It’s a first for Charlotte! She has mastered most of the climbing frames in Wellington and I knew she was ready for a climbing wall: so we headed to Fergs Kayaks on the waterfront. She was SO excited and a complete natural. She needed little instruction apart from a gentle reminder to not hold onto […]
family
Teary Farewell to Aunty Claire
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 […]
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 […]
Enjoying the Sites of Southern England
It was a sad farewell to Dan (aka Daddy) last week, but the girls are coping well. We’re really looking forward to seeing him and will be ready to fly home next Friday. They know Aunty Claire is going to help us on the return flight and were confused when she came to stay with […]
Family Gatherings
We travelled to Bristol and back (from Fleet) on Sunday. When the British motorways are flowing they are fantastic. Charlotte and Sophie were in awe of the six lanes of fast-flowing traffic. They also enjoyed a stop-off at a British motorway stop, a little different to New Zealand where we plan our trip around various […]
Where Do We Go?
I don’t think you believed you were ready, your death has taken me by surprise. Every one says, ‘Ninety two is a marvellous age. It’s best she went so quickly, without having her independence taken from her for years on end.’ I know this is true and you will come to believe this too. But […]
Family Time
Weekends are so precious. This weekend started out with atrocious weather on Saturday morning, but didn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves. It was great to tuck up and enjoy music and puzzles together. Dan had a game of soccer to ‘look forward to’ (!) at midday, but beforehand we had some fun at ‘Junglerama’. After […]
Saying Goodbye?
She’s 92, she’s had an amazing life, a life of independence and mental vitality. She’s my Grandma. She is in Wales, I am in New Zealand. We’ve written to each other frequently these past ten years that I’ve been away. We’ve enjoyed brief encounters. She’s commented, in wonder, how lucky she is to have seen […]
Cock-a-doodle-doo, the chicken wants a poo!
Sunny days and lots of fresh air.
Hurray! Grandma Aspinall has arrived to give me lots of cuddles and coos!
‘Chicken’ Grandma has arrived to keep me entertained!
I’ve slept most of my first five weeks, but getting more ‘alert’ by the day!