A Boy's Affair

Today was Mervin's 43rd Birthday. We had an early start to the day with mass at 8.30am and then off to Waiuku for the Country Boys Toys Fair held at the Aka Aka School Grounds. The stopover at Vicki and Arthur's place took longer than expected as we got sidetracked by the juicy peaches, grapes and nashi pears.

After we'd had our fill, it was off to the fair. The kids headed straight for the massive playground, which was extremely lavish for a small country school. Mervin and Arthur headed off to the Vintage Tools hall whilst Vicki and I went round looking at antique cars. I'm not much of a car fan but this fair was something else, the Bentleys (my favourite), Mustangs, Cheveys etc were in such excellent condition. It was very interesting seing so many vintage cars all at one place. To have a taste of what country life is like, Tim had a go at sawing a log. Not bad, with a lot of help, a piece came off. Back at Vicki's place, Vicki had a surprise birthday cake for Mervin. Thanks Vicki!

Lilly's Locker Beach Trip

About 8 of us mums and dads had to chaperone the 30 littlies to the private beach across the school. The water level was only ankle deep for about 30 metres out in the sea. It was perfect for the outing. The kids had races, swam, built castles, created sand art, picked up little beach treasures and some pirates even left some lollies buried in the sand for them.

Tim and his mates

We brought the boys to Treasure Island Mini Golf. It was a surprise for Tim till we arrived. He was expecting a party at home. Weather was great but very hot. Lovely place for a family outing.

Tim is 8

Tim turned 8 on 15 Feb. The school had a Welcome Picnic so we brought a cake there together with dinner rolls and chicken nibbles. Kids played on the giant water slide put up by the PTA. More people than expected turned up in our corner - we had Justin Croudace and his family, Mei and her kids, Alicia and her kids and Priscilla and her family. Mrs Lindstrom, the VP spotted us with a birthday cake and came by to wish Tim. The candle was no match for the wind so we gave up! Tim made his wish and we dug into the home made Pokemon cake.

Chinese New Year 2007

We had a Chinese New Year celebration at church this year, so we had to dress up for the occasion. It was nice for the Kiwis to suggest having a do. Of course, we had a Kiwi sausage sizzle out in the back yard but we Asians brought our Asian fare. For entertainment, there were Korean drummers, a Taiwanese dance and a tae-kwon-do demo. We couldn't get a Lion dance troupe unfortunately.

Had Robert, Priscilla and Catherine, and next-door-neighbour, Jason over for Steamboat "Reunion Dinner". Priscilla made the best satay I've had in NZ so far. Missed mum's Buah Keluak though! May the year of the Pig bring us much wealth and prosperity!!!! Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone!

Christmas Day 2006

We had just moved into Gosford for about a month, so we had lots of visitors in the two weeks leading up to Christmas and after.

Lots of cooking for me but well worth it because everyone had fun!

The View

This view we get from our deck and kitchen is quite hard to beat. It's equally gorgeous day and night.

The House

This lovely bougainvilla spirals up to the wrap- around deck.

Lots of other plants and native trees in the back - also means lots of weekend work for Mervin.

New Home

After looking for just over 2 years, we finally found our dream home in New Zealand. Its a Lockwood style home, perfect for the country style decor we love. There are 3 bedrooms, open plan living / dining and an internal access garage. Our master bedroom opens out onto a big deck - where we have our BBQs. Its a cosy place, with a wonderful outlook and lovely neighbours.