Us-in-Bulls

River Trip December 09

2010-02-08T20:23:00.002-08:00

We all headed to the river for the afternoon and had a great relaxing time. Had the spot to overselves and just chilled out to some good music. Got some great shots of those brave enough to hit the rope swing and mud slide.

Water Water Everywhere.

2010-02-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

You just cant not jump off the Tairua bridge. Cant believe how great the weather was very relaxing and great to catch up with the cuzzies. Connor and I went fishing in the estary, it was a great night out and caught a couple of nice Kawai and a snapper.

2010-02-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

Xmas at the beach. Hot as, and lots to eat the way it should be. Long time off the blog but hope to slowly catch everybody back up. Hope you enjoy these Pete I know you are looking in now and again. Great catching up in the New Year.

Lake Taupo

2009-01-14T00:48:00.000-08:00

A final swim in Lake Taupo before getting home. Lake Taupo is 2.5hrs from Bulls. A great place to stop and cool off and have lunch. They love to snorkell and have a good explore.

Trip to Whitianga.

2009-01-14T00:38:00.001-08:00

On the second trip back to Tairua

the kids visited the cousins in Whitianga, Cameron is missing from the picture hence why the kids have their arm around no one. I was in Bulls having a couple of days to myself and working at the pub while these guys were lapping up the sun, lucky! Of course after a hard day on the beach you have to jump into the spa to relax, life is tough at the beach. This is Joanne otherwise known as Ada, I have known Joanne since we were kids at school. She is one tirless mother who just keeps on going. The horses name is Mana she is my nieces (Jessica) The only other girl in the clan of boys!

My Mate Melissa

2009-01-14T00:32:00.000-08:00

My mate Melissa goes camping also at Tairua, so of course had to go and see her for a beer and

a catch up. Dad called in to pick the kids up for a swim.

It was a great week, with lots of swimming and fishing. Connor and Nyah stayed on for a week then Anton and Shea went back to pick them up. A 6hr trip. So they were lucky. Melissa has been camping with her two kids Bryanna and Carlin for years and one of these days we will all go on a big trip again.

More Rellies

2009-01-14T00:29:00.000-08:00

Us with more Rellies in Tairua. This is Mum's brothers bach (Brian). So called in for a

beer and a catch up.

All Together.

2009-01-14T00:21:00.000-08:00

Xmas day having a few drinks - as you do! Mellowing out and catching up. Carol and Alan. Our youngest Toomey Ben having a bit of a cuddle. The blondie is Moniques youngest Samuel. Me with Daisy Mark and Merries wee dog, just the coolest. a few shots of Carol and Alans new place in Cambridge. The kids pitched tents for a few days.

Toomey 11

2009-01-14T00:13:00.000-08:00

Here we all are in one big shot. What a motley crew we make.

From L-R Front Row-Joseph, Cameron,Cole, Patrick, Samuel, Ben, Jessica and Nyah

From L-R Back Row -Shea, Luke and Connor.

Apart from Anton doing a pop-eye impression at the top, not too bad really.

From L-R Anton, Monique, Justin and Mark.

Crazy Santa

2009-01-14T00:09:00.000-08:00

That time of year for Alan (Antons Dad) to launch into Father Xmas. It was a good day with all the cousins together, first time in a long time. Alas poor Nyah did not get the pony she has been waiting years for.....maybe one day.

The Fear Factor Challenge!

2009-01-12T19:00:00.001-08:00

The kids got into the Fear Factor Xmas Challenge. It was alot of fun and laughs!

Flour mixed with salt and marshmellows. Spaghettie and worms!(lollies). Raw mussles dipped in something I cant remember.

Rangitikei River Ride

2009-01-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

Anton hired some kayaks from base and took Connor for a 3hr ride down the river and they ended up in Bulls. They were knackered when they got in a perfect day for it though and no doubt they will be off again before the holidays are over. They go past a friends farm that backs onto the river and thought about camping there next time. There were some small rapids to ride to make it a bit exciting. I am sure he will get a few that want to go!

Bulls Parade

2009-01-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Getting the school float together for the parade. It was alot of fun and the kid had a good time. Yep thats me giving the peace sign above the purple L, cool day out! It was a huge float, we could of had a dance party on it, maybe next year.

Out and About.

2009-01-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

Took the kids to the pools in Palmerston North for the day, it was all part of Sheas birthday. Thats her in mid air. Then we all went out for lunch. Hot as and a good day.

Shea turns 12!

2009-01-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

Shea had some mates come over for tea and a sleep over. I was working so missed out a bit of what they got up to, but here are some pics. No pics of Connor turning 14, played paintball with mates and did not take the camera. all had a good time though. The calm before the storm of xmas.

Bye for Now!

2008-09-19T23:48:00.000-07:00

Yes we are putting our wee piece of heaven up for rent for a couple of years. Not an easy decision especially after all the hard work we did over the summer. Life is sadly just getting a bit busy and we are not getting down like we would like. With so much needing doing on our place we wont feel so torn. We have two people lined up that really want it, both retired people so we are really lucky someone will enjoy that conservitory. See you soon Boonie Dune!!

Panic at the Disco.

2008-09-19T23:39:00.000-07:00

Here are the girls at their school disco last night. Poor mum had to work and dad had to deal with the fairy dresses and pig tails by himself. It was only metres down the road so then him and a mate headed back for a couple of beers for a bit of peace. They had a good time and nice way to relieve some stress of the term. Mum however still at the pub had to endure a game of the Warriors oh no how sad never mind!!!

Filling the lunch tin

2008-09-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

Nyah putting in the effort of filling the lunch tin for the week. Hugmungus pikelets this week. Dont ya love the pose. Jese she gets to eat the hot fresh ones what's her problem. Actually she loves doing it, I think I just caught her in an absolute mind blank!

Just Me.

2008-08-02T23:06:00.000-07:00

Well this is me at the moment just finished downloading. Will now go and and put the bed on. Looking a little blonder, tieder and always enough gum to go around. Working at the Rat Hole still two days a week, can stretch the limits of energy at times, but it's good for a yak and catch up with people. Kids all good, animals all good, work all good. Anton off to Auckland this afternoon for a couple of nights. A bit wet and windy like the rest of the island so an early night with a milk milo and my book that I started this afternoon. Hope where ever you all are you are safe, happy and the scratching has stopped. From the Bluff to the Cape, loads of love, Looby x x x

Nyah is bored.

2008-08-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

Dont leave a camera around when Nyah gets bored!

Off to Taupo.

2008-08-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

With Ralf only days away from returning from E/Timor Margo decides to go for a wee drive to Taupo in a campervan, with 3 kids. It was Jade birthday and although plans to the mountain went awry when bad weather hit, it still sounded like a great time was had in Taupo at the hot pool, pizza etc. After anton did a bit of tyre kicking he decided it was safe for them to go, and go they did!

Nyah turns 9!

2008-08-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

Only one more year at being 9 Nyah. Shea had a cool day and dressed to impress with Dad playing the waiter. Mates, games and lashings of bolly what else could you ask for......... ah yes a Pony. Well not this year sorry. Pony toys, books, jewellery and poster will have to do. She had long time mates to help her celebrate, mates whos birthdays are all within days so they had a very busy time over the holidays.

Blast from the past.

2008-08-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

At the begining of the holidays my ole mate from Blenheim, (but now living in Balclutha) came for a visit. Kids grown up and Caro not aged a bit. It was a great way to feel old. After a quick stop over in Blenheim she is back to the grind of being a school teacher! It was sooooo good to see you Caro!

More Hockey and Netball.

2008-06-19T02:55:00.000-07:00

back into the winter sports scene. Hockey and Netball for Nyah, Shea Netball and Smallbore shooting for Connor. Will get some better pics this weekend. But hey while this damn thing is behaving I shoving photos in left right and bloody centre.

More Raro

2008-06-19T02:23:00.001-07:00

This is a pic of anton's new tatt. He got it on the last day there which was ANZAC Day. It is very cool and done by a very cool Kamatua on the island. Heaps of meaning and he was very stoked about it.

Our bach was very cool and we had our resident dog. There was a great swimming lagoon only meters from us and we enjoyed many pinocoladsas and bourbons on the beach. I finished a great book and hogged into a fantastic seafood platter at Trader Jacks. We went to about 4 resorts and swam in their pool and ate their food, but spent most of the time at either Muri Lagoon, The Rarotongan or our own bach. A big regret is not did not do the Jet Blast, where you stand at the end of the runway and get blasted. Maybe next time. Sunsets were amazing!

Raro 08 and Camp

2008-05-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

The top photo is of me and two teachers on camp. Anton and I went and it was a fantastic time. Keeping possums out of dorms at night. Building rafts, swimming, rope bridge, volley ball, archery, shooting and confidence course. It was a great time with this huge mud run on the last day. Cant wait to go again, weather was perfect!!

Well there are a few pics to download too many good ones to choose, but here is the first of our cool wee batch in Rarotonga. We had a great time swimming, drinking, horseriding. Stayed at the backpackers in this cool batch right on the beach. Very cool place to chill out and take long walks, even up moutains eh Anton. We went by horseback to a great waterfall then Connor went for a dive in the lagoon. Hired a motorbike and went for a cruise round the island serveral times. Shea and Anton went to Anzac day on it before he went to get his tattoo the day we headed home.

Will try to download some more since it seams to be behaving but will get this in quick. Love to all.!!!

Turkey Man and Beulah Baby!

2008-03-27T00:57:00.000-07:00

What would a blog be without an animal in it. Our babies, Beulah is doing well at puppy classes and Turk is just my mate never far from my feet or my side. Everyone in the Toomey family knows what these creatures bring to our lives. A house just isn't a home unless it is held together with slobber, fur and god only knows what else. Mishi is still with us and we figured out the other day one of our chicken turns 10 year next year, maybe celebrate with a kfc dinner. Ratty is still going strong, but looking rather old, god help us the day that dies, Shea will be gutted. Pony is a legend and like mishi one eyed and useless but loves Nyah to bits and wont leave her alone. So heres to all animals who have gone before these and to the ones to follow.

Big Trip to the City.

2008-03-27T00:52:00.000-07:00

Shea finally got to the city. Connor had a great time showing Shea and Dad around Te Papa. He had been there last year on his school camp. Mum and Nyah at home as Nyah had a bug and decided being sick in the loo was far more exciting. The last time we planned a trip to Te Papa I got really crook so there was no way they were not going this time. They had a good day out!

Relay for Life

2008-03-27T00:49:00.000-07:00

That time of the year again when Shea and Anton head into Palmy for the 24hr run for cancer relay for life. Shea got over $130 just in our street. They were part of the Air Force team.

Nyah's Sunflowers.

2008-03-27T00:43:00.000-07:00

Nyah entered a sunflower growing competition. Her mate won winning $500 for the school. Didn't get too big due to being all grown in a pot but she loved them and watered them everyday. Giving the family daily updates. Shea also entered a giant pumpkin growing competition but decided not to pick it and its still growing strong. Just as well the winners

was 80kgs! So a good summer for growing kids and plants.

I know, I know dont go on!

2008-03-27T00:39:00.001-07:00

Yes bowling, I know but what else can ya do. With husband here there and everwhere there are not much other places than the pool to go and do something for yourself with kids in tow.... although Connor would not be seen dead at the bowls the girls had to tag along though. This was a business house competition, so me and other staff entered to have a bit of a laugh and laugh we did, I think we got around... ah ..... bout LAST!!

Heading out for Tea

2008-03-27T00:25:00.001-07:00

After our big swim we decided to go out to tea to celebrate.

So into Palmy the bumpkins go and had a good night out! It was good to sit and people watch in the square and poke fun at nothing. The square had just been done up and has heaps of lights and was cool to sit and take it all in. Ended up taking photos like some tourist, but hey we are from Bulls.

Afternoon at the pool.....again!

2008-02-09T22:36:00.000-08:00

Yet another day at the pool trying to finish Lake Taupo. Connor playing with Nyah. Dad went for a run. He is off to Melbourne for a week, then onto Mt Manganui for Adventure Training for a week. I am off to outdoor bowls for the next two weeks with a business house team so wish me luck, really looking forward to it, have got a sitter in for the kids ........ hurry up Connor and turn 14!

Lou Lous Laps

2008-02-09T22:30:00.001-08:00

Well Shea and I took on a summer challenge at a local pool to swim the distance of lake Taupo, 42kms. I thought over the holiday break we may not make it, but I finished yesterday and Shea has just reached 30km today. If she keeps up her average of 2km for each swim over the next couple of weeks she will make it in time. Deadline finishes on the 29th February. I am so proud of her. It is a 50m pool so she is swimming 40 lenghts at a time. Her highest is 3km and mine was 4.2km. Go Shea Go!!!

Nyah off to Birthday.

2008-02-09T22:28:00.000-08:00

Nyah is off to a mates birthday party. She has no shortage of friends this girls and got her first ride on a pony. They had a great time as her mate lives on a farm so horseriding, swimming and camping out were on the menu. Early night for her as I dont think they got any sleep.

Back to School 2008

2008-02-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

Well the little darlings are back to school for another year. Although it has only been a week, they have really settled in and so far no complaints. Connor is enjoying everything College has to offer and is enjoying all subjects so far. A regular bus boy from Bulls to Fielding. As you can see mum had a bit of hard time saying goodbye not him. Felt very old and useless but got over it pretty fast.

A Moments Peace.

2008-01-24T14:21:00.000-08:00

Finally a moment to myself. Anton took the kids and dogs down to the domain. Kids took their 4 wheeler down there. They have not been on it for awhile as it has been down at the beach and basically we hav'nt. As you can see they had plenty of room to go nuts and the dogs went nuts too. Anton and Shea did some training for the Relay for Life in March. It is a 24hr relay within a team, and it fun raises for cancer. This is Antons 3rd year and Sheas 2nd.

Farm Farewell

2008-01-24T14:11:00.001-08:00

One night at the farm to say goodbye to all those things you take for granted untill you are told they wont be there anymore. I dont think the girls got out of the pool in 8hrs. They had a great time and Connor took off with Luke for a round of golf. That night Cole came to stay the night while Ham Town Toomeys went to the "POLICE CONCERT", it was really nice to meet Olivia too Lukes girlfriend. Loads of memories at the farm but now even more to be made in Cambridge. You better get started on that pool Alan!

One Night in Puke!!

2008-01-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

One night in Puke and what a night. It

was great catching up with Melissa and kids. It had been a very very long time. Almost 2 years I think. Melissa is in the pink top and her mate Karen is in the middle. Susan another good friend is in the blue top.

Carlin Melissas son is on the Zoom slide and Bryanna is in the green dress, great kids!!
Noel is in the grey shirt, he is Susan husband and Ray aka Issac is Karens husband.

Hello Ben, aka Burger

2008-01-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

We made a start and headed up to Whiti to see the Whanau and new nephew Ben. Of course got a bit waylaid at the Coroglen Pub after looking at some land, oh darn. Carol and Alan were heading up so we thought we would all head up and give Ada a huge headace for one day instead of spread

ing it out over the week. Ada and Goob have got a great piece of paradise in their corner of their world and it was great to see them. Bar Goob, whom was working ...... NOT EVEN! Anwyway Ada give us a heads up for Goobs 40th so we can book something and help you trash the place. He dosent have to be there if he dosnt want to, its not all about him you know. Great to see you all happy and healthy!

Bailey's Time!

2008-01-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

Mum and Aunty Kathleen having a Baileys out the back in the shade. I think it may have been past 3pm so long overdue for one.

Aunty having a bit of Kiwana, a Hokey Pokey ice cream!

Aunty Kathleen

2008-01-24T12:49:00.000-08:00

We headed up to Tairua to see Aunty Kathleen and it was fantastic to see her. It was so good to catch up on all the family and realize time stands still for no one. We had a great time swimming at most of the beaches up that way. Weather was outstanding and at time too hot to move. Swimming was the main item on the agenda and so back to the bridge for loads of jumping. Hot Water Beach had the hot water, but the tide was also not as far out as it could have been. Cooks Beach and Hahei are still beautiful and although we did not find any land to buy it is still one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Aunty did alot of stuff in short amount of time including going to get pipis, swimming, sightseeing and walking. Eating and drinking are just compulsory anyway. It is always a nice reminder to see your country through others eyes, you just forget sometimes. So hoping I get to visit Kilsyth again.

Patrick and Nyah

2008-01-07T21:10:00.000-08:00

Alan and Stan came down for two nights while racing Patrick at Wanganui. He came in third and I had a good day out, the only one seam to be collecting (for a change). Nyah finally got up and close to some horses and got a payout on Pat when he came in 3rd. Anton and Alan had a good session and got to bed around 4.30am. Unfortunatly the little white pony did'nt fit in the boot otherwise it would have been home in a shot. A great day out and good to meet stan, he wasn't a figment of Alans imagination after all.

At the beach.

2008-01-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

We had a working week at the beach and got alot done. Finished painting the bach and put up a new fence, fixed the back garage door too. It was fantastic weather and perfect at the beach. Connor got in some surfing and dogs got a good run along the beach. It was so relaxing down there we hope to get back near the end of January.

Xmas Eve and Day

2008-01-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

Having a few drinks out on the front porch can be hazardous to your health. Ended up on front lawn with friends down the road and it was a real nice way to wait for Santa to arrive. Nana and Grandad made the trip to the big city of Bulls this year and we celebrate with our neighbours and friends. We set up in the garage and of course had too much food and played with the kids xmas pressies all afternoon. Of course Grandad had to downtrow after no points on the board after a round of darts. The girls will never be the same again.

Dudding Lake Day Out

2008-01-07T20:46:00.000-08:00

The Ham Toomeys came for a flying visit (literally) and we spent a few hours at a lake just 15mins up the road. You can jet ski, boating, swimming etc. Of course we hogged the pontoon and had a great time. This is everyone striking a pose. From left Mark (Antons brother) his son Luke and Cole. Then Nyah, Shea and Connor. Merrie (Marks Mrs) Anton and I were soaking up the sun and protecting the beers. It was an awesome visit and you are getting old when you start sentences with "gosh you are so big" which I am doing LOADS now.

Thanks heaps guys we had a fantastic time!!!!!!!

Bulls Prizegiving 07

2008-01-07T20:41:00.000-08:00

Wow a big night for the kids, each picking up something special. Connor got Board of Trustees Cup for Performing Arts. Shea got elected to House Leader for next year and Nyah picked up the Kiwi Can Shield (out of the whole school) so I was blowen away all night. School leavers got pipped out of the Town Hall.

Sheas Birthday

2008-01-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

Less than two weeks after connor is Shea's birthday. She had her best mates around and they enjoyed a day of hanging out. She is now 11.

13 finally!

2008-01-07T20:34:00.000-08:00

Well cannot find one picture of Connors birthday. So here is a recent photo of him at Duddings Lake just a few weeks ago.

Where did the years go! Oh well on on and looking forward to the girls teen years.......NOT!

3me's!

2007-11-18T23:36:00.000-08:00

Well my babies have grown so much this year.

They are so different. They are saving hard for an overseas holiday next year to Rarotonga, Shea will probably spend all hers on sunscreen, Nyah on necklaces and Connor on diving gear. Cant wait to get away with them and tell them to pick up after themselves in a whole other country.

Just Waiting.

2007-11-18T23:33:00.000-08:00

I was waiting to go to a play in Palmy a friend. So making the most of the sun till they turned up. Had a good night out, seamed like had'nt been out in YONKS while Anton had a good night in. He's on nights this week. Judging by the looks of us, some days it's just too hard to get out of your own shadow!

Chickens growing up fast!

2007-11-18T23:27:00.000-08:00

Wee chooks had first day out with big chooks. They got into the garden and thought it was heaven. They even started picking fights with the big chooks, wont be long and they will be out for good. Yes that is pony sizing them up!

Oh Please!

2007-11-18T23:25:00.000-08:00

Nyah went to the loo the other day and Pony just cant leave that kid alone! So there they were having a yak on the loo while Nyah was ..... well you know!!

Mt Biggs Bushwalk

2007-11-18T23:19:00.000-08:00

Just 5min drive away is a great little bushwalk. The weather has been so fantastic that we had to get out of the house and away from the phone and enjoy it.

Fielding Young Cyclist of the Year

2007-11-18T23:13:00.000-08:00

Well the kids got put into the Young Cyclist of the Year. It was a good day out and they learnt heaps. About 30 went in it and they got a b.b.q lunch and a voucher from the warehouse for being in it. There was a theory, skills and road test. They have been in so much this year I am very proud of the way the way they have been giving everything a go and still keeping up the homework!

BBQ TIME!!!!!!

2007-11-10T23:30:00.000-08:00

At last, could it be, yes I think it is ....... SUMMER! Just around the corner. Crank up the barbie and

get the beers outa the fridge. The days have been fantastic and we have been lapping up the sunshine lets hope there is heaps more of it to come!!

All the Extras

2007-11-10T23:20:00.000-08:00

Just a quick up date on cats and dogs. Ginghis (ginger) and Pony (black) best mates from the word go and drive me nuts at night with their carry on. Ginghis from the SPCA and Pony from the local vet found at the river. Why the name Pony? Because Nyah always wanted a Pony! Mishi is still with us, and still a round little barrell no mater what she does. Still can keep up with the big dogs and does not put up with any of their crap. Beulah (antons) is going on 18mths and a crazy thing (she is sitting) but so keen to please and so loyal it is hard to be angry with her when she chews her 3rd cycle helmet. Of course then there is Turk (my dog) most placid man and Sheas guardian at night. I love him to bits and dont think I will get another boxer after him as he is the best!!! Tom and Lindis are still with us, Tom lives at the neighbours and Lindis is pretty much the boss.

Our Nyah

2007-11-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

Nyah is ready to go to the wear-a-bull arts in town. A girl of many faces as you can see Nyah very ever rarely does not have a smile on her face. She recently got 1st in Cross Country

and has some really cool friends. She spent an afternoon today at one of her mates place and her friends mother ended up bringing around these fantastic muffins, which were very very much appreciated as I did not get around to any baking this weekend. Here is also a photo of her and a couple of her mates at the School Halloween Disco.

Wear-a-bull Arts

2007-11-10T22:18:00.000-08:00

The kids got into the Bulls Wear-a-Bull Arts this year and entered the masks and the weaving. A good night out. Connor made a mask as part also as a school project and a group from Shea's class did the Weave-a bull section. A friends daughter won overall, so that was really cool to see, they had come all the way from Wanganui to be in it too. Next year if I have time after Halloween I may give it a go.

Civil Defence Day

2007-11-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

Civil Defence Day at school a really good day for the kids to see all the action. Police, ambo, and fire and also radio guys and videos kept the kids busy. Connor was the stunt guy and was made up really well. No body knew so a few kids were quite worried seeing him lying under some pipes. They make up was very well done!

It all tied in with the schools topic of Keeping Themselves Safe.

Tuesday Touch

2007-11-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

Well got into a touch team for Tuesdays in Fielding. We lost that night, better luck next week. The kids and Anton only come for the KFC afterwards, back held up rather well but over did it with the swim on Wednesday. Shea and I are doing the Lake Taupo challenge at the pool and swimming 42km's. Just in case any Rugby Die Hards are watching, they are Wanganui colours.

Double Trouble

2007-11-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

This was back when computer was playing up and would'nt down load but better luck today.

Connor with broken foot and Shea with stiches in knee when she fell on broken beer bottle, a real yucky day that was finished with a strong black russian (the drinking kind). Nyah was starting to feel left out!

Just Hanging in the Kitchen.

2007-11-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

A quick shot of life in the kitchen. Always a dog somewhere and Anton usually found within 6 paces of the pantry. Got my hair done the other day by Jane. She comes to your house and we always have a good time.

It's so good to have a hairdresser that knows your rules. Change completly (nothing is too short), if it's grey colour it, if it moves shoot it!

Clean Rooms

2007-11-03T19:50:00.001-07:00

A clean room is a fine thing some days, especially with a white duvet, but when it happens, you are so in shock you godda take a photo! My room is my santuary!!!

Now the more I look at it, new curtains could be in order for next year. Infact just realized this must have been taken when Anton was in E/Timor cause now it looks really different.

Always Sharing

2007-11-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

Here is Anton sharing with Ghengis, if not Pony or Lindis. A bed just isn't a bed unless it has another 4 paws on it! Well not on my half anyway. Here is also Beulah with Nyah yet most nights Mishi.

Cross Country

2007-11-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

Well it was Connors last Cross Country at Bulls School. Everything is now on the countdown for the last time he does anything there. He is really getting excited about High School and it is just like when you know they are ready for school, you know they are ready for bigger things. He has his heart set on joining the Air Force like Dad and I just wish for him that he works hard to make that happen.

New Additions

2007-11-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

Went into the new pet shop in Sanson to get a dog brush and walked out with 2 chicks, felt sorry for the ones left behind so went back and got two more. Turk and Beulah

were both very sad they did'nt get let out to play and watch for hours. Turk did get his wish and had a wee play when Beulah was gone as we ALL know who the chicken killer is eh Turk!

Halloween 07

2007-11-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

Once again Anton and I enjoy doing up the place for the hordes of kids that come on

Hallow's eve. Started preparing in the school holidays. Always trying to do better each year!

The photo of me is what they seen when they opened the door, very funny.

Bonnie Doon

2007-10-22T00:03:00.000-07:00

Our little piece of paradise in NZ. Captured on a semi good day. This was taken for a project that Connor has to do for art, but thought I'd chuck it in anyway. Will take another when it's Halloween, got most of our stuff ready, kids loovvee it. Tried to download other photos but the damn thing is playing up. Gosh just noticed should have done the lawns. Thinking of bulidling a conservtory out the side, by the fence, we will see.

Gran turns 60!

2007-10-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

Mum and Dad came down from Tairua for mums 60th, so we took her to a restaurant that she would enjoy PIZZA!!! Great night with great food. Totally stuffed and mentioned a quick drink on the way home but took her to the musical CATS instead, great performances live theatre is so cool and we all had a great night. They also caught Shea and Connor at Cinderella the night before so it was a full on weekend!!

At Hockey

2007-10-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

Dad caught one game of hockey and rugby when he got home. Family discussions on the game usual, hot chips on way home expected, trying to catch connors rugby by racing into Palmy now not needed with broken foot now a good excuse to lie in.

Lights Camera Action

2007-10-21T23:46:00.000-07:00

Connor and Shea got leads in a school play, Cinderella. Connor was the fairy god father and shea was the high chancellor, very cool week, packed Bulls Town Hall for 3 nights people getting turned away even. Bad luck for Connor who broke his foot hours before he was surposed to go on. Rushed in got plastered up and went on with sparkly crutches. They turned it into a great d.v.d. Mum here on sound and lighting with Sheas teacher, glad they made a d.v.d as we were constantly looking at the script and the door hoping P.Jackson would walk in and see what a great job I was doing. Of course other pics now dont want to download. aaarrrhhhhh

Hockey Hockey and more Hockey

2007-10-21T23:38:00.000-07:00

Finally back to the blog. Got very fustrated one night, lost a whole heap of photos that I downloaded and spat it big time. Have finally found them and will hopefully get a few down tonight. Hope everyone is well where they are and enjoy catching us up from Nyahs birthday pics that have sat there long enough.

Nyah did'nt have a great season but gets stuck in anyway and did get most dedicated at the end of the year, Dad missed

prizegiving in east timor and mum missed it as moments before hand ended up at docs with Shea, pictures to follow.

Birthday Girl

2007-07-10T01:05:00.000-07:00

Yep well after we got reminded for the past month her birthday was coming it finally arrived. Pressies flowed and the party began. It went really fast and into overtime. 3 Friends came over and played singstar, pin the eye on mishi, chocolate game, fear factor (in which Bradley threw up into the container), trivia, musical chairs, and more. Food flowed like crazy with Connor making his pancakes. Then just about forgot the cake. By now kids are opting not to eat, but just sing Happy Birthday. Kids were surposed to be home by 2.30pm got the last one home at 4.30pm a really cool day. Who would have thought that 8 years ago our little Noo, checky choppers, Niggy Iah was born on the green mat.

Life by the fireside

2007-07-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Turk and Beulah's favourtie spot this past few days. They had been down the domain for a run and then collasped by the fire. Turk misses his drives in the car since we got a new van so took the old one out today and took him for a drive, yes sad I know, but trying to be everything to everyone is a full time job. Yes Anton you baby has fattened up!

Nyah out on a date.

2007-07-10T00:54:00.000-07:00

Well Nyah's little mate Bradley came to pick her up to take her to the pictures for his Birthday. He is quite a character as you will see in coming photos. They went to see Shrek 3. They have been quite lucky with pictures as I took them to see Transformers (Connor and Mate) and Fantastic Four (Shea and Nyah) while I looked around the shops in Wanganui. With the weather being as slack as it is we are getting alot of use out of dads DVD's, still some I have not seen yet. Apparently more on the way. Nyah is off to another bithday party tomorrow so may head out with the kids and go ten pin bowling.

Shea's Winter Camp

2007-07-10T00:45:00.000-07:00

Shea got well enough to head off to camp in the Pohangina Valley just out of Ashurst and you can imagine the weather in the first week and what looks like the second week of the holidays.

But they still went tramping and caving and night walking for glow worms. Abseiling and rock climbing. She had a great time. 6 to a room with own bathroom, quite a cool set up really. Run by two teachers but all the kids have youth leaders that stay with them 24hrs a day.

I dont know where the holidays have gone really. They run the camp the first week of every school holidays for 9 to 11yr olds, so Nyah will be eligible next year.

The Sicko's

2007-07-10T00:37:00.000-07:00

All sickos round here. Just before school broke up a huge bug hit the place, kids and parents dropping left right and centre. A couple of kids ended up in Hospital. Anyway kids got hit pretty bad, Connor still trying to shake the cough and mum managed to dodge the worst thanks to Buclaine Burner every year. The worst part was getting Shea right before she headed off to camp. We were loading her up with fluids and rugging her up into bed and got her over the worst of it.

Off to Rugby!

2007-07-10T00:33:00.000-07:00

Connor getting ready for Rugby. His team has only lost one game this season and they have a huge Bulls Tourny coming up this Sunday. May take his 2 supporters down with me. Never far from his side Turky Man and Beulah Baby.

Make a Wish

2007-07-01T20:37:00.001-07:00

Kids looovvvvvved the choco covered doughnuts. Bought one extra for you (by mistake) so still buying for 5 dont worry. Each had a birthday candle and made a wish for you, although they are your kids so you can guess Nyahs was a pony, Sheas was a cell phone and Connors was a trip! But hey its the thought that counts!!
We took Shea to camp that night, her agenda was all set out and was off tramping today with a night walk that night. Tuesday absailing of this humungus tower. Glad I am not there to watch. Will take a photo of it when I pick her up. Then caving and back again that night to look at the glow worms. Pursit and top team games. Mud sleding and a Roman vs Slaves night.

Happy Birthday Dad

2007-07-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

Kids and I decided to go and get you a birthday pressie. So we drove all the way into Sanson to get you a pair of new sheep skin car seat covers. They are so cosy. They are red and grey and look really good and make driving very cosy. Thought you may need them when you get back to the shock of winter!!

Lunch in Taihape

2007-06-19T23:54:00.001-07:00

Connor recently had a game of Rugby in Taihape. So we headed up a bit earlier and had something to eat before hand. This place is called the Stock and Station and Connors teachers brother owns it, so we felt we should go and suss things out. Great Bacon and Camembert sandwich for mum and kids munched out on nuggets, fish and chips, just what was needed in the 6 degree temp. It was really good to get away somewhere different for a change, things just have been so busy that we really hav'nt been able to make plans to do anything but work and sport and practices.

Room for two.

2007-06-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

Beulah has taken to sleeping with Shea. Getting the benefit of the electric blanket I think. I dont know who is keeping who warm most of the time.

Ratty's new Cage

2007-06-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

Well it was about time Ratty (alias sugar) got a new cage. She is such a cool thing and is loving her new set up. Of course a cage is always a work in progress and always new ideas and things to keep her amused. Added since this pic is a scarf to climb and more rope for her to run along and coming soon netting along the top for a new level. Oh to be a rat!

Frosty Mornings

2007-06-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

Yep winter is here and kids are going to bed earlier since they have electric blankets. Beautiful days (even if cold) no wind and little rain. Certinaly packing the hot milos for Hockey and Rugby. Kids being filmed this week for some t.v programme so they are filming heaps of Bulls Rugby.

Notice Turk on the tramp and Beulah Baby watching, still has not mastered the art of jumping up on the tramp, thank god really one trick at a time, cat door will never be the same again. But has some tricks up her sleeve for her dad when he gets home!

Kids for Kids Concert

2007-06-19T23:19:00.000-07:00

Monday night was the Kids for Kids Concert with Suzanne Prentice. It was to raise money for World Vision and the kids had been practicing for ages at school. It was really well done and they all had a great time. It was really cold that night and Loretta kept the fire going for us. It was quite hard to see the girls and impossible in this pic. I could see Shea most of the time and did'nt see Nyah at all. But a Bulls School kid got to do a solo, so that was pretty cool.

Only a few days till the end of term. Kids had Right Choice Day today so instead of going with them to Fielding to watch a Kapa Haka Group, I went home to post parcels to Anton, try and dry washing and get dinner on. Shea is off to camp for the first week of the holidays and she is really looking forward to it. Absailing, bush walks, caving, glow worms, mountain biking etc.

Dad in Dili

2007-05-29T01:38:00.000-07:00

Dad gone walk about again to meet the locals and always on the look out for cheap copied d.v.d's.

Crouched on P.O.I alert (places of interest) those who have ever travelled with Anton will know the dreaded "We should climb that mountain" or "I wonder what's at the end of this road." To the favourite "We should have packed a picnic!"

Alas he is now putting his fellow workmates through the hell of "Anton's Tiki Tours Dili Style."

Flowers from Dili

2007-05-28T00:36:00.000-07:00

Here some beautiful carnies that Anton sent from Dili. They are still going strong for nearly two weeks in a beer mug on the bench. They were sent by courier less than 100m to my place. The hype was a little dampened when I got a call from the florist to say she had got Antons visa wrong and mum had to pay for her own flowers. Ahh well its the thought I guess and he wonders why his chips and chocolate arrived all broken last week!!

Beulah Houdini

2007-05-28T00:18:00.000-07:00

How this dog can get through here I dont know...... but it does, even with the planter in front of the CAT door with the stool behind Beulah pushes her way inside while I am at work. Now it locks and the planter has pot plants on it to add como. Dont know how she never got stuck and killed herself.

Sunrise over Bulls

2007-05-12T00:52:00.000-07:00

Just so you dont forget what the sunrise looks like when you used to bike to work in the morning, this was taken before 6am on many a morning when I couldn't sleep, so I made a coffee and took this photo just for you. A bit different to the roosters and dogs waking you up every morning. Will get some photos next time of Beulah baby for you, she is looking really really good, no more skinny girl the weight stays on good now, still a rat bag and beats up on Turkey but what can ya do.

Roped in again.

2007-05-12T00:36:00.000-07:00

This is typical. My last friday off before I start working full time at school. Thought great, will be able to sit back and watch the kids race, not so easy. Got asked to be a marshall. Oh well at least I had a good spot to sit and take pics of myself waiting for the first runner to come. The things ya do when you are bored, should see the ones I had to delete, rule #1 never leave evidence lying around willy nilly.

Connor's Duathlon

2007-05-12T00:26:00.000-07:00

Connor as usual just cruzing, never in too much of a hurry to do anything. One of two senior boys to do the whole thing though. It was a wonder he wasn't giving me the finger as usual.

He has started Rugby today and won their first game 44-0. The Rugby Union have let the country clubs combine ages as the numbers are low in all areas. I think he is looking forward to trying a few new things at college next year like water polo and basketball.

Shea's Duathlon

2007-05-12T00:21:00.000-07:00

Connor and Shea did the interschool Duathlon. They have been doing it for a couple of years now and really enjoy it. They are some of the few that do the whole course themselves. All up its a 3km run and 6km bike, the run is broken up. Shea done a longer public one in Marton and swam instead of biked and did well, beat dad at the swimming. They were running around the married quarters and my mates place is in the background. She is off next week to East Timor for 6 months.

Gym at East Timor

2007-05-11T23:57:00.000-07:00

Not much news from the western front. Elections have been and waiting for the results to come in.

They have been confined to the compound for the last few days and no doubt tension is gaining. Here is the gym that is set up over there, which I think comes in real handy when everyone has either the choice to eat, sleep, watch t.v work out, read a book or eat and sleep.

Anton and Maintenance Shift

2007-05-04T04:11:00.000-07:00

Anton and Crew (Anton by the cockpit door).
All in anticipation for elections to begin again on the 9th May.
Only contact so far is email, no phone lines up and working yet. (or thats what he's telling me)
No signs of the mail getting through yet either, oh well keep sending the smoke signals!

2007-04-28T00:02:00.000-07:00

Kids just written dad an email and now having a milo. Very slow day so looking forward to a drive somewhere tomorrow. Had a swimming and video night on Friday and Nyah got to 16 lenghts so she was stoked. Connor had mate over Friday night so Sheas turn next Friday and then pretty much into Hockey and Rugby. Shea back to Karate next week she is really looking forward to it. The fire has been on all day and the place is roasting, opening doors to cool the place down. Nyah even had a sleep on the couch this arvo!

New Dress for Nyah

2007-04-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

Always dying to spend her pocket money Nyah picked this number up for $4. Dont think she took it off her back for 2 days. It was a friends birthday and she finally got a chance to wear it out. Still waiting for the front teeth to come in, seams to be taking ages. Dont think she has any birthdays for awhile so will be the best dressed kid riding her bike.

Last night at home!

2007-04-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

This was Antons last night at home. So of course off to the Rat Hole for dinner.

Got to base early for customs and speeches and then off.

Second push heading out tomorrow and may try and see them off. Loads to do in the meantime with sports and school and looking through travel brochers for when he gets home!

As you can see by pics, there has been fabulous days here in the city with a great ANZAC morning this morning. Up early and kids marched with their wreaths. Very special as East Timor was mentioned in the UN efforts overseas. May have to give the lawns a run over while the sun is shinning and as always getting homework finished.

Biggest Lap Dog.

2007-04-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

This one is for you Melissa. Cant even ride in the car without someone feeling left out. Beulah always looking for attention needed a cuddle on the way back from the beach.

It is amazing how small a big dog can make itself if it means getting onto someones lap!

Poker Night at Bonnie Doon

2007-04-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Mum and Dad came down for a quick visit and brought their new poker table. Kids gathered round for lessons in "Texas Holdem" and their favourite 4 kings!