More pre-Christmas fun. . .

So just before Christmas our lovely niece, Alex Morrison, turned 21! For the Kiwis 21 is the big birthday and Alex's was certainly amazing. Everything Rob and Liz host is incredible, we were thrilled to be invited. The first few photos are from my iphone - the ones that suddenly look clear and sharp are from the professional photographer who was at the party, Mike Clare of Wellington (his website is www.mikeclare.com).

The dessert bar.

Alex, in yellow, with her mom Liz, her sister Hettie and her Grandma Mary.

My girls were dying over this and requested it for their next party.

The non-alcoholic beverages. It was a beautiful evening for a party.

In the foreground of this picture is the cider bar - gourmet ciders of various flavors and then you add your own fruit.

Dugs and I with the Howard girls Izzy and Charlotte.

It was an incredible night - there was delicious food, fun and entertaining speeches, a dj, great company and perfect weather. Happy birthday sweet Alex!!

In other birthdays my friends Jen, Catherine and Alison all had pre-Christmas celebrations. Jen and Catherine joined me and Nicky for lunch at our neighborhood cafe while the children all stayed at our house, then we came home and had cake together. Matt threw Alison a lovely party at their house with some of her close friends but I didn't get any pictures which is a shame.

And the soccer season has started again and Rob invited us to join him for a game. Go Phoenix! They won this one, but it hasn't been their best season this year unfortunately.

 And yes, these two are still doing fine.

Bits and pieces to finish out the school year. . .

Here are some photos from a few more events prior to school letting out for the year.

Chloe got herself stuck on the top of this shed as we finished up one of our walks with her on Wrights Hill.

Meggie and her friends Katie and Anna Reed were both installed as Scouts at the end of the term.

Katie and Anna Moore hold the flag - they were installed last term.

Anna, Meggie and Katie (from l-r) make the Scout oath.

The girls all got new haircuts before Christmas - Meggie and Katie had theirs while Josie and Ellie were at school so we went and got some lunch afterwards and took pictures.

Mr. Whippy made a surprising visit to our street - so even though it was 5:30 and I was about to serve dinner we indulged. Katie was spending the night out but we had Pippa for the night at our house.

Ellie did a great job as the model for her class in the Karori Normal Wearable Arts show. She was reluctant but she did it anyway and did a great job.

It's hard to see her but here is a short video clip of Ellie in the show.

Gingerbread Houses

We continued our annual tradition of making gingerbread houses with the Sheppards this year. I don't know what it is with us and these things but we never can seem to get it right! We decided it would be best to do one per family so it would be clear which house went home with the Sheppards and which one stayed with us. While ours was beautifully decorated, it wasn't structurally very sound. I think maybe the walls couldn't quite bear the load of all those decorations. Anyway, it was still a fun afternoon and it was lovely to see the girls working so well together and it's always a joy to hang out with Pippa and Monty.

Afternoon tea before we start.

The Morrison house just before it collapsed completely.

Monty and Pippa with their finished product.

Josie in The Wizard of Oz

Josie was great in her performance of the Wizard of Oz. I love the way the drama teacher organized the show - each scene change involved a complete change of cast for Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Lion and the Scarecrow so that there was no one star of the show, rather everyone got a chance to shine. I've cobbled together a bit of the scene where Josie played Dorothy, followed by her receiving the school cup for the highest score on her Trinity Exam. Enjoy!

Christmas Parade and Ballet

Greetings all!! I do believe this is the busiest we have ever been in the lead up to Christmas which is my  excuse for being so behind on the blog. It's been a fantastic few weeks with lots of shows, dinners with friends, end-of-school activities and parties so we are not complaining, but we are ready for a little down time and r & r over the next few weeks. I'll start with these photos from the Christmas Parade, followed by the ballet recital of Sleeping Beauty. Meggie and Katie were in the parade this year because Josie had a rehearsal for her drama performance and Ellie was at a birthday party. 

Meggie and Kristi - spotty clowns in the parade.

Katie and Dierdre.

Christmas kitty.

Josie all dressed up for the recital.

Josie and Sophie.

Meggie and Miriam.

Meggie in the middle.

Katie in the middle as a mouse.

Josie in the middle front.

Meggie second from left.

Meggie second from right.