The children decided to raise some money for charity, and after much discussion and list making, chose the Fred Hollows Foundation. $25 will pay for eye surgery for one person. We had a great time selling cookies, and raised $100. It was a great day.

Long Bay Reserve

These pics were taken at Long Bay Reserve, where we ventured out after a day of rain to make the most of a partially sunny evening. Beanie weather in January! Honestly?!

Christmas Day

We had a very exciting Christmas morning, opening our santa sacks. We went to church in Opononi, where the kids thought all their Christmases had come at once - the service was extremely short and after church there was icecream and bags of lollies for everyone. We went back to the bach for a big lunch and then a lovely long lazy afternoon.

Christmas Eve

Chirstmas Eve at Opononi, enjoying the sun and the world's best ever fish and chips.

Tane Mahuta

While we were at Opononi we went to see Tane Mahuta, possibly the oldest Kauri tree in the world. He is enormous, and it is estimated that he is almost 2000 years old.

More shots from Opononi Beach

Opononi Beach

We had a great holiday at Opononi over Christmas.

Charlie graduates from primary school

Charlie's graduation ceremony was fantastic. The year 6 students put on a play, performed dances and songs, and showed a movie they had created. Charlie starred in the movie, which was set 20 years in the future, showing how all the students were now grown up and coming back to the school to share their talents as police officers, school nurses, school inspectors etc. Charlie played the extremely lazy school caretaker.
Charlie's year included some of the last foundation students, who started in year one on the day the school opened.

New Tricks

Adam is really growing up - he is now up on his hands and knees, scooting around and eating solids with great relish. What happened to my tiny baby?