Aunty Claire flew home to England today and it was such a sad farewell. It will probably be another couple of years till we see each other again and the parting was made even harder after seeing the bond she has developed with her two nieces. Charlotte and Sophie have really grown close to Claire […]
Sarah
Sisters
It’s been three, long years since I’ve seen my sister. Our reunion this year has brought us so much closer and both of us are at a more spiritual place in our lives. That being so, darling hubbie packed us into town at 2.30pm this afternoon for a much overdue catch up. This was after […]
Inspirational Living
Ten years ago, when we first arrived in New Zealand, we’d take our lunch (frequently a Big Mac, I’m embarrassed to say), and watch in awe at the number of fitness fanatics along Wellington’s stunning waterfront. We’d say to each other, ‘Tomorrow,’ and make excuses. Eventually the clean-living spirit caught us in its force and […]
Two Becomes Three?
No, I’m not pregnant, but I am in danger of turning into a crazy cat woman! I love cats, but I never planned on caring for three of them and I’m not particularly pro-cats in New Zealand, since they are an introduced species. New Zealand’s only known native land mammal is the bat. The Maoris […]
Spring in Wellington
When the wind blows there is a chill in the air, but the sunshine is smiling on Wellington and all rugged up there’s no stopping us from enjoying this magnificent city. Charlotte is showing increasing talent with the camera in these beautifully composed photographs. Not bad for a young four year old! The last photograph, […]
Settled and Happy
We’ve been back home in New Zealand for nearly a fortnight and it feels good to be back to our regular routines. Charlotte settled straight back in and is so happy. She particularly enjoyed Aunty Claire’s company in our first week back. Sophie took a particular shine to Aunty Claire’s boyfriend, Mike, and keeps saying, […]
Happy Father’s Day!
Happy Father’s Day to Daddy Dan from his adoring fans! Little Sophie kept him up most of the night, wanting all the cuddles and love she could get, regardless of the hour! She’s spent the past two month’s holidaying in the UK and sharing a bedroom with her dear Daddy, so adjusting to her own […]
I hate you! Go to jail Mummy!
Is it that Charlotte’s been playing too much Monopoly? How could such hurtful words come from such an angelic face? It was whilst holidaying in the UK she first uttered these words. If it hadn’t been for a dear friend, who had her first child a few years before I entered the realm of motherhood, […]
Cauliflower Nightmare
Charlotte woke at 5am this morning having a bad dream. She rarely wakes in the middle of the night these days and she picked the worse night to do so. I was really hoping she’d have a good night’s sleep. I went in to see her and she kept muttering, ‘Need cauliflower!’. She never eats […]
One More Sleep To Go!
I should be asleep already, but couldn’t resist one final farewell post before our big trip. Tomorrow night I don’t expect to get any sleep and will then have to function in San Francisco with two tired children, but I’m sure Dan and I will survive. Last time we did the big Wellington to London […]
Cabin Baggage: Children
Preparation for a long-haul flight (without children) was all about self-indulgence. A week before travel I’d stock up on my favourite cosmetics, spend a lunch hour in the book store selecting some choice holiday reads (and a few trashy mags) and look forward to a 24-hour reading and movie bonanza with no telephones ringing. I’d […]
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
I love impromptu visits that turn into something very special. And this is just what happened the other day. After finishing our food shop, we stopped by Wholly Bagels in Thorndon for a quick refreshment and a play (great toys and dedicated space for children), and then ventured forth to a place far more holy […]
To my girls
Dear Charlotte, You are now four and make me prouder by the day. You are so brave and strong. When you fall you pick yourself up quickly and say, ‘I’m okay!’. You don’t want sympathy (even though I’ve always offered you my open arms to comfort you) and I admire your strong resolve to pick […]
Not All Bad
Despite my previous post, today wasn’t all bad. The day started out with a couple of hours of mad fun at Little Monkeys (free entry all holidays!). Charlotte LOVED it and Sophie did too, but was a little perturbed at having to part with her shoes into a box behind a counter. She kept saying, […]