Ellie's "Crafty Girls" Birthday Party

At long last Ellie had the birthday party she's been waiting for.  .  . some of her closest friends came over to celebrate and make some crafts. A few weeks ago Marsden had a "Teacher's Only" day and Katie had her sweet friend Emily over for a play. During that day we ran some errands and ended up shopping for Ellie's party. Emily and Katie were so excited to help me pick out and organize some crafts that I asked them to help me with the party as well. They immediately drew up a schedule which included a time for food, crafts, games, presents and cake. Needless to say the party pretty much went to plan and I am so grateful to them, as is Ellie, for making it so much fun and keeping it all organized - well done girls!!

We painted flower pots and the girls had some tulip bulbs to take home in their goodie bags, we also painted picture frames, and they each received a colorful journal to put stickers all over.

After craft time Emily and Katie had them playing musical statues, singing karaoke, playing pass the parcel and lastly having a game of wink murder.

And, finally, Ellie got to open her presents. New Zealanders often play a game called "Spin the Bottle" as they open presents. It is NOT the "Spin the Bottle" game I grew up with - this one involves the guests all sitting in a circle and a bottle being spun as well, but if the bottle points to you then you give your present to your friend to open. It's a fun way to do it.

We finished the afternoon with cake and ice cream but sadly I don't have photos as we were all very busy serving and didn't grab the camera. Happy Birthday Party day Ellie Rose - we love you very much!

Katie Anne

Katie celebrated turning 11 last week. She knew I couldn't pull off a birthday party for Ellie and for her on the same weekend, so she graciously agreed to have her party when we return from America. She did get some awesome presents though, and she got to pick where we had dinner that evening - a Japanese steak house where the chef cooks the meal at your table, and occasionally throws bits of it at you.

The Birthday Girl

A toast to Katie!

After dinner we went and got some ice cream - I snapped these last two photos while Katie tried to get the ATM to give her some money. I thought she looked cute.

Yesterday I spent the morning at Katie's swimming sports. She did really well and qualified to attend the Western Zones swimming competition when we return. I am beginning to think that giving up swimming next term wasn't such a great idea! Something had to go though now that they've decided they want to take cheerleading. Anyway, no photos because I was busy timing lane 2, but Katie proved once again that she is quite the all-around sports girl!

Ballet and Rock Climbing

We are busy packing but here are a few pictures from the past few weeks. Ellie finally had her birthday party last weekend and I will post about that soon. It was also Katie's birthday last Wednesday so pictures from that are on the way too. 

First, a few snaps of Ellie at ballet. 

Josie and Katie went rock climbing with their Cubs group and I went along as parent help. I'm amazed at how strong they are - they whizzed up the wall and ladder without any problem. Cubs is a mostly boy group but my girls can keep right up with them!

Karori Normal Swimming Sports

Yesterday I spent the day at the pool to help with timing for the Karori Normal swimming sports day. The children were competing to represent KNS in the Western Zones swimming competition that will take place in August. Both Ellie and Josie swam and did really well. Ellie swam 25 meters of freestyle and finished third in her heat but her time didn't qualify her for the finals. I was very proud of her for just attempting it as she really wasn't that keen and many of her classmates didn't swim at all.

Josie, on the other hand, won first place for every. single. race. she entered. She is amazing - she flew through the water and I was so proud of her. She was only allowed to enter 4 events and I guess that's a good thing as she won each race and will represent KNS at Western Zones as a part of the relay team (chosen from top finishers in each grade), and in the 25 meter freestyle, butterfly and backstroke as well as the 50 meter freestyle. Go Jo!! I also need to brag on her for winning an award at the end of last term for swimming with the swim team. They called it the Diver's Cup (not sure why) and she won it for attendance, effort and team leadership qualities over the last year.

In other Josie news. . .

I also attended the KNS Science Fair last week and had a look at her project on mould. She did it with her friend Tessa and it was a great first effort. Well done girls!!

I actually have some more photos to post and things to write but today is busy with preparations for Katie's birthday on Thursday and Ellie's birthday party on Sunday. This week is full of activities that need my attendance at the various schools as well as getting a little bit organized for our trip. Also this little one is in recovery from her surgery and needing lots of cuddles. . .  lots of love to all!!

Cooking with Frank (and other bits and pieces)

Well you can tell by the lack of posts that life has stayed busy for us here! It's been so long that I can't even remember all we've been up to but when I hooked my phone up to the computer I got these images off of it from a fun cooking class I did with some friends. We had a great time learning how to make (and eating) Passionfruit and Raspberry Cocktails, Scallops with Ginger and Micro Greens, Beef Wontons with Chilli Sauce, Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi (my favorite and I usually don't even like gnocchi), Crispy Pork Belly with Chilli and Garlic, Kumura and Carrot Mash, Garlic Spinach and Cherry and Goats Cheese Clafoutis (my other favorite). 

I also retrieved this photo from our visit to the tunnels and gun placements at Wright's Hill in Karori. The historical society opens the tunnels up for exploration on public holidays so we joined most of Wellington and had a tour on ANZAC Day. It was freezing but it was very interesting - the whole place was built in WW2 to guard Wellington Harbour against a Japanese invasion (that never happened).

Monty, Katie, Meggie, Josie, Ellie and Pippa in a tank.

The next few pictures are just to show how much we are enjoying our dog. She's a little weird but we do really like her! Ellie likes to pretend she's running the Iditarod and Chloe is pulling her sleigh, while Meg just likes being near her at all times. The children don't seem as keen on taking her for walks, feeding her, or cleaning her messes however.

She is a cute little thing and she has the longest legs in comparison to her body - she loves to run and actually doesn't mind pulling Ellie on the scooter. We're going to miss her when we go to the States, we're very thankful for our friends who have offered to look after so she won't be lonely in a kennel!

Last, but not least, I've been to a lot of cross-country these past weeks. Katie was pretty funny, she came running by making faces at me. She finished in the top half of her class and definitely gave it her all.

Katie, Anna and Emily cheer for Innes.

Katie at the back making faces.

I didn't get any photos of Meggie as her course took her far from me but she kept running the entire two kilometers which was her goal.

Ellie ran one kilometer with her age group and came in 11th out of all the girls. To qualify for Western Zones you had to place first through sixth in your age group so up to this point I was happy that the girls had tried their best but we weren't off to the zones. Then came Josie.

Ellie finishes her first cross-country race.

I was marshaling the final races which basically involved standing at the final corner in a yellow vest and making sure the children didn't cheat so therefore I wasn't at the finish line to get a good photo of
Josie's astonishing (to me) fourth place finish. I shouldn't have been surprised as she is so strong and athletic, but seeing as none of those genes came from me I'm gobsmacked every.single.time. I did get a good action shot though - she was miles ahead of the fifth place finisher and looking good for having gone two kilometers up hill and down dale!

And now, thank you very much, Josie and I are off to do it all again another day at the Western Zones races. I'll keep you updated on how that goes.

Hope you are all well! Lots of love from us. xxx