Well... we got too busy having holiday fun to be on the computer and before we knew it it was time for Libby to head off home again... The idea was a good one to keep you updated with stories and pictures from Libby's scrapbook but sadly it wasn't particularly practical!
Will try and get some photos, stories and video up in the next few weeks!
18 January 2009
5 January 2009
2 January 2009
Libby's Summer Holiday 2009
Libby is keeping a scrap book diary of her summer holiday... join us for the ride!
12 October 2008
SUURRPWIIIISSE!!!
Tommy had been over on the island for the last couple of weeks working. When he got over there a few more jobs came up and he said he’d stay on a bit longer. There was only one problem… when he checked out ferry passages back the soonest he could get on was several days after Libby was due to arrive for a week of school holidays with us… A plan was hatched… I talked to work about working remotely for a couple of days… rang GBA to book a couple of seats and then waited for it all to come together… Mwwwaaaah-haa-haaa!
Libby arrived about 11 – jet-setting her way up the country to us. I got big hugs as she arrived and was signed over to me by the airline staff. As we wandered over to the luggage carousel I explained that Dad was still on the Barrier working and that we would hang out and do girly stuff until he came back. She took that very well and there were no complaints even though it was a bit strange for Daddy to not be there.
Once we were back home we had some lunch and I sent Tom a text to see if he was around the bach. Once I heard back from him we got in touch with him using skype. This meant Libby could see him on the screen as well as talk to him…. Very exciting!! Of course we had to pull faces and poke tongues at Daddy… there were squeals of delight when he pulled faces back… wow… this was cool, talking to Dad on the computer!!
We hung out for an hour or two, Libby started watching the Golden Compass while I started sneaking our bags and supplies into the car.
After a while I said to Libby… “I’ve got an idea… lets go and surprise Daddy on the island…. Should we do that?”
Libby’eyes got as big as saucers…. “On the barrier?”
“Yeah… I’ll have to check with the plane but would you like to do that? Go to Great Barrier to surprise Dad?”
“Yes! I’m going to surprise my Dad!!?”
I pretended to call the airline and that they told me we would have to go right away if we wanted to catch a plane. By this stage Libby was dancing about the house with excitement. On the way up to the aerodrome she ranged from being very quiet and wide-eyed to chattering madly about surprising Tom.
Once we got to the airport she was telling everyone that would listen what we were up to and had no qualms cornering the pilot to ask which plane we would be going on.
Finally we were on board and taking off… not long now!
“Janene… I see it … there’s the Barrier!!”
“No babe… we’ve only just taken off that’s the end of Whangaparaoa”
“Where’s my Dad?”
“He’s on the Barrier… we have to fly over the sea before we get there”
“Oh…. I might see a whale… Look… there’s a big ship! Laaa-laa… I’m going to the Barrier to see my Dad… Surprise! Surprise! Laa-la-la!”
…
…
I think she kept a running commentary most of the way and I’d zoned out a bit with the drone of the engine….
“There it is Janene!! I see it… I see the Barrier!!”
“Yep… there it is!”
“There’s a beach… that’s my beach… I see my beach!”
“That’s right… and we’re going to fly over the bach… You’d better wave to Daddy… we’re nearly there!”
Libby had a moment of panic when it looked as though we’d flown straight past the airstrip… I suppose it didn’t help me teasing her…
“Oh look… we’ve gone past… we’re not stopping”
…
…
“Oh no… it’s okay we’re turning around again”…
I couldn't resist!!
Once we landed it was lucky that I’m bigger than Lib otherwise I’d had been shoved out of the door while she clambered over me to get out… as it was she grumped at me when I didn’t move quick enough for her.
“Look there’s Daddy over there… we’d better go surprise him”
… that was it…
she was off…
“Surpwise! Dad! Dad! SURPWISE!! DAAAADDDD! SUUUURRRPPWIISSSE!!”
Ha! To see the look of glee on her face made it all worthwhile!!
“Dad! I came on the plane to Great Barrier to surprise YOU!”
She was very pleased with our plan! And the whole adventure was just the beginning of four more days of adventure… but that’s another story.
Libby arrived about 11 – jet-setting her way up the country to us. I got big hugs as she arrived and was signed over to me by the airline staff. As we wandered over to the luggage carousel I explained that Dad was still on the Barrier working and that we would hang out and do girly stuff until he came back. She took that very well and there were no complaints even though it was a bit strange for Daddy to not be there.
Once we were back home we had some lunch and I sent Tom a text to see if he was around the bach. Once I heard back from him we got in touch with him using skype. This meant Libby could see him on the screen as well as talk to him…. Very exciting!! Of course we had to pull faces and poke tongues at Daddy… there were squeals of delight when he pulled faces back… wow… this was cool, talking to Dad on the computer!!
We hung out for an hour or two, Libby started watching the Golden Compass while I started sneaking our bags and supplies into the car.
After a while I said to Libby… “I’ve got an idea… lets go and surprise Daddy on the island…. Should we do that?”
Libby’eyes got as big as saucers…. “On the barrier?”
“Yeah… I’ll have to check with the plane but would you like to do that? Go to Great Barrier to surprise Dad?”
“Yes! I’m going to surprise my Dad!!?”
I pretended to call the airline and that they told me we would have to go right away if we wanted to catch a plane. By this stage Libby was dancing about the house with excitement. On the way up to the aerodrome she ranged from being very quiet and wide-eyed to chattering madly about surprising Tom.
Once we got to the airport she was telling everyone that would listen what we were up to and had no qualms cornering the pilot to ask which plane we would be going on.
Finally we were on board and taking off… not long now!
“Janene… I see it … there’s the Barrier!!”
“No babe… we’ve only just taken off that’s the end of Whangaparaoa”
“Where’s my Dad?”
“He’s on the Barrier… we have to fly over the sea before we get there”
“Oh…. I might see a whale… Look… there’s a big ship! Laaa-laa… I’m going to the Barrier to see my Dad… Surprise! Surprise! Laa-la-la!”
…
…
I think she kept a running commentary most of the way and I’d zoned out a bit with the drone of the engine….
“There it is Janene!! I see it… I see the Barrier!!”
“Yep… there it is!”
“There’s a beach… that’s my beach… I see my beach!”
“That’s right… and we’re going to fly over the bach… You’d better wave to Daddy… we’re nearly there!”
Libby had a moment of panic when it looked as though we’d flown straight past the airstrip… I suppose it didn’t help me teasing her…
“Oh look… we’ve gone past… we’re not stopping”
…
…
“Oh no… it’s okay we’re turning around again”…
I couldn't resist!!
Once we landed it was lucky that I’m bigger than Lib otherwise I’d had been shoved out of the door while she clambered over me to get out… as it was she grumped at me when I didn’t move quick enough for her.
“Look there’s Daddy over there… we’d better go surprise him”
… that was it…
she was off…
“Surpwise! Dad! Dad! SURPWISE!! DAAAADDDD! SUUUURRRPPWIISSSE!!”
Ha! To see the look of glee on her face made it all worthwhile!!
“Dad! I came on the plane to Great Barrier to surprise YOU!”
She was very pleased with our plan! And the whole adventure was just the beginning of four more days of adventure… but that’s another story.
5 October 2008
Barrier working *cough* trip
Had a work trip to do to the island a few weeks ago. The original plan was to go on the Friday, play on the weekend, work the following Monday to Friday then play Saturday and go back to the mainland on Sunday. Hmmm some rodents could have done with a better planning committee.
Got hit by a wicked bot on the way over which turned all the plans to custard, I had to extend the trip by 9 days. A combination of not being physically able to get the work done and the ferries being fully booked. This meant Libby and Janene had to come over the second weekend and hang out with me until the Tuesday ferry which was the first available. We were clearly devastated as you can tell from the video...................
Posting a video of the Barrier working trip.
Got hit by a wicked bot on the way over which turned all the plans to custard, I had to extend the trip by 9 days. A combination of not being physically able to get the work done and the ferries being fully booked. This meant Libby and Janene had to come over the second weekend and hang out with me until the Tuesday ferry which was the first available. We were clearly devastated as you can tell from the video...................
Posting a video of the Barrier working trip.
12 September 2008
27 July 2008
Celebrate!!
Because we aren't there with you today here's one we prepared earlier...
This was our practise party we had last week... Have a wonderful birthday Libby!!
18 April 2008
Undersea world....
Wow, it's been a while since the last post!
Over the summer holidays at the Barrier we were surprised to see just how confident Libby has become in the water...
Over the summer holidays at the Barrier we were surprised to see just how confident Libby has become in the water...
3 March 2008
You have to wonder...
Snuggled up in bed Sunday morning...
L: Janene??
J: Mmmmmph?
L: I 'ave a family at Daddy's 'ouse
J: That's right... and you have a family at Mummy's house too...
L: Yes... and... I 'ave a family at Daddy's 'ouse
J: You have family at Mummy's... there's Mum and Dennis and Snoopy and Pussycat ....
L: Mmmmm...
L: Pussycat is a Mummy.
J: Really?
L: Yes.... and... Snoopy is a Daddy.
J: Hmmmmm....
Wow!! It's a complicated world... How the hell do any of us manage to figure it out?
L: Janene??
J: Mmmmmph?
L: I 'ave a family at Daddy's 'ouse
J: That's right... and you have a family at Mummy's house too...
L: Yes... and... I 'ave a family at Daddy's 'ouse
J: You have family at Mummy's... there's Mum and Dennis and Snoopy and Pussycat ....
L: Mmmmm...
L: Pussycat is a Mummy.
J: Really?
L: Yes.... and... Snoopy is a Daddy.
J: Hmmmmm....
Wow!! It's a complicated world... How the hell do any of us manage to figure it out?
19 February 2008
A star is born...
We had a fantastic holiday on the Barrier the first couple of weeks of January... too many things to talk about right now though. Libby was amazing, swimming, fishing, diving, making friends.... and jamming with the boys!
7 February 2008
13 December 2007
Pre-Christmas Christmas
Just a quickie update as Christmas rapidly steamrolls towards us.
We had Libsta up for a visit last weekend, the last time before Christmas. It was a very busy couple of days!
Lib’s plane arrived at 7pm Friday evening and we had a fish and chip dinner at her request … picnic style on the lounge floor.
Saturday morning we installed the Christmas tree and decorations before heading off to Lollipops playland for the Kiddies Party put on by my work. Libby had a fabulous time trying out all the slides and swings before it was time for their meal and presents. She was so excited to get her present from Santa!
After such an exciting afternoon it was a pretty quiet evening ready for the next day ... and the big event of the weekend… the Christmas Parade at Birkenhead. We were not only going to it… Libby and I were part of it!! My bellydance teacher had been invited to have a group on the parade and she in turn invited any children to join us. Libby was so excited!!
She got to see a lot of the floats while we were all assembling before the parade and had an absolute ball dancing up the road with us and waving to all the people … no time to stop in front of Tom to get a photo… she had her public to see after all!!
Priceless!
We had Libsta up for a visit last weekend, the last time before Christmas. It was a very busy couple of days!
Lib’s plane arrived at 7pm Friday evening and we had a fish and chip dinner at her request … picnic style on the lounge floor.
Saturday morning we installed the Christmas tree and decorations before heading off to Lollipops playland for the Kiddies Party put on by my work. Libby had a fabulous time trying out all the slides and swings before it was time for their meal and presents. She was so excited to get her present from Santa!
After such an exciting afternoon it was a pretty quiet evening ready for the next day ... and the big event of the weekend… the Christmas Parade at Birkenhead. We were not only going to it… Libby and I were part of it!! My bellydance teacher had been invited to have a group on the parade and she in turn invited any children to join us. Libby was so excited!!
She got to see a lot of the floats while we were all assembling before the parade and had an absolute ball dancing up the road with us and waving to all the people … no time to stop in front of Tom to get a photo… she had her public to see after all!!
Not only that but she got to meet Shrek, the Pink Panther gave her a big cuddle and Santa himself talked to her at the end of the parade. 
Priceless!
18 November 2007
Picnic in the park
Last weekend my brother, Brendon, and his family were visiting Auckland so they organised to have a get together with us, my youngest brother, Robert, and his tribe and Mum and Dad. The plan was, weather permitting, to meet in Cornwall Park for a picnic.
Libby was up staying for the weekend so she was looking forward to seeing my neices and nephew.
We were blessed with a gorgeous day so we slapped on the sunscreen and headed off. Cornwall Park is a fabulous place for a picnic! When we arrived we found the others had picked a spot next to a huge old Magnolia tree. What a great setting!
We had all taken a plate to share for lunch so we had a nice selection to choose from. The kids also had a lot of fun in the little tent Rob and Stacey had brought with them and playing with the ball... and at one point we had a couple of runaways on our hands... we looked around for Libby and Tiali, who were there a moment before, only to see them racing off across the park... can't blame them really, it was a great day for playing chase!!
It was a lovely lazy, relaxing afternoon and our first real taste of sun in a long time! Well, maybe not the first, but it was certainly the first opportunity we'd had to enjoy it, with the added bonus of good company!!
Libby was up staying for the weekend so she was looking forward to seeing my neices and nephew.
We were blessed with a gorgeous day so we slapped on the sunscreen and headed off. Cornwall Park is a fabulous place for a picnic! When we arrived we found the others had picked a spot next to a huge old Magnolia tree. What a great setting!
Not only did the grand old tree provide a fantastic setting for photos, it was also a source of fascination for the children... well... the older ones anyway, Georgia wasn't so fussed on it just yet!
We had all taken a plate to share for lunch so we had a nice selection to choose from. The kids also had a lot of fun in the little tent Rob and Stacey had brought with them and playing with the ball... and at one point we had a couple of runaways on our hands... we looked around for Libby and Tiali, who were there a moment before, only to see them racing off across the park... can't blame them really, it was a great day for playing chase!!
It was a lovely lazy, relaxing afternoon and our first real taste of sun in a long time! Well, maybe not the first, but it was certainly the first opportunity we'd had to enjoy it, with the added bonus of good company!!
4 October 2007
Weekend up north...
Life has been so busy this year that we haven’t made it up north much. We had Libby come and stay with us for the first week of school holidays and planned to spend the last weekend of her stay visiting Mum and Dad.
We packed up the van and hit the road about 4:30 Friday afternoon. A pretty normal trip up there and we were treated to a gorgeous sunset on the way. Had dinner when we arrived and packed Libby off to bed.
The next morning we hung out around the house. Lib and I spent some time exploring the gardens and Tom sorted out Mum’s outlook connection to her new ISP. It was a lovely sunny morning and we enjoyed mooching about soaking up the sun. Mum and Libs had a bit of a blast around the garden on the quad… something Libby enjoyed as she thinks she is driving the bike!
After lunch we went for a ride into town and went for a wander around the Community Gardens
down by the river. I can’t remember when this project first started but it is certainly becoming more established now and makes for a nice place to hang out. The highlight for Libby was the play area which is built in the shape of a tall ship and has slides, swings, ladders…. and a fireman’s pole!
Lately Libby has been a bit more hesitant having a go at some activities which is unusual for a wee person that up until now has been fearless when it comes to climbing, jumping and swinging… Not sure where that’s coming from! Although she wanted to go down the pole she stood by it telling us “I can’t do it!!”. Tom went and took her down with him. The next time she decided to go by herself but needed a bit of coaxing from Tom as her guided her onto the pole, holding onto her as she slid to the bottom. After that she went “all by myself!” and then there was no stopping her!
We packed up the van and hit the road about 4:30 Friday afternoon. A pretty normal trip up there and we were treated to a gorgeous sunset on the way. Had dinner when we arrived and packed Libby off to bed.The next morning we hung out around the house. Lib and I spent some time exploring the gardens and Tom sorted out Mum’s outlook connection to her new ISP. It was a lovely sunny morning and we enjoyed mooching about soaking up the sun. Mum and Libs had a bit of a blast around the garden on the quad… something Libby enjoyed as she thinks she is driving the bike!
After lunch we went for a ride into town and went for a wander around the Community Gardens
down by the river. I can’t remember when this project first started but it is certainly becoming more established now and makes for a nice place to hang out. The highlight for Libby was the play area which is built in the shape of a tall ship and has slides, swings, ladders…. and a fireman’s pole! Lately Libby has been a bit more hesitant having a go at some activities which is unusual for a wee person that up until now has been fearless when it comes to climbing, jumping and swinging… Not sure where that’s coming from! Although she wanted to go down the pole she stood by it telling us “I can’t do it!!”. Tom went and took her down with him. The next time she decided to go by herself but needed a bit of coaxing from Tom as her guided her onto the pole, holding onto her as she slid to the bottom. After that she went “all by myself!” and then there was no stopping her!
A quick bit of retail therapy was had after that at the Warehouse before we went to visit Grandma…. Janene’s Grandma, not Libby’s.
As we headed back out home to Mum & Dad’s it was decided we’d whip out to the beach. Lib fell asleep in the car and was a bit groggy when we first arrived but soon woke up once she realised
where we were! We found an old screwdriver which was the perfect tool for writing her name in the sand so she wasted no time in making her mark.
There was a shout from the wagon, Dad had spotted something unusual in the surf…a massive lump of kelp?… or…. is that a seal? It was in very shallow and looked to be flailing about. We weren’t sure if it was playing or whether it was injured so went down to get a closer look. Libby was keen as mustard to check it out and we had to watch she didn’t get too close in case it was in a … er … grumpy mood. Anyways, as we got closer we could see that it was okay and that it was simply playing. Rolling about in the shallows and no doubt getting a lovely old back scratch and exfoliation! When we got to the waters edge it finally noticed us. Sitting up it took a good look, we didn’t move any closer at this point because, well basically we didn’t want to piss it off! It mustn’t have been as interested in us as we were in him because it flopped back into the water and rolled and lolled his way further up the beach… nothing to see here folks!
We had a lovely roast dinner in the evening, set our clocks back for daylight saving so we would be on time to leave on time in the morning.
Another weekend had flown by all too quickly!
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