Farewell 2006

Well 2006 has finally gone and what a year it was. Lots of fond memories and not so good memories to think about. Hoping that 2007 will be a better year.

Xmas day meant travelling to our daughters place in Auckland for the day. It was a great day with several families there, lots of kids, food and of course drinks.
Opening the presents was chaos but the kids loved it.

We got a lovely present with towels etc that came in very handy on the way home owing to Marie indulging in too much drink (but we wont go there).

The biggest smile of the day belonged to Kelvin who loved his Bob the Builder scooter that Santa gave him.

While at our house the presents waited under the tree for our other daughter Pania and her family to arrive.

They arrived on Boxing day and it did not take long for the presents to be opened.

Anna seemed pleased with her dolls

and Lorenzo with his watch and games

But of course it did not take long before it was time for the park and beach to beckon.

More next Blog

More photos from last blog

Here are a couple more photos that for some reason I couldn't download from the last blog.

Zack and Phoenix (aren't they cute)

Marie and Patti at the BBQ (he is no good at fishing, or gardening)but great at BBQ's

Take care.

Santa Parade

Last Sunday we went and picked our grandson Zack up to go to the Santa Parade in Auckland. It was his first time so we decided to make it a bit more special and travel from Papakura by train.
We had a good trip in and joined our daughter Pania and her 6 children amongst the crowds lining the streets. This was where i discovered that i should have taken a blanket to sit on (remember that for next year) so we had to sit on the pavement.

After a short wait there was a lot of give-aways for the kids so that kept them amused until the parade started.

As I spent all afternoon holding Zack I could not take any photos of the parade but it was very rewarding to see the excitement on the kids faces when they recognised characters like the simpsons, bob the builder, sponge bob and of course the biggest cheer was for Santa.

After the parade we went to Aotea centre for more amusement and give-aways. Soon it was time to take the train back so we decided to take Phoenix with us as she had never been on one before.

On the way back Zack suddenly got excited as he saw Santa on the platform when the train stopped. Yes it was Santa leaving his reindeer behind and joining us on the train.

Soon we arrived back at Papakura and we thought it was so sweet how Phoenix and Zack stayed close to each other all day and even held hands when walking.

After saying goodbye to Zack we took Phoenix home to find that Pania and her partner Patti had arranged a BBQ for us. Soon it was time for us to head home, tired but happy that our grandchildren had a good time.

Take care.

What a week

What a week we have just had. It started on Sunday when the motel where Marie works had a surprise International Celebrity staying for the night.
Marie was pleased to meet and chat to Michael Crawford, the star of Some Mothers Do Have Them, Barnham and of course was the original Phantom of the Opera!!
He was on a private visit to New Zealand and readily agreed to sign Maries shirt.

Marie showing the signature.

This shirt will probably never be washed again and will stay as a reminder of Marie meeting Michael Crawford.

Tuesday was music practice for Marie and the music group getting ready for their Christmas social evening.

Wednesday saw a quick evening trip tp Auckland arriving home at 1.15 in the morning ready for me to start work at 6.30!!

Saturday we had the posties Christmas Party BBQ at the bosses (Kay and Bill) home. It was one of the best evenings we have had for a long time, with excellent company, food and of course drinks. Again it was about 1.15 in the morning when we got home.

Sunday was Maries 7th day in a row at work while I had the day off. I decided to go to Auckland and visit Jannine and my grandson Zack. Much to my surprise Zack decided he wanted to come with me for the afternoon, so we left Jannine and headed off to the miniature trains at Mangere. It was his first time and thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so that he decided that we had to have 4 rides all on different trains.

Zack checking out the controls

After this it was time to buy some bread and head off to Western Springs to feed the Ducks, another first for Zack.

Look out ducks!!

We had a great time and it didn't take long for the bread to go. Mainly to the black swans and the baby ducks (Zacks favourites).

Zack got very excited half way round the park when he discovered there was also a playground. So off he went for some exploring and fun.

In the Castle

After the park it was time for some more feeding of the ducks and we also saw the largest group of eels I have ever seen of all sizes.

Leaving the park we also found a Gypsy Fair in the field next door. Zack was more impressed with the chickens than the ponys but soon forgot both when he spotted a roundabout.

After 2 rides it was time to head home. We both had a good time and after a tearfull farewell I still had a 2 hour trip home.

As you can see it was a busy but enjoyable week with work and all the other events, so hopefully this week will be more leisurely.

Until then take care.

The Watsons

Well another interesting week gone by during which I managed to bugger up my postmans motorbike, and hopefully, I will get a replacement soon as I have to ride the old spare scooter which must have came from the Ark.
Marie had a busy week but was pleased to be made supervisor at the motel she works at. She also had a good night at the Music Club, where she plays the drums and sings.

Yesterday we visited some old friends of ours the Watsons. Dave and Fionna used to live in Tairua but moved to Hamilton a couple of years ago.
They recently moved from the city to the countryside to a nice 4 bedroomed house.

The Watson residence

Also there was their daughter Yvette ( or "Sh_gg_r" as I call her) and her children Nathan and Carly.

We had our usual catching up on gossip time and as usual a lot of laughs. Fionna, who works at the local hospital, had to work so left the cooking to Marie and Yvette.

Marie holding Carly, and Yvette

Unfortunately 2 women in the kitchen usualy spells disaster and Yvette managed to turn the garlic bread into something like a "burnt brick". As those who know me realise with my teeth it was a no-no. Still the salad was nice.

Nathan, who is used to his mums cooking decided it was better to raid the fridge, leaving poor old Dave to eat the scraps!!

Even Fionna decided it was better to suck her finger!!

Serious now, apart from the garlic bread the food was excellent and we both thoroughly enjoyed our time with the family. As I said before , Dave and Fionna are very good friends and we all hope to get together again sometime over the Summer holidays in Tairua.

Take care and have a good week.

Fireworks

Another week gone and not too much out of the ordinary. Marie has been kept busy with her motel work while I had a good week with my postman job.

The highlight was last night when we travelled to Auckland (a 2 hour journey either way) to a firework night at our daughter Karen's place. Karen and her partner Sala have 4 children Kealey, Shaiden, Chance and Calvin.

Marie and Sala waiting for the action to start

Chance getting into the swing of things and practising the "cheessy grin"

Calvin also has (the grin)

But Chance has perfected it

So has Kealey!!

All of which leaves Karen wondering

Lord, who owns these kids!!

It was a good night with lots of fireworks and the grandchildren behaved (for once) and all enjoyed themselves. Next year we hope to arrange a family firework/ BBQ night with all the children/grandchildren (if my nerves can take it).

This coming week should be back to normal, so until then, take care.

Ocean Beach Tairua

At last after months of putting it off, I have managed to start a blog site. The purpose of which is to allow family, friends and anyone curious enough to see what we are up to. I hope to do a weekly update.
We, Marie and I, live in Tairua or as we like to call it Paradise. Marie works at a local motel as well as having a part time cleaning business, and I am a part time Postman.

Our family consists of 4 adult children and 13 grandchildren with number 14 on the way.

We hope in time that we will do an interesting site with family and local news.

Until then take care.