

Anyway, it was totally amazing, a real air show at its absolute best. Despite the wind which you will hear on the video temperatures reached a massive 31 degrees which was hard going for us all. We did all struggle at home that night to overcome our heat stroke!

So the photos and the video say it all, so if you are into planes then enjoy!

My heart and mind was with my Dad on this day. He would have loved every single moment, and so this is for you Dad, maybe next time eh?!

Wings Over Wairarapa 2009

First Days

2009-01-14T20:51:00.028+13:00

Woweeee!
What a wonderful time we have been having so far!

As you know Lynn arrived on Saturday from the UK, Lynn is Michael's mam. It's been two whole years since we saw her last so this trip is extra special to us all. Bethany has grown so much, we have grown also (it may be outwards but never mind!), Lynn got to meet Denver and see our first Kiwi home. It's been so amazing.

Saturday was of course a day of rest and reflection. Catching up, cuddles and just spending quality time together. Lynn even managed to stay up till 9.30pm!!

Sunday was another lovely day. Taking it easy and enjoying each others company. Early afternoon we headed over to see Rich and Stef as it was Daisy's 4th birthday. Bethany enjoyed helping Daisy open her presents!

We spent some time with them and their friends and then headed home for some extra relaxation - jet lag can be a terrible thing, we did feel for poor Lynn!

However later in in the day we did manage some walking. We headed to Birchville Dam which Michael and Bethany visited a little while back. We had such a gorgeous walk, enjoying the delights of the naturally grown forest. We even got to watch some eels in the river which delighted us all!

Monday we braved a day out and headed to Te Papa. I do forget how lucky we are at times. We get to see all of these wondrous things every day, yet for Lynn (and the many other tourists) this is a place of massive interest. To watch people flitter around with their maps in hand is just so sweet to see. Often being approached by staff asking if we need help, I always try to say as loud as I can in a proud voice 'no thank you, we live here'.

So we managed to do a wonderful tour including seeing the Colossal Squid. It was truly amazing although sad too to see such a wonderful creation of nature frozen in time for us to view. Tourist season heavily upon us meant we had to queue, something that's difficult to get used to!!

Te Papa as always meeting all expectations, the place is so big with so much to see that there is always something for everyone. We visited explored the whole of the museum stopping off for extra viewing time in the exhibitions: The Scots in New Zealand and Golden Days.

Tuesday we spent a day just chilling out. We hung around at home and Bethany got to pester Grandma even more than usual. They played together all day - Lynn will need a holiday when she goes back to the UK!!

We did venture out for a little while and took in a good stroll around the local garden centre. Later on that evening we headed over to Chris and Karolyn's house. There Lynn stepped forward and took a go at some shooting, and good she was too! Very impressive!!

Today has been another busy day. We headed to Wellington Zoo. I must say I was very impressed with all the latest developments. It's been a while since we last visited and the amazing changes were noticeable. Not only did we get to see all the beautiful animals being so cared for but we got to watch a Kiwi in its 'natural' habitat! It was just wandering round doing its own thing, we could have stood there for hours. The Zoo do an amazing job, everything has been so lovingly created for the animals to feel like they are actually in the wild.

Last night was just a fun time of chilling out near the pool in the evening sunshine.

So here we are!! The blog posts may be few and far between over the next few weeks but they are coming. You know how much I love to blog, but I love to have quality family time too, and those of you who blog will understand just how long it takes to put one post together!

Lynn is only with us for two weeks so we are making the most of it. Right now I feel like I am on holiday. Next week Michael is off work all week so he will also be able to grab some holiday spirit. Saying that though it always feel like we are on holiday - how awesome is that?!

Whānau Time

2009-01-10T15:44:00.011+13:00

We must be really wicked.

Well that's what 'they' say anyway.
No rest for the wicked right?

It's certainly been one heck of a busy time the last few months, birthdays, Christmas, New Year and now we have the next fantastic thing: a visitor!

Lynn, my mother in law arrived from the UK today! We are so unbelievable pleased that she is here. Even though it's been two years since her last trip out to NZ it feel like we have never been apart. She has always been in our hearts and in our thoughts and now with the wonders of Skype and emails it feels like only yesterday we were together.

We awoke at 6am eager to start the day, Bethany was up also, it was the first time we had baked cakes at 6.30am!

The ride down to Wellington Airport was met with excitement and anticipation and I promised I would not cry...yeah right!

As Lynn arrived at 9.30am it's going to be one long day for her to stay awake. We took a ride to the shops and to the park to try and keep active but sadly the weather really wasn't great.

We retreated after a little play to just spend some quality time together at home. So far Bethany has given Grandma the grand tour of the garden, painted her toe nails, done some drawing and played Barbies. Bethany will never tire, yet I can imagine Grandma will soon!

We also got some lovely gifts too from our family back in the UK, and some little treats from our favourite shops in the UK too. Not to mention the Duty Free...!

The next two weeks are going to be absolutely awesome!

New Year Camping Trip - Finale!

2009-01-07T21:45:00.005+13:00

The sun shone, the birds sang and we awoke to the sound of happy voices in camp. It was a gorgeous New Years Day, everyone emerged smiling and ever so content. Well apart from those with a hangover of course!

The day started the way any day should - with bacon sandwiches!

So the main part of the day was just spent relaxing. We hung out at camp for a while and then we headed to the beach with Stef, Rich, Tony, Denyse and the kids and had the loveliest time. Tony flew his kite and not only could have nearly killed someone with it (as it was quite windy) but when it did come down, it came down hard, never to fly again!

Stef and Denyse were dressed like Baywatch babes, yet paddled around in the water like tadpoles, whilst the big boys ventured out further. They went out really far, catching waves and doing some body boarding. The girls enjoyed the time too making sandcastles and running in and out of the water. Bethany then showed her skills too and absolutely loved body boarding on the smaller waves. I think we may have found something she really likes!

Back at camp that afternoon it was all quiet. I think the night before had taken it's toll, making some of the ladies in camp drink Milo!! I mean, my goodness.

Later that night the boys and girls separated and we played games. The boys setup a poker table and the girls ventured forth with a game called Dirty Minds which was meant to act as light entertainment with some easy laughs. Five minutes in and we were all scratching our heads - it was really hard!

Soon we were all played out and it was time for bed, we were all shattered.

However sleep wasn't meant for some of us. Just as I got into bed I could hear Sammy crying in distress in the next tent with Jo and Lewi trying to console her. After I little while I ventured out to see what was happening. Poor Sammy wasn't well at all, so we headed to Denyse, who is a nurse, for advice. After Denyse checked her out (how grateful are we to have her on site), she recommended they take her off to the hospital to be checked out.

As it was Jo and Lewi's van was behind the tents we offered our car. Jo really wanted to go too but didn't want to leave Davey so I said I would stay and watch him. So off they went, I then went and got into their bed so I could be near Davey. The next thing I know Lewi is waking me up, close to 3am. Poor guys, Sammy had Gastroenteritis. Lewi thought best after the hospital to take them Jo and Sammy home and so Lewi did a good two hours driving that night.

The news the next morning was a little better, Sammy although still ill was getting better and responding to medicine. Poor Lewi though had to concentrate to take the tent down and pack up all by himself on only 3 hours sleep. But he did fantastically, a true pro.

So despite that little hiccup on the last night the time couldn't have been any better. I felt really quite sad to be packing up and could have quite happily gone an extra few nights. The experience was just unreal. Special moments that stay with you forever - this certainly will.

As we packed up the tent a little rabbit hopped by to see what was going on. A Praying Mantis was discovered inside our tent and people buzzed around getting ready to head home. Of course the humour never stopped and the traffic cone came into play again, this time terrorising Stef and Rich!

So in case you didn't get the message: IT WAS AWESOME!!

Thank you dearest friends, never could anything have been more magical.

New Year Camping Trip - Part Two!

2009-01-05T21:45:00.012+13:00

So I woke up New Year's Eve with the worst hangover...no idea why?

Luckily the day was pretty easy going, I spent most the morning in and out of bed feeling sorry for myself and the rest of the camp seemed to just chill out too. Some headed off for walks, some to the beach, some for a drive out, it was all really cruisy.

Michael, Bethany and I headed to the park to join Stef, Rich and Daisy, and Denyse, Tony, Beth and Maddie for some games. I of course just sat back taking the photos and let everyone else run around. I played with the girls for a while and was nominated as The Queen. Should think so too.

After the kids big and small got the excitement out of their systems, we said goodbyes as everyone else headed back to camp. Camp Dawes went and spent some alone time on the beach and lovely it was too. We had a fantastic walk alone the beach dipping in and out of the water, it was so nice to just enjoy the moment.

We no sooner got back to camp though and everyone was on their way back to the beach for a swim. So we packed up our gear again and followed on. Michael and Bethany went in the sea and I sat back once again taking the photos (still nursing a sore head). Everyone had such a wonderful fun time splashing and running around and the beach there is truly gorgeous.

Afterwards we headed back for some food and then it was down to serious party time. We all got ready, we adorned ourselves with glow sticks and party attire and headed off once again for the beach where we planned on having a few fireworks for the kids before they went to bed.

As you will see in the video the beach was just far too windy for fireworks and so we headed back to the park (which you have to walk through to get to the beach). There, courtesy of Jo and Lewi we enjoyed fireworks and sparklers. It was then that we popped open our bottle of bubbly and sat back enjoying the moment. Hair of the dog worked just fine!

Then the most lovely thing happened. Lewi does the most special thing with his children where he opens the end of a glow stick and then splatters it through the grass and the trees and then they have to follow the 'fallen stars' - what a beautiful idea it was, the children (especially the little ones) loved it.

Back at camp the children went to bed easily being that it was late. Sadly though it started to rain and we all had to huddle under a tarpaulin that Lewi set up. The rain eased off after half hour and we were back to starry skies again. Blissful.

We were also treated to lots of starry people too! I have no idea who started it but someone thought it would be fun to open a glow stick and splatter it on someones trousers...well from then on it was war! Our camp was covered (as we were) in glow stick formula! Very childish but very very funny.

Midnight was finally upon us and the New Year arrived. We lep to our feet to do the countdown and upon the hour Tony sprayed us all with bubbly! We were also so very fortunate to have found Auld Lang Syne on the radio, not something I have heard on before here in NZ, so we got to sing our hearts out. I bet you could hear us for miles!

So as the New Year rolled in we all rolled off to bed with smiles on our faces and hopes and dreams for the future in our hearts. To be together with such amazing people and to be able to share such a special night will be something I will cherish forever. Made even more special by the fact it was Stef and Rich's, and Rachel and Craig's first ever NZ New Years Eve. Magical for us all.

Anyway, here is the second video. Stay tuned for Part Three coming soon!

New Year Camping Trip - Part One!

2009-01-03T17:29:00.016+13:00

Happy New Year!!

We hope you have all had a fantastic time! I know we certainly have.

On the 30th we headed off to Paekakariki (which is 20 minutes outside Wellington) for the most amazing camping trip ever. We met up with 6 of our closest friends and their families. What became of the days that followed are some of the most unbelievable moments ever, I cannot express to you just how much fun we have had - it has been so awesome.

We stayed at the Paekakariki Holiday Park from the 30th December to the 2nd January. Joining us were the families of:

Jo, Lewi and their sweetest children Sammy and Davey.
Joy, Dave (Lewis's brother) and their boy Josh, who also brought a friend of his along.
Craig, Rachel and their gorgeous boy Myles.
Stef, Rich and their gorgeous girl Daisy.
Tony, Denyse and their two stunning girls Beth and Maddie.
Susan, Grant and their beautiful children Samuel and Sophie.

We were booked in a 5 tent space plot (as when I booked this was all that was left) but the plot was of good size and in fact worked out perfectly. We all managed to get setup without any problems and a communal area was created in the middle courtesy of Lewi's gazebo. It couldn't have been a more of a perfect secluded private spot. The beer flowing from Camp Dawes upon arrival!

We all agreed to arrive at the same time and so we went forth with much standing around deliberating, hands on hips and scratching heads, finally leading the way to some serious tent building. Afterwards we all sat back, the children played and the alcohol was unleashed.

After the children all went to bed (without any trouble at all) we sat out till the wee hours talking and laughing. I will admit that before the trip I was a little concerned as to whether the different characters could/would relate, but it couldn't have been any easier. Everything was so relaxed, no-one felt that they needed to always go places together or always eat together, everyone could suit themselves, yet because of the way we setup we were all close enough to still be part of it all.

So as you can imagine I have a massive amount of photos and video. I am planning on doing the blog posts in three stages. So over the next few days you will get three installments, I will warn you now, there are some naughty words being used so please watch with caution!

Here we go, installment number one: New Year Camping Trip - Part One!

Remember Today

2008-12-29T20:51:00.014+13:00

This year we ventured intrepidly into Christmas, we were naturally excited to be in our first Kiwi home and to have Denver by our side, yet the feeling of actual Christmas was at the very least hidden.

I absolutely adore the fact we have the most beautiful weather, who can beat that summer feeling, having sand in your toes, the smell of BBQ's, yet the actual 'feeling' of Christmas that we are used to is now long gone!

The days that have followed have been truly stunning, simple moments that have made for the best of memories.

On Boxing Day we were kindly invited to Stef and Rich's house for a BBQ. The weather was blazing and Stef was of course not only beautiful but a stunning host and Rich cooked up an amazing meal. We had a wonderful time laughing and learning with our new gorgeous friends. Thank you.

The days have been a little confusing though, with Michael being off work it has felt like every day was the weekend! So as it is we always like to cherish our family time together we took off to the river for a few hours of rambling, splashing fun.

Yesterday was another hot day with temperatures reaching 25 in the shade. We hooked up with our good friends Jo and Lewi and the kids and headed up to Kaitoke. For the first time ever I was stunned to see the sides of the road covered with cars, our usual quiet spot was jammed and it was swarming, I am pretty sure the whole of NZ was at Kaitoke that day!!

Nevertheless we had a lovely walk up to a waterfall, and then back down to the river where the kids (big and small) played happily in the river. However despite the bliss we did have a complete drama with Denver.

All was going well at the river, we know not to let Denver off his lead if there are other dogs around as although his recall is excellent, if he sees another dog he suddenly shows his puppy age of 10 months old and just cannot resist!

From nowhere this Golden Retriever splashed full force into the river, before we could grab Denver the dog came over and what followed was a game of rough and tumble in the water.

Looking around anxiously for it's owner it just took off - with Denver following. A panicked race through the forest with us screaming after him was useless, we had no idea which way he went. Eventually I heard him barking and followed the sound. Still completely oblivious to the fact I was there (due to him still playing with the other dog) I was not only annoyed but horrendously embarrassed, but then as someone opened their back car door (as we do for Denver) he jumped in filling it with water and mud!!

I dragged Denver's sorry butt back to the car where he spent the rest of his time. I then had to go back and make endless apologies and clean the mans car. Yes Denver was without doubt in the wrong, but when I questioned the man as to why his dog was so far away, he said 'he likes to roam'.

Anyway, I was annoyed and very disappointed. Like any parent with a badly behaved child, you know how embarrassing and how hard you can be on yourself. Julia if you are reading....?

Today has of course been another amazing day. The sun has blazed so much that our plants needed an afternoon water as they wilted in the heat. We spent the morning taking down the tree and taking down the decorations. Then this afternoon we were joined for a wine by our lovely friends Rach, Craig and Myles - we sat outside at 33 degrees.

So we head away tomorrow for our big camping trip. We are sooo excited as we will be away over New Year. A little while back Michael and I came up with the most lovely plan to bring all our friends and their families together to celebrate. As it is we all have children being able to do such a thing is very rare now. So as it is also that we all camp - we had our solution!

We are heading away for three nights and cannot wait to celebrate it with our lovely friends - 7 other families! Denver is heading to his new 'doggy minder' (along with Chips) and we have a fantastic neighbour who is actually going to house sit for us so our house won't be empty! Magical.

So tonight we sit in anticipation of tomorrow. The weather has been so glorious all day, but tonight we were hit with a massive downpour. As it eased we were graced with the most stunning rainbow.

As we sit here tonight we raise a glass to you all, Happy New Year to all our gorgeous family, friends and all our blogging buddies - we love you all so very much.

Make it a good one, make it 2009.

“Remember today, for it is the beginning of always.

Today marks the start of a brave new future filled with all your dreams can hold.

Think truly to the future and make those dreams come true."

A Kiwi Christmas

2008-12-28T18:53:00.006+13:00

An early start as expected led to the most wonderful day. Our previous years have been in our old house, this one was the first in our new house which we moved into in January this year, and special it was.

Christmas Eve Michael and I put up Bethany's present from Santa which was a playhouse. We covered it in a sheet and we popped a note on from Santa. We were terrified though she would wander in through the night and spoil the surprise!!

Luckily she didn't, and it was kept as a wonderful surprise for the morning. Although you will see from the video a normally loud Bethany was quietly stunned I think. For the first time this year she actually took her time to open her presents, carefully giving each one the appreciation it deserved.

We had a lovely morning, mammy and daddy enjoyed their first glass of bubbly at 8.12am!!

Daddy was given a Scalextric by Santa (seems you can never be too old!) and I was given some beautiful jewellery. Good job Santa!

I then set to making a traditional roast dinner. It's been something we have always done in both families, it's something that Michael and I have fond memories of. The moments of sitting around the table with the ones you love sharing in the happiness of the day. This is something we want Bethany to have memories of too, so on the BBQ went the Turkey and the Pork....and they emerged with mouthwatering results too.

After a few more bottles of bubbly we couldn't do anything else but lay back on the sofa and watch Bethany play with her new toys.

It certainly gets harder being away from our parents every year, that's one thing that never gets easier. Skype is the most amazing invention ever, I cannot ever be more thankful than for Skype, to be able to talk to the ones you love 'face to face' is unbelievable.

A magical day, even Denver had a pile of presents for him to enjoy and he loved all the left over dinner! Thank you all dear family and friends for not only thinking if us but for keeping our love alive despite the distance.

Anyway, in true Dawes style, here is a video of our 2008 Kiwi Christmas...

Festive Fun

2008-12-24T18:27:00.026+13:00

So here we are again, Christmas Eve!

This week so far has once again been a busy week. A lovely week though, which has had a wonderful mixture of quality time alone and quality time with our friends. Before I knew it Christmas is on us. So once again a quick run down with some photos to the last few days for us.

On Saturday Michael, Bethany and Denver took a wet stroll out to Birchville Dam which is situated in Upper Hutt. We visited the dam in March this year and it was so beautiful, but much quieter with less water. This time round with the amount of rain we have had lately it was much noisier!

They had a wonderful time though, and Michael took some awesome photos and video of the dam in action.

Saturday night was our annual BBQ Christmas Party for the families of the 'Tuesday Ladies'. It was a fantastic night of unwrapping, eating and laughing. We bought secret Santa pressies too again this year - always worth a giggle, especially the Possum Fur Nipple Warmers!!

Monday we were kindly invited to dinner at Lewi and Jo's house. We enjoyed the company of Jo's lovely cousin Kaela and her fiance Scott. Jo cooked a meal that could have fed an army, she is just marvellous!

Monday morning as the sunshine was blazing we took a stroll to Trentham Park. We have been down here a few times and we adore the vast open space, it's such a tranquil place. Tuesday morning we headed back again but this time I packed breakfast (bacon and egg muffins) for us to enjoy. Bethany enjoyed skipping ahead with her butterfly net.

On the walk through the tree area I heard a familiar sound. A few months ago I was standing at the kitchen window when I heard the most amazing bird sound. I looked out to see two Lorikeets on a tree. By the time I had realised and scrambled to grab the camera they were gone. But here they were again....this time I caught them!!

We had such a lovely time at the park, so grateful for the holidays and the beautiful sunshine. It was so nice to not have to worry about being somewhere. Bethany loved the time she had in the play area, what made it extra special was that we were the only ones there!

Denver loved it to, certainly somewhere to pencil in for some good times with Grandma Dawes when she arrives in two weeks!

Tuesday afternoon we climbed aboard the train to take a trip into Wellington to meet Craig, Rachel and Myles for lunch. The train journey is lovely, especially when you break through to the harbour and you are greeted with stunning ocean views, what a way to travel!

Bethany and I made our way up to the Lady Norwood Rose Gardens (where we bumped into Craig, Rachel and Myles) and we had a lovely afternoon together sitting in The Dell eating lunch. Afterwards an obligatory wander to see the ducks and then it was time to hop aboard again on the way back. Such a nice afternoon. Again something else for Grandma to experience!

Last night we had Daisy staying with us. Rich and Stef are so very lucky to have their first visitor staying with them already. Dale arrived from the UK on Bethany's birthday and is due to head back Saturday, so it was time for them to have some adult time and hit the town!

Of course Bethany was in her element. Daisy got to sleep under her bed in bunk bed style. However they just talked and talked and talked until I could hear Bethany pestering Daisy but there was no reply as she was asleep, Bethany then drifted off too.

At 6.08am I awoke with a jump to hear the girls giggling...!

And now here we are, Christmas Eve. Its been so strange getting used to the change of season, I adore the fact we have a summer Christmas but when you are used to the fire roaring and you have grown up building snowmen it can be a bit of a shock.

Saying that though we are sadly sitting looking out at rain tonight. Its been pouring down all day and is apparently set in for tomorrow too. Such a shame as last year it rained too!!

Bethany has put out the food for Santa (he likes red wine and cookies!!) and has been tucked up in bed since 6.45pm!

Merry Christmas everyone, have a wonderful few days, I hope you have all been good and Santa brings you exactly what you wish for. Our first Christmas in our new home and with our new gorgeous puppy, and we are so very excited.

Lots of love for the festive season from The Dawes Family xxx

Licorice

2008-12-19T21:55:00.022+13:00

So much is going on here at Dawes HQ that it's been difficult to find the time to blog! It's a hectic time of the year (as we all know) so our blogging may slow down, but bare with us as full service will resume soon!!

Lets try and have a quick round up of whats been going on...

Last weekend we met at Oriental Parade with our new UK expat buddies Craig and Rachel to celebrate their son Myles's 3rd birthday. We were also joined by Sarah, Dan, Charlotte and Sophie. Stef, Rich and Daisy. Denyse, Tony, Beth and Maddie, and another lovely Expat couple who Rachel also met on the Internet originally from Scotland. Denyse was out numbered as the only kiwi there!!

We had a glorious afternoon in the sunshine, enjoying an afternoon on the ever popular beach with a picnic, bubbles and balloons to celebrate Myles's first ever kiwi birthday.

Saturday night I headed out with the 'Tuesday Ladies' for a meal in the city. It had been at least a month since we were out last so we made up the reasoning of it being Christmas and we needed a curry. It's bad for me that I can't remember where we ate...but it was nice (drunk? me? Never).

I asked for 'Indian Hot' and for once I was pleased. It was probably the strength of a UK Madras so I was happy. At one point I called the waiter over for some more ice (for the kiwi's that were dying over the heat of their Korma) and we ended up with a bowl of rice! Ice...rice, suppose it sounds the same.

Other things this week have been of course Bethany's birthday, and with it has brought so many changes for our little darling.

Wednesday night we went to the Kindy Christmas disco. I will admit I was dreading it, I have found some of the parents to very difficult to relate to and my personal Kindergarten experience not so flash, and so was dreading once again being sat in the corner on my own. Luckily my good friends Alina, Bethan and Emma were there to have a laugh with. We all agreed though that the Kindy could do with a bar though...

Thursday Bethany had her leaving party at Kindy. Oh it's been such a hard week for Bethany. She hasn't wanted to go to sleep at night proclaiming the longer she stays awake the longer she will still be going to Kindy. How little minds work. I really have felt for her, for so long she has been wishing to be 5 and now it's hit her like a ton of bricks and she really wasn't prepared.

Daddy and I took Bethany to Kindy on Thursday morning. The order of the leaving party was: prepare a birthday hat and a play-doh cake. Then sit up the front whilst the rest of the Kindy listen to stories of the time at Kindy, special claps and songs and then the big jump from the chair which is a symbol of heading off to school. Then it's sharing out food which you have brought with all of your friends and opening presents you have bought the Kindy. Ending with a giving out of gifts to all your buddies. Pressure? Who said that?

A whirlwind of a morning but very enjoyable too. Our big girl, heading off to school. Eeek.

Today was the last ever day of Kindy. Very sad indeed, I cried, Bethany cried, all the mothers were crying! Bethany moves on now and so do we. I have watched so many go through this moment and always been safe in the knowledge it's way off yet. Yeah it's not so way off anymore.

Bethany is coping well though, she has a whole 10 weeks at home with mammy now before actually starting school (as it's now the 6 weeks holidays here and then add another 4 weeks of 1 day school visits) so we will have some amazing time together. I am secretly pleased as I am just not ready to let go yet.

Along with all that we have been giving the garden a major overhaul. Last week I had an Arborist come in and give me some advice on some dying trees. The advice was pretty much that they were just at the end of their cycle so we have been planting new trees (but more to follow on that another post!).

Again another busy weekend ahead of us, remember although Dawes HQ is working hard to keep you up to date there might be a little break between each post.

6 more sleeps till Christmas....you ready for it??

Finally 5

2008-12-15T20:12:00.011+13:00

Well almost anyway. Officially it's not Bethany's 5th birthday till the 22nd December, but this year as she still has no actual idea of when her real birthday is, we celebrated it yesterday - on the 14th.

The morning started early as we guessed it would. Bethany's pure excitement showed as she walked into the front room and was greeted by a pile of pressies which had been sent from her friends and family back in the UK, and of course a few from mammy and daddy too.

A mass of wrapping paper and cards followed, some of the most wonderful gifts emerged from underneath. Grandad stole the show though with his sheep presents! We thank you all so very much our lovely friends and family!

The rest of the day was spent playing with Bethany's new toys and getting prepared for the party. We had bought Bethany a beautiful flowing party dress yet instead she chose to rock chick it up instead, suiting her new image perfectly!

The party was held at The Short Straw Cafe. One of our most favourite places to go, rolling hills set this beautiful venue which is made from straw so magnificently. It has a wonderful flow through the cafe out to an area at the back which has been set up for children and adults to enjoy in tranquility. We hired a side room which has double opening doors that went through to a grass area with tables and chairs, the staff were utterly fantastic, helping in any way possible, this is a 5* place that is for sure!

Inside there was a lovely little table with 21 places set for all of Bethany's friends. The entertainment arrived in the form of a Fairy and she proceeded to face paint and entertain the children.

As with any plans involving lots of people there is always something guaranteed to go wrong. On the morning we received a call saying that the Fairy lady we had booked was unable to do our show. Of course a moment of panic set in but luckily they were able to find a replacement.

The show provided by the replacement was excellent but sadly it wasn't anything that we had organised with the other lady, and so the show didn't pan out the way we hoped. However it was still excellent and it seemed like the children hadn't noticed. They all went home happy but empty handed though as the Fairy didn't bring the party bags as promised either! Ooops!

Out came the stunning ice-cream cake that we had ordered from Wendy's and it was as delicious as it looked, all the children loved the cake (and the adults too!).

The weather was perfect, the venue stunning, and having all of Bethany's friends (and our friends) around made it such a magical day. Thank you all for sharing such a special day with us.

After we had said our goodbyes it was back home for another round of opening presents, this time from her party friends. The presents were all so wonderfully perfect, every single one of them was literally perfect, Bethany not knowing what to do first!

However one in particular stood out which I felt I just had to mention. Alina is one of the most amazing women I know, she has so much going on and yet she still found time to paint a portrait of Bethany. Standing ovation deserved - honestly we are in awe - thank you so very much!

Also along winning the Wonderful Women Award is Catherine Cattanach who took some photos at the party. Ever the amazing talent and despite me telling her to 'take some time off' she just couldn't help herself, but we are so grateful, I mean just view these and you will see just how amazing she is.

Bethany's 5th Birthday - Photos by Catherine Cattanach

A late night was had yesterday but it didn't matter after such an amazing day. Even though we know Bethany isn't actually 5 yet I still had a tear as I watched her open her presents. So much has happened since she was born and we have achieved so much, suddenly from no-where she is now 5, scary stuff.

Our little girl is growing, faster than we really want her to, but it's happening and we are embracing it. It never gets any easier to be apart from our parents, our family and our friends, but to know they still think of us means the world.

Happy Birthday little lady.

5 years old and ready to conquer the universe - go get em' sweetie.

Mammy and Daddy love you xxx

Bethany's 5th Birthday

Pinky

2008-12-12T20:18:00.011+13:00

Being that mammy has some super cool blue hair extensions, Bethany has been beside herself with wanting some too. When one of my extensions fell out (due to my not so gentle hairbrush) I attached it to a clip and Bethany would wear it clipped in her hair. It then started where she asked if she could have it in all the time.

As it is I am absolutely convinced she would just pull out extensions, not to mention the problems with brushing and comfort issues I suggested the spray in hair colour. We attempted it on many occasions with a purple and pink spray but each time the colour just wouldn't show up on her dark hair.

Bethany recently had her hair cut at my hairdressers and I got chatting to the lovely stylist. She told me how her little girl has blonde and green streaks in her hair (she is 6) and how she loves them. Typically Little Miss Big Ears overheard and was desperate at the thought of having some of her own.

So I arranged with the hairdresser to have a streak of pink put in Bethany's hair. It was a treat for her upcoming birthday, and the results are magical!

The salon is lovely, they made Bethany feel very special. First off they had to turn Bethany's hair to blonde so the pink colour would take. It took about half an hour and Bethany entertained herself with snacks, twirling round and round in the chair and pulling funny faces.

Then the pink went on, again another half an hour wait which was filled with pretending to be a hairdresser and working on mammy's hair (I even got to wear the special cape) - much the amusement of the other salon users!

Finally Bethany was 'cooked'.

She absolutely loves her hair (as do I). We went shopping afterwards and people actually stopped to ask us about it, even asking about my hair too!

Mini hair celebrities - starting a new hair craze!!

Alicia Keys In Concert!!

2008-12-09T21:26:00.011+13:00

One thing that totally rocks about Wellington is that with it being the capital of NZ you get some of the most amazing gigs played here. Never have I attended so many shows, back in the UK it would have taken many hours of travelling to get to see anything, meaning I would never bother.

I must say though that sometimes things were worth travelling for and some of my most amazing memories are being part of Ozzfest, seeing Papa Roach literally a sofa length away, and meeting Bowling For Soup. Rock chick at heart, all the way.

Here though we have some of the most amazing performers at the 'local' and for it to be our local is truly amazing. Sometimes however we lose out to Auckland as the major stars bypass Wellington, probably due to it's smaller population. The Alicia Keys show in Auckland the night before the one here in Wellington was overwhelmed by the star guest Kylie! We would like to think the performers were doing it for their fans and not ticket sales...but...

So one day I had a call from Stef - she had noticed Alicia Keys was planning a trip here to little old Wellywood and wondered if we wanted to go. With a big thumbs up from me and a big thumbs down from Mr D (who was then nominated as the nights babysitter) we booked up.

Now lets get one thing straight, these were the most expensive tickets I have ever bought, a whopping $120 each, but I was pleased they were seated (being old now seats are always welcome!), and it was Alicia Keys after all.

As we drove into Wellington we saw the queue!! It tailed from the entrance of the TSB Arena right along the waterfront, must have been at least 300 people in that queue! Panic aside we obviously realised that this was the standing tickets queue and so we headed to the pub for a drink instead. We watched the queue grow and grow. Finally a security guy came round and ushered the seated ticket people at the other side of the building, so we headed off excited we would be in an exclusive queue....erm, not quite!

Doors opened at 7pm, at 8.15pm we finally graced our seats. On the way in we were searched and all bottles were taken off us. I had just bought a new bottle of water to take in (plastic bottle) but it was thrown in the rubbish bin. THEN we head to the bar (where they sell alcohol) to have to buy a new bottle of water for $5.....go figure????

We ended up with seats at the side which meant we had to turn to see the concert, no biggy but a little bit annoying when we paid the same as the other lucky people who were closer and forward facing. As the first note played this is the view we were treated to:

Note to brain: be quicker next time when buying tickets!

After a moan so the girls in front knew we were serious about not being able to SEE, and the big guy next to us was prodded by Stef with a 'er, 'scuse me but can you move back a bit?!' I think they got the message as the scared looks on their innocent 15 year old faces showed. The big guy moved two seats along too - sweet!! From then on in it was views all the way!!

Jordin Sparks supported Alicia and she was also amazing.

Finally just a little after 9pm Alicia took to centre stage.

The show was truly phenomenal. Alicia sung her heart out and you could really feel the passion. Thank you to Stef who took all of the lovely photo's and the videos which I put together below for your enjoyment.

A fantastic night out, Wellington certainly does rock and so do we!

That Time Again

2008-12-08T21:20:00.012+13:00

It may only come but once a year but heck the year has flown. I remember everything from last year so vividly, maybe that's a sign of old age, or maybe it's because it's true that time really does fly when you are having fun.

Saturday was the day for getting our tree. Normally we wait till at least the second weekend into December but I could wait no longer, not only could I see other trees and decorations popping up, but it takes a good few weeks to get used to the idea with the change in seasons from what we are used to, so an early start was needed.

Of course Bethany loved every moment, we picked up the tree from place just down the road who were donating part of the cost to the local disabled riding school. This year our tree cost us $40 and a graceful bargain it was too!

This tree has been trimmed to actually look more like a Christmas tree is supposed to. You know the standard shape that is known throughout the world, I can see now how it was we had comments that our tree from last year 'looked strange'!

We spent the day decorating, gigging out our Kiwiana decorations, dancing round whilst playing the usual Christmas tunes and literally getting wrapped up in the moment.

OK, so the tree is up, pressies are wrapped...whats left?

Oh yeah - sunblock!

Connections

2008-12-05T23:26:00.014+13:00

It's a beautiful wonderful world that we live in. In the last two years I have made some of the best friends I have ever had, inspirational, interesting, magical people.

I adore all of our friends, each one brings something new and different to my life, each one fulfilling a different area of my soul, each one so very amazing.

It was the most amazing day yesterday! I not only got to catch up with one of my best friends who I hadn't see in such a long time bringing our bond closer together, but I also got to meet up with some new friends who will stay in my heart always.

It's been many months since I last saw my gorgeous friend Monique. She is a beautifully talented actress who moved to Auckland in January this year. As it is that we don't visit Auckland much our paths rarely cross unless Monique makes it to Wellington. Luckily for us she was starring in a show at Capital E and so of course it was necessary to meet and have a girly catch up!

Bethany adores Monique so very much, as do I, she is truly an awe inspiring person, I miss her very much. Moments like these when we are together are to cherish forever.

Remember Craig?? He stayed with us way back in April this year and it felt like we had always known each other. Well Craig, his beautiful wife Rachel and their gorgeous little boy Myles have finally made it - they are here in Wellington starting their new life!

We met at the beach on Oriental Parade, a mixed tearful reunion with Craig and first time meeting of Rachel and Myles made for one of the most wonderful memory moments - they are absolutely gorgeous. Such a nice, honest, loving family who deserve nothing but they best. Welcome to NZ guys - we are proud to have you here and even more proud to be your friends.

Wellington City is a whole different world compared to where we are now. The sun was blazing as we said our goodbyes (after a delicious meal at Vista which felt like it was something we have always done together!) and as Michael headed home on his motorbike Bethany and I enjoyed playing a little longer.

We walked back to the car via the beach barefoot and just enjoyed being part of the amazing lifestyle that comes from such a magical place. It almost felt like we were on holiday, something that we need to do more often.

I am always learning, I am always growing and I am always amazed at what life can bring along. In such a short space of time we have met some of the most amazing people, been part of helping, watching and supporting those searching for the life we have, and we have loved ever minute.

Friendships old and new, all in one day, always in our future.

No Place Like....

2008-12-04T23:28:00.006+13:00

...New Zealand!!!

With these photos just in from my Mam I can honestly say that although it's pretty I am completely 110% happily content in our 28 degrees, blazing sunshine and the fact this is now what we call 'home'!

Happy digging Dad!

Gimme 5

2008-12-02T20:47:00.014+13:00

"Awwww, not fair. I wanted to be 5 before anyone else".

Familiar words in our house at the moment, Bethany feeling the strain of being 'left behind' and watching everyone else having fun at their birthday parties, and right now there are many of them!

Sunday was a whirl of dashing from one party to another, life never being more serious than the need to get to a child's birthday party on time without hassle!

Bethany got to celebrate with her two original swimming buddies on Sunday. I made good friends with Annemieke and Louise whilst sitting watching our children learn to swim. After a few terms we were meeting once a week for lunch and so the friendship grew not only for us but our children.

Despite Louise living in Mt Cook (centre of Wellington), Annemieke in Johnsonville (about 10 minutes out of the City) and of course us up here in Silverstream (which is 25 minutes from the City) we have still kept in touch. Of course busy lives meant less time together (even more so when the swim school closed down) so it makes the special moments of celebration even more special. Sadly both Louise and Annemieke are away for Christmas and will miss Bethany's birthday party.

So first up was Lydia's 5th. Princess Caroline arrived and ushered the all girl group to dress up, dance, paint nails and hear stories. Good fun for little princesses.

Next up was Norbert's 5th. He had his birthday at Tawa Pool which of course Bethany loved. Apt considering the way in which these two little friends met.

I do mean to be less selfish and focus on my little darling having a good time, but really, what happened to the only worry of the day being that I might miss my favourite TV show as I had partied too hard the night before and needed to sleep?

What happened to worrying about a broken nail?

Stressing over the fact the lady at the coffee house had got my order wrong again?

Worried about being late for my holiday flight because I was too busy in Duty Free?

Mumbling under my breath at the parent who could not shut that kid up?

Saying 'yeah right' to my mothers words of wisdom?

Oh yeah, I became a parent!

You know what? I wouldn't change a single moment, nothing can ever satisfy you more than to see the joy in the eyes of your child. To watch them grow and become happy, confident, loving people. To hear the pure heartfelt laughter at a simple tickle. To be proud.

That's what it's all about, and although it's not perfect, it's damn close. Life will never be like it was before child - and to be honest I am glad. It makes you realise just how little things actually meant and how the little things now mean the world.

So for us it's parenting united, let's bring on those parties!

Summer, Summer, Summertime

2008-11-29T07:50:00.014+13:00

It's 7.50am as I write this now. Michael and Bethany have gone off to do their Saturday morning swim thing leaving me home alone. Normally I would take advantage of this and have a bit of a lie in but on a day like today that's not going to happen!

The 1st of December is officially the start of Summer, yet for the last few weeks, despite the odd rainy day Summer has already started. To wake in the morning and see a cloudless blue sky and have temperatures already at 17 degrees, it really is bliss. If this Summer is going to be anything like last Summer then I know for a fact this will become way of life for us now for many months to come.

Still it is a strange one. Christmas is fast approaching - do I feel festive yet? Nah. I think it will take many years before I can get used to watching our Christmas tree decorations twinkle in the sunshine!

Bethany is as you can imagine so very excited. This year she turns 5 on December 22nd and so has a whole new understanding of what Christmas is about. We will be celebrating her birthday on the 14th December this year so we can try and break the two occasions up, the last few years have proved that trying to mix birthday and Christmas pressies together is just confusing and overwhelming! Funny though that for the rest of her life she will always associate her birthday with the sight of a Christmas tree.

Bethany prepared her list to Santa, it took us nearly an hour to sit down, sound out the words and for her to write them, but she got there in the end. Spelling mistakes and all - she was very proud. We popped it into the post to go to the North Pole and Santa should hopefully send her a letter back soon (thank you New Zealand Post!).

My week has been pretty busy, my social calendar has picked up and I have been getting together with my friends nearly every day, it's been lovely. As you might know Bethany is heading off to a school that most of her Kindy friends are not. It's difficult for Bethany to understand the reasons for this and so we have had a few long fuelled conversations on the reasons why.

I have been (selfishly) reluctant to buddy her up with children at her Kindy that are not going to her school as I can't bare the thought of what happened last time, happening again. So I took on the mission to at least seek out two new friends for Bethany that would be going to her school and make a point of her getting together with them.

Luckily for me the two friends Bethany has bonded with (one a boy and one a girl) have amazing mothers too!! I have had such a wonderful time with them, it's so lovely to meet new people and feel like you have known them forever. So here is Bethany and one of her new friends (who is just the most gorgeous girl with her long blond hair and blue eyes!) - all dressed up and ready for some festive fun.

Playing in the garden is foremost, we have had some of the best fun this week, the bubble machine being the most used and easily entertaining toy we have had in a while!

We have also been privileged to meet some of the most kind hearted, soul warming people. Our good friends Justin and Alina have been totally amazing. We did hit a rough patch recently with some neighbour issues (possibly another post on that another time!) but Justin and Alina have been so supportive. We did in fact feel very alone in our troubles yet they stood by us and gave us the strength to rise above it all. We cannot thank them enough.

We have so much to look forward to over the next month. All the festive parties, decorating our house for our first Christmas in our new home, our first Christmas with Denver, celebrating NZ style with a Christmas Day BBQ, our big New Year camping trip and then the arrival of Lynn (Michael's mam) early January for her second trip here with us.

I am so very excited about it all, and to be honest I'm not too worried about feeling festive. Just being here in NZ, knowing we not only made it but are here enjoying our 3rd Christmas in the blazing sunshine is just crazily awesome enough!!

On Days Like These

2008-11-27T22:38:00.007+13:00

26 degrees, muggy, and nothing better to do than go on a garden ramble to see what we can find...

Homeowner Joys

2008-11-25T21:08:00.008+13:00

We do adore our home, we fell in love with it when we first saw it, and for our first kiwi home it really isn't bad. Yeah its a little small and we do feel its size (the house is just 92 square metres) but being set on a 926 square metre plot what is lacking inside is definitely made up on the outside.

Today is the 1 year anniversary of when we signed the papers, the day we bought our home - how a year has flown!

The garden here is just amazing, it was the dreamy landscaped setting that won it over for us. 'Low maintenance' was mentioned and we were happy. Here we are 1 year later, very little done and suddenly every weed, every plant and all the landscaping now needs some attention!

The biggest job being the decks, two out the back and one main one at the front of the house. They were green, black and just horrible. We knew they would need some work but had no idea how much!

After 4 weeks, 3 tubs of spray cleaner, many night of tears due to being in such agony from scrubbing on my hands and knees, using a water blaster and Michael doing his back in, we now can be proud! From the photos below you can see the changes!

Back steps (the transformation):

Back deck (being stained after cleaning):

Front Deck (in working progress):
Oh the joys of owning your own home! I would like to say this job has been fun, but I won't!!

Next to tackle, the weeds! But don't worry I won't do a post about that, steady on, one post about the decking is by far enough for now!!

Road Trip

2008-11-23T23:36:00.010+13:00

The daily commute to work is made better by the fact it's via motorbike. During the harsher winter months I take advantage of the train, using the 35 minutes each way to read books - something neither myself or Marrisa have had time to do in a few years.

My daily ride is about 28Km's each way and is unfortunately mostly a straight line, anything far from scenic or exciting. This weekend was a perfect opportunity to do anything other than straight lines.

A friend at work recently bought a new bike and suggested we go on a road trip one weekend. I don't generally take much persuasion to go on a bike ride so we made a plan.

The route we chose was Wellington to Napier, then on to Taupo for the night, staying at a cheap motel then coming back via Wanganui and the ParaPara's. Only due to a slight technical hitch did we deviate from the plan!

The following video speaks for itself and the ride was nothing short of awesome. All I'll say to back my comment is this: My battery died at Woodville. With help I managed to bump start the bike and ride towards Pahiatua where it failed completely about 10 metres short of the gates of the Tui Bewery at Mangatainoka. If I'd planned to breakdown there, I wouldn't have been able to do it with as much accuracy as I did with the accidental stop!

Bike For Sale

2008-11-21T19:09:00.007+13:00

Ahhh, lets get the picture started, a gorgeously warm sunny day in Wellington City. Oriental Bay teeming with people enjoying the outdoors, children laughing and the usual gusty wind blowing our hair in all directions.

A happy time of meeting with friends and appreciating all that life had to offer that day. Giving the children the freedom to ride their gorgeous little push bikes along the most breath taking environment. Ice creams, seagulls and bare feet...you getting the picture now?

It all started with meeting Stef and Daisy, we had planned to take the girls along Oriental Parade before and enjoy a picnic together on the beach but sadly weather had always been a decider for us. Then finally the opportunity came, the skies were blue and the day gorgeous.

As Stef and I walked and talked the girls rode their bikes. All seemed blissful.

Well all would be if Bethany wasn't yelling at the top of her 'I am so badly done to' voice. It seems that poor little hard done to Bethany doesn't like her bike. She got off, she threw it and a series of tantrums followed. Blissful not so much anymore.

(Yes I took photos of it all...good tantrum photos are hard to come by!).

Despite wanting to sellotape her to her bike and make her ride, it was just easier to push the god damn thing from one end of Oriental Parade to the other, whilst Bethany skipped happily alongside. Daisy was an absolute trooper and enjoyed the ride from beginning to end.

It was all smiles the rest of the afternoon once the bike was removed and we had a lovely picnic on the beach. The girls played on the sand and in the water whilst us ladies got to put the world to rights.

So yeah, there is now a beautiful brand new, one lady owner, only ridden 6 times princess bike going that needs a new home! Any takers?

No idea why Bethany hates her bikes so much. She has never had an issues and never fallen off. We have a photo of her somewhere at my parents on her first ever bike screaming just the same! It's no worry though, all kids are different and I guess this just isn't her thing.

Poor old Santa better get his thinking cap on and come up with a better present this year though!

Let's Smile Kids...

2008-11-19T20:20:00.008+13:00

Remember that post I did a while back about things that make you smile?

Random things that totally blow you away and make you so grateful for all you have are captured on photo but they are never big enough moments to waffle on about on the blog, so I decided to put them together as one.

Bethany and Denver have been two very lucky kids recently, both have had some crazy moments, so let me share them with you. This weeks 'smiley moments' are:

Bethany

Being so over excited at the fact she could finally get her paddling pool out and enjoy the sunshine:

Getting to meet Tinkerbell from a Peter Pan production that we went to see with the Kindy:

Eating the first of our home grown strawberries:

Playing with Daddy and the garden hose on another gorgeous sunny day:

Having special one on one time with some of her best buddies:

Denver

Getting a new collar (as he has outgrown his second one!) and looking rather regal:

Being just the most gorgeous cuddly cutest dog ever as he slept next to us on the sofa!:

Excitedly running wild and free on the beach:

Getting up close and personal with his own poo (I'm sorry but why would you want to sit so close to it!!):

And finally being the most flat outstretched dog in the world...:

Awesome kids - don't you just love them!!

Feeling Festive?

2008-11-16T21:12:00.005+13:00

UPDATE: The video has now been uploaded! For some reason You Tube are giving me grief with the quality of video. It's not fantastic quality sadly but hopefully you can see beyond that - and to the fun in the sun!!

It's November, it's hot and it's the Santa Parade!

We keep talking about how Christmas comes round earlier each year, here in NZ it's sooner than we can ever get used to. Having to prepare and send all our Christmas gifts to the UK early November to guarantee arrival is complete madness. I was wrapping Christmas pressies before I even had my birthday in October!

Last year the Santa Parade rocked Wellington, the parade is literally one of the best we have ever seen. This year it was even better. With over 60,000 people lining the streets of downtown Wellington we were guaranteed a stunning time. The Tip Top Santa Parade did not disappoint.

We met up with Stef, Rich and Daisy and we watched as the most amazing festive creations passed by. Last year we stood in 22 degrees, this year peaked at 19 degrees - and naughtily we have the sun burn yet again to show for it!

It still takes a while to get used to but we are ready for another Christmas New Zealand style!

Ouchy

2008-11-14T21:37:00.008+13:00

Poor little Bethany is having a tough time at the moment, not only is she not in the right head space due to things happening outside her doing, but she has today been in the wars.

One striking difference here in NZ to the UK is the laid back approach to everything. Such comments as 'it'll be right mate' are thrown around to ease situations.

When Bethany joined Kindy I was concerned at various things that I saw. The woodwork bench being the most scary with children being allowed to play with full sized hammers and saws. Just last week we watched a fashion show which was recorded and handed out to parents to watch at home. It was so sweet to see all the girls get dressed up and parade down the 'catwalk', but when the catwalk was a balance beam covered with a loose sheet and the girls toddled off in adult sized heels, we could do nothing be cringe as we watched it.

Today I arrived at Kindy to pick up Bethany, and was greeted by one of the teachers. She informed me that Bethany had cut her hand with a knife whilst preparing the fruit for everyone. I didn't of course make a big deal of it, they assured me it was only slight and Bethany looked fine so off we went. Of course a little miffed that no-one had called me, but I just smiled and took my brave girl home.

Expecting a slight cut under the huge plaster, my mouth fell open when I had to take it off due to a bleed through. Poor Bethany's hand was so badly cut that I had to phone the Doctors for an emergency appointment. She needed some butterfly stitches!

I am trying to be cool about this but I am in fact very annoyed. Bethany is 4 years old and being allowed to use a knife that can cause such damage is terrible. The headteacher wasn't at Kindy today so I spoke with one of the other teachers on the phone about it and sadly nothing was really said to explain what happened, so I will speak to the head next week.

No swimming, no getting her hand wet and no over exertion makes Bethany one unhappy girly. I took her off to the shops to cheer her up and she was allowed to buy a gift for being so brave, but painful tears at bed time tonight was just awful.

There is nothing worse than a Health and Safety freak, someone who just wants to take the fun out of everything. But this time maybe I might need to be one of those as there really was no fun from this at all.

Rural Style

2008-11-12T21:15:00.010+13:00

After talking about missing a bonfire in my other post it was welcome news to find out we had again been invited to our friends Chris and Karolyn's house for a fireworks party. If it was going to be anything like last year (when Michael flew in a helicopter!) then we knew it was going to be good.

Chris and Karolyn have a gorgeous home. It takes a good hour to get to their house down the drive (well actually 5 minutes but it feels like an hour!). It's set in rolling hills with the most stunning views, rural, peaceful and just wonderful. Also still with the cow pat!

They are so lucky. Well it was all nice and quiet till all the guests showed up!

Michael was in his absolute element, like a monkey in a banana shop or a snail on my veggies, he was just beside himself with excitement. He got to ride motorbikes, quads, shoot and drink all at the same time. Yep he can multi task it seems when it comes to stuff like this.

Bethany played so very happily with the other children, she loved seeing Brianna (who is the daughter of another one of Michael's work colleagues) and she just adored hanging out with the older girls, who she idolises as they remind her of her cousin Amy back in the UK who she misses so desperately. Bethany loved the night, running from one place to another, pestering people - she was in her element too!

After a monster BBQ the bommy was lit, the sparklers came out and then the fireworks started. I got to meet some new work colleagues and we finally met our good friend Jeremy's new girlfriend. It was so lovely to be part of the magical night. Chris and Karolyn are so lucky to have such a wonderful place. A place that reminds me so dearly of my childhood, open land, tearing round on bikes...ah the memories. Maybe one day we can re-create all that for Bethany too.

Of course here are some more wonderful photos - thank you everyone for a fantastic night - see you all next year for another round!!

Bonfire Party

Rough With The Smooth

2008-11-10T19:17:00.009+13:00

Bethany is doing well at Kindergarten but she is now starting to falter a little.

The Kindy is lovely and the teachers amazing, that has never changed, it's just with the way children move onto school here in NZ that's causing some issues. They move on the actual day of their 5th birthday or immediately after if it falls on a holiday not like in the UK where they all move together on the term in September.

Poor Bethany seems to make friends with some of the most gorgeous children only for them to be whisked away to school never to be seen again. The whirlwind aftermath of everything being 'normal' at Kindy and new younger children coming in to replace them upsets Bethany, she wants to know why her friends keep leaving her, and why these new kids cannot speak to her, she is feeling very left behind.

The biggest blow for her which has literally rocked her world, and changed her into one very unhappy little girl is the loss of her best friend. Two girls that couldn't be separated, two girls that would run to each other and hug when they saw each other, two girls who would make things and give them as gifts to each other every day, two girls who now no longer see each other - at all.

Bethany's friend left for school a little over 4 weeks ago now, but it feels like a lifetime to her. She cries randomly and gets very upset, very much like she is in mourning for her. Speaking up with sad little moments such as 'I remember the last time I had this ice-cream...it was with my best friend' or 'I want to lie here with this coat as my best friend gave it to me'...heart breaking stuff really and it brings tears to my eyes to watch her so desperately sad. I have in fact cried for her, laying awake at night worrying about her, wondering what to do.

So of course you may wonder what happened to the 'best friend'? Well nothing at all, she went off to school as normal and I have heard she is doing well. The problem is that despite forming a tight friendship with her mother, the issue being is that it's actually me that has been dropped like a lead balloon.

We spent time together every other day, coffees, chats, lunches. We would even chat on the phone, have family gatherings and babysit each others children. Then it all changed. It changed from the day Denver came into our life.

The mother made it clear she wasn't happy of our 'choice' of dog and blatantly told me on the phone she wasn't going to tell us 'how to live our life'. She never contacted me again, avoiding me at Kindy too. I cannot tell you how much this annoys me that so far on our journey of breed ignorance we are still faced with the same crap.

Sadly the mother then intervened further. I heard she was spending more time at Kindy trying to keep the girls apart, finally of course getting ready for the big split. I have more than on one occasion contacted her, I have been bloody pissed right off and have confronted her about her actions, yet she is one of those who smiles to your face, and will rip you to shreds behind your back. Yes, one of those, and I know this as fact as I have witnessed it sadly directed at other Kindy parents who think they are friends.

The point I am getting to here is that I cannot explain to Bethany why. I cannot explain why she can't go see her best friend when she finishes school, or at the weekend, or even talk on the phone. I hide the photos and the pictures. I cannot tell her the truth as she will not understand, but right now I am sadly the one to blame, Bethany's anger is directed at me as I am the one saying no.

Only just the other day I had a call from my gorgeous neighbour who had spent a morning cuddling my girl, trying to stop the tears as she cried hysterically over a photo of her best friend she had seen in her profile book. I wasn't there for her, it tore me apart to know that my girl feels so strongly about this that she is willing to cry so openly for others. At that point luckily she was with someone who understood. I am so glad Alina was there for Bethany.

Sadly Bethany knows that her best friend won't come round because she is 'scared of the dog', it's so horribly terrible that at 4 years old she knows to ask how long it will be before Denver dies...

Despite the ups and downs so far I think (and hope) Bethany will come through this stronger. She has been so sad lately, waking many times in the night, sleeping with us and coming out with strange and sad things randomly through the day. Right now I am so reluctant to make play dates with other children at Kindy as they are all heading off to a different school, I really don't want to make it any harder for her, and selfishly for me too.

Maybe I worry about things too much but this has really got to me, if I had a simple answer as to why someone would just drop a friendship and split up two young girls then maybe I could let this go, maybe if Bethany was stronger then she could cope too, maybe its my parenting that's failed here? Maybe I could have gone about this another way? Many 'whats if's' later...

Whatever the reason we can only move forward, and it has done nothing but bring Bethany and I closer together which is just awesome. I adore my little girl, I have so many aspirations, dreams and hopes for her, but to see her this way breaks my heart.

For now we will ride this storm and hopefully come crashing out the other side.

Watch out world, Bethany Dawes is coming through......soon.

Erotica Expo 2008

2008-11-08T22:50:00.004+13:00

Today was such a laugh!!

Stef, Katie and I headed to town to go check out the Erotica Expo that was on at the TSB Arena in Wellington. Of course it is exactly as the title says, based on Erotica.

I was actually expecting for it to be quiet, but the queues of people wanting to get in, and the crowds inside proved otherwise. Inside there were a massive amount of stalls, all selling different things, ranging from sex toys, dress ups right through to hair extensions, make up and nail art. It was a huge mixed bag and quite good really for us girlies.

For the boys of course there were half naked ladies wandering round, we watched a jelly wrestling match which was basically two girls stripping each other off, and we also watched a naked lady dance on stage. Sadly though that wasn't the nicest thing to watch, a bit too graphic to be honest!!

Freebies galore, beautiful products and discount vouchers were handed to us. We tested out some nail art, some make up and I am now the proud owner of some bright blue hair extensions!! But the best was yet to come...

We headed off to the bar for a quick slurp but became distracted by the 'have your photo taken with a porn star' area. We went over to have a giggle and see who was parading around when we had the funniest idea to have our photo taken with the only male porn star who was there!!!

We were led off into a dark room and here is the result:

Evan Stone (please remember he is a porn star before clicking his website!) was lovely but not at all anything either of us girls found attractive! His long hair was enough to put us off!! However such a flippin' giggle and well worth the day out!!

I don't know, blogging about meeting porn stars...who would ever have thought it!! Awesome!!

Remember Remember...

2008-11-06T17:41:00.017+13:00

...the 5th of November?

But does anyone actually really remember it for what it was though? I mean do you really now think of November 5th as the night Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in the Gunpowder Plot?

Nah, of course not. Even less so here in NZ as the reminiscent memories of being able to have a bonfire in your back garden, spending weeks and weeks preparing it are long gone. Here in NZ you cannot have a fire of any type without a permit. There are strict rules on buying fireworks too and you only have 4 days in which to do so.

Our third experience here in Wellington and this year was definitely just as amazing. The first year we watched the fireworks from the actual harbour, standing and staring up at the lights, feeling the 'booms' inside our chests and being part of the magical atmosphere. I will never forget hearing the 30,000 people that lined the harbour clapping at the end of the show whilst standing there in the dark.

The year after we were invited to spend the night with our dear friends Tony, Denyse and their two gorgeous girls Beth and Maddie at their house. They have a stunning home in Brooklyn which looks directly down to the harbour. We had such a wonderful time, so much so that this year we booked ourselves in for another go!!

This year though was extra special, we also got to share this amazing experience with our new expat buddies Stef, Rich and Daisy. So we all trooped off up to Tony and Denyse's house where we ate pizza like never before and got ready for a fireworks spectacular like never before.

Despite the fact the ship containing the fireworks never arrived for the event and the weather was playing havoc, the event went ahead as planned. The morning started of horrendously with dark skies and gale force winds, however it seemed that Mother Nature knew we had something we wanted to do, and you can see from these photos just how amazing it was to watch the stunning clouds disappear as it reached darkness.

9pm couldn't come round soon enough, we kept saying to the girls 'not long now' but of course it seemed like a lifetime to them (and us when they keep going on and on about it!).

For some reason the show opted out of having the helicopter fly in and release some flares as it has done in previous years (possibly due to the cargo not arriving), but still without that the show began...and so did the magic. Over 100,00 people lined the shores of Wellington this year ready for sky to be lit up in pure firework delight...

Finishing the night with some sparklers, we all had an amazing time. The girls loved every minute, despite their tiredness they just wanted to keep going and going.

Tony and Denyse are so very kind letting us share the magic from their home, they have been so supportive to us and its wonderful to have made such a friendship. We hope Stef and Rich had a good time too, we hope their first ever fireworks experience here in Wellington was as magical as they have all been for us.

So no longer should we 'remember remember the 5th of November' for all that Guy Fawkes nearly did, and let it be a time of 'remember remember the 5th of November, a time best shared with your friends, in the company of fireworks'.

Every Cloud Has A...

2008-11-04T19:06:00.010+13:00

Well I thought it was a silver lining, but apparently not. I was sat at work this morning and glanced out of the window towards the (somewhat limited) harbour view I have and saw this:

A cloud you say... yes I know. But not just any cloud. Take a closer look!

Still can't see it? Look closer!

Ever seen a rainbow running all the way around the outside of a cloud? No, not me either. I half expected the end of the world and Wellington to be invaded by flying My Little Ponies. Don't laugh, they say the end is coming, who's to say it won't be at the hooves of airborne children's toys?

The First Of Many

2008-11-03T17:38:00.014+13:00

With the sunshine visiting us more often nowadays the summer feeling is starting to creep back. Just yesterday we heard our first Cicada in the garden and dragonflies hovered round our decking. Of course with that summer feeling comes...the first BBQ of the season!!!

We were lucky enough to enjoy the company of our dear friends Stef, Rich and Daisy. It was such a wonderful afternoon and the weather couldn't have been more perfect, blissfully blue skies.

Stef and I wistfully sat in the sunshine drinking some of the most delicious drinks that always seem to taste better in the blazing sunshine, the boys hovered by the BBQ and the girls played, we all laughed and we all got to enjoy the best bonding session...finally getting to introduce our 5th family member - our much beloved BBQ!!

The girls had fun doing what girls usually do, dressing up, playing games and making much use of the trampoline.

Plenty of food, drinks and ice-cream later seemed to send us all crazy. Stef decided to show us her gymnastics on the trampoline (which scarily looked like a tampon advert), Bethany of course then wanted to re-inact what just happened!

Then it got even wilder...we got out the face paints! I know, we really do know how to throw a party. Maybe we should rename the blog 'Wild Dawes' :-)

We all got a turn, should have read the box really and I am sure it would have said 'results may vary'.

Typically in usual Stef fashion she had to face paint like we were in some national face painting competition and opted for a 3D bunch of grapes on Rich's cheek...some people eh?

For many more crazy photos see Stef's blog!!

One fantastic afternoon. That summer feeling was well and truly happening and I am going to be optimistic and say BBQ season is now in full flow! Choice!

All Quiet...

2008-11-02T21:39:00.007+13:00

What feels like a summer afternoon, laughing, running, dancing. Chasing bees and butterflies, being happy.

Then...no noise. A strangely worried mammy goes to investigate...

"Where are you both??!"

Awwwww....no way could this be any cuter!

Hollow een?

2008-10-31T20:26:00.012+13:00

Ah, the memories.

Adorned with the best home made costume and wearing mammy's make-up, standing on tiptoes as I peeked out of the window onto the night so very dark. Candles flickering in the windows of every house in the street. Hearing laughter and singing from the street outside, and the full bright moon shimmering its path into the distance.

Scurrying out past the carved turnip I made with mammy earlier (don't know why we never had pumpkins!), into the damp cold air, dashing from house to house whilst holding onto my carved turnip with dear life. Excited, hurriedly impatient for the next person to answer their door so you could shout 'trick or treat'. Waiting to genuinely surprise them and hoping for praise on how you looked, never once giving a thought to what treat would come, just that it was fun.

Decorated houses with webs, spiders and silly snow spray. Bobbing for apples. Eating homemade toffee. Trying on each others best homemade creations. Parents proudly hovering around soaking up a drink or two to relax after all the fun.

Happily falling asleep under the blankets whilst your skin still tingled from the lingering cold air. Dreaming of happy witches and laughing ghosts, and still being able to smell the pumpkin on your fingers. These are my memories of Halloween that I cherish so very much, magical memories.

Tonight after attending The Big Halloween event at Capital E in Wellington, Bethany came at me with many questions. She has heard me speak of what Halloween is, my recollections of it and tonight she was so very excited by the thought of actually going to Halloween. All day she has been asking: 'how long now till we go to Halloween?'.

The show at Capital E was interesting. Last year we had such a laugh and saw some wonderful things, Bethany was much younger and the whole thing was really just about having her face painted, but the theme 'Medievil Madness' seemed to link better to Halloween for some reason. There were no questions from Bethany last year. Everyone also seemed more 'into' Halloween, whereas this year I felt something was lacking.

Now don't get me wrong, Capital E had again done their utmost to bring theatre to life, and they truly succeeded at trying their best, but I personally felt it was the wrong type of theatre. This year it was called The Twisted Circus, we got to see The Bearded Lady, Leo The Lion-faced Boy, The Mechanical Doll & the Strong Man. All excellent performers, but Bethany wasn't fooled or impressed, and I heard other children also ask their parents why that person was doing what they were.

Going into the Hall of Oddities we were greeted by aliens and mummies...?

We arrived just in time to catch a floor show of juggling, jokes and magic tricks. One lady came and banged nails up her nose and made a finale of pushing a screwdriver down her nose into her throat, it was all very entertaining but claps and laughs were limited. Some people I think were not only shocked but I think confusion as to where the Halloween theme had gone was showing on everyones faces.

Outside Bethany had a bounce on the bouncy castle, she played on the fairground type game and she won some bubbles and a necklace, but I felt myself looking for more. Looking around to make sure we hadn't missed anything. We left a little deflated, happy at what we had seen (I mean it cost us $2 for the actual show inside so that was awesome!) but still just feeling like something wasn't right, spending money on bouncy castles and fairground games wasn't what I had in mind.

I can totally understand Capital E wanting to keep things fresh and new each year but I honestly think this type of event could have been at any time. Halloween events should be just that - focused on Halloween.

Bethany and I stopped off at a restaurant called Stellar for a pizza on the way back to the car. Over a much needed wine for me and a serious glass of water for Bethany, she asked me what Halloween was actually all about. I tried explaining the real history of it all but it was met with a blank face.

Thoroughly confused as to what I have told her and what she saw tonight Bethany has been quiet, which is unusual for her. She is growing, learning and challenging things, and knowing when some things are just not what she expected she can now talk about it.

Whatever the case is I want Bethany to have the memories I did. Next year we are going to have to do something much more traditional. Tomorrow I will speak with her again and we will go over the history of what Halloween is all about.

Normally I would be one to just shrug it off and let is go as just a fun night out, but when it comes to trying to justify my memories and Bethany trying to justify what she expected, then we will need to talk about this further.

Oh heck, Christmas is next. Bethany knows all about that one so hopefully this wont need any clarification!