Josie's 11th Birthday!

Josie turned 11 on a school day which meant we were up bright and early for presents. 

Then it was off to school with candy to share with friends.

Being that her birthday was on a Wednesday she had ballet after school so we all went down to Cuba Street to pick her up and head out to her favorite Japanese restaurant for dinner followed by delicious gelato at Kaffe Eis.

There is always crazy stuff happening on Cuba Street - this guy's puppet was painting portraits, pretty impressive really.

Outside of Kaffe Eis.

Silly selfies.

For her party Josie wanted to invite the whole class (plus a few neighborhood friends) to Laser Force. Everyone had a great time and the birthday girl was thrilled, all in all a good day.

Listening to the pre-game brief.

The cake was a special request homemade cherry chip cake with marshmallow fluff icing. Go me.

Checking out their scores after one of the games.

The Color Run and other stuff

So while I was in Napier and Meggie was still down south at Maadi, Dugald took the rest of the gang and a few friends up to Trentham to participate in the a 5K called "The Color Run". The pictures tell it all. . .

Pre-run photos:

Hannah, Katie and Saro

Zoe and Josie

Ready to start:

Post run:

Also accomplished while I was away - the annual fundraiser for the Red Puppy Appeal in Karori Mall.

And best of all - look who came to Wellington and popped in to say hello!! (These pics taken by Josie and Ellie on their ipads)

My trip to Napier

Dugald my rock-star hubby looked after the girls at home while I went to Napier for my annual girls trip. Here are the pictures from my trip - I will post what they got up to next.

Small plane so thankfully not too windy for take-off.

Our first stop was a lovely vineyard where we dined beneath the vines.

Julie, Alison and Kathryn.

We had delicious, fresh food the entire trip.

My pan-fried fish in prawn butter.

Rachel, Anne-Marie and me.

Delicious dinner out at Mister D.

Ready to start our 30 kilometer bike ride to Elephant Hill for lunch.

Taking a short break.

We made it!

My fish was amazing!