December begins and School Ends

For Advent this year I made my own calendar - I used these cards and strung them on the window and each day we did a service for someone or had a family activity or something else. It was fun getting to personalize it for our family and I think the girls really enjoyed it too. I was also able to tailor it to our schedule so nights that I already knew were busy had easier activities. 

One of Ellie's friends posted this on Instagram and I thought it was cute. 

December means it's time to decorate the tree!

Ellie set the table and made us dessert.

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care.

Ellie and her choir sang in Midland Park to help raise money for the Wellington City Mission.

That morning we all (except Josie who had another commitment) collected for them in town before school and work.

Josie was a beautiful sun in her recital - they performed in The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The girls were passing out candy canes after the first show.

Josie back right.

Josie in front

The Carol Service was beautiful as always - links to all the songs are on YouTube if you search Marsden Carol Service 2015 you should be able to listen.

Meggie and her team won an award from the city of Wellington for their "100 Warm Wellingtonians" project. 

Gelato after Prizegiving with friends - thanks to Meggie! Family "rule" is we only go if someone receives an award at Prizegiving. 

Meggie was thrilled to win two awards.

Josie received her Commended award at assembly - well done Jo!

Katie also received a Commended at assembly - smart girl!!

Ellie was also recognized, I didn't get a copy of her with her certificate though.

Ellie and chapel choir friends before her (and our) last Primary School chapel.

Ellie and her friend Hannah.

Suz took Laura, Ellie and Rosie for a lovely tea at Louis Sargeant to celebrate the last day of school.

Meanwhile Meggie and friends also celebrated at Lily's.

And Katie got braces!!

Random photo of a very sweet kitty on Marsden Ave. 

But not quite as cute as this kitty.

November 2015

Katie won two awards at the Junior Cultural Assembly, we are very proud of her!

Ellie with friends at the Year 5/6 Disco, the theme was "Luau". L-R Zoe, Mimi, Ellie, Lily, Laura and Tilly.

Rosie, Lauren and Ellie

I was on the decorations committee this year, but not in charge of it!

The dads coming over from the pub for the "Dance of the Dads" - Dugs is on the right in pink.

Group photo - looking good guys!

After the disco we went to support the Nix.

Katie also went to a dance that night with her girlfriends - at her age everyone dresses up so they went as ninjas. I think.

Katie, Elise, Victoria, Lottie, Saro and Emily

Unfortunately Hugh celebrated his 94th in the hospital, but Rob and co brought the party to him and he was able to go home after a few days.

Our good friends Catherine and Glenn invited us to Elton John to celebrate Glenn's birthday, such a great night.

Then it was a concert of a different sort as Josie and Ellie sang at the Botanic Gardens. Josie is to the right of the teacher.

Hard to see Ellie but she is in the middle row.

Back at the uniform shop Meggie's year group got to try on their senior skirts - with Mrs. Field measuring to make sure they aren't too short!

Sophie, Liv, Meggie and Claudia.

Ellie and her class spent a day playing t-ball, another mom sent me these photos but clearly Ellie enjoyed it.

Frenemies.

Saturday morning Devonshire Tea at the British High Commission before Ellie and her choir perform in the garden.

Sisters walking home - love when they love on each other.