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Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Burns Supper

















With 25 January being Robert Burn's birthday, it was time for the 3rd annual Whitaker Burn's supper. This is a celebration of the life and times of the greatest ever poet and songwriter, who just happens to be Scottish! The occasion is marked by friends joining together to enjoy a traditional meal of haggis, 'neeps and taties along with whiskey and poetry. This year was a bit bigger than last, with about 20 folk. We're thinking we might need to get a bigger house if it continues to grow... The haggis was saved from the cat the night before and cooked beautifully, and there was a smaller, vegetarian one for those who couldn't have the real thing. Even the babies enjoyed it with Jack having his first ever taste of meat. It won't, however, be a regular menu item. So it seemed like everyone had a good time and enjoyed the fare, but as is the way with our social life these days, it was all over by 8.30pm.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Jack's pals


Just got this photo today. It was taken a couple of weeks ago on a playdate with Jack's wee friends Caitlin & Aaliyah. Like 3 little monkeys.... see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil (-'

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Jack & Caitlin make a splash!


















It was such a beautiful day yesterday, Jane phoned up and asked if we'd like to come up for lunch and a swim. So two keen wee bodies were plonked in the paddling pool which had been warming up all morning in the sunshine. Caitlin is Jack's wee girlfriend from playcentre, and it seems they're both real little water babies!

Brad's wedding





























This weekend we all flew down to Christchurch for the wedding of the year.... Brad & Michelle's! It was a beautiful occasion on a sunny Saturday in a gorgeous place called Taunton Gardens. The ceremony started at 1pm, with Brad, Michelle and all thier attendants looking fabulous. After Brad & Michelle were pronounced husband and wife (cue: doves), the guests enjoyed drinks and delicious nibbles while the photos were taken. More drinks and nibbles followed along with the speeches and guests got to wander through the trails of the gardens. Cake was served (chocolate!) and everyone mingled under the hot sun. We had a lovely intimate dinner with the bridal party and close family at a fabulous cafe called She, not far from the gardens. On Sunday we all invaded Michelle's brother's house for a barbie, and unfortunately for us, we had to fly home later that day. But we had a great weekend and it felt like much more than just 2 days. Brad and Michelle did a wonderful job creating the perfect day, not only for them but also for everyone who attended. And I just have to mention the beautiful dresses - designed and made by Michelle herself! (Click on any of the pics for a bigger view- same for any of the photos on this page)

Oriental Bay


Lexi, Jack & I ventured into town to spend the afternoon at the beach. It was sunny& warm, but it was very windy and there were millions of jelly fish so no swimming. Jack got a chance to play with a new christmas present, sand toys, and got a taste of the beach (literally), and Lexi built a luxury hotel complex out of sand. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was the gelato from down the road!

Wellington Zoo


























With Alexi down, we decided to make a trip to the zoo! Must've been a good time of day to go, because all the animals were out and we got to see the tiger and the lions being fed. Jack loved the big puss-puss and the kangaroos (he licked their fence), saw his cousins the cheeky monkeys then fell asleep about half way around. Recommend the cafe - yum!

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Happy New Year



Whew what a busy time it's been. We're just trying to recover from the whole Christmas/New Year palava. Although we've had a great time, I'm kinda glad it's all over. But can you believe it's 2006! I can't believe how fast the last year has gone... my baby won't be such a baby soon... a big one year old next month!
So, Christmas day... We had friends up for a pancake breakfast, Jack was asleep at first, and then when he got up Aaliyah got tired and needed the bed - so they weren't really very big participants at that stage. After they were gone, Jack, Stuart & I went back to bed for a nap! I'd been pretty busy leading up to Christmas with all the shopping (!), a little bit of work, preparing food and generally decking the halls in the Christmas spirit. And Stuart worked the whole time except for the day itself. However, come lunch time it was full swing again when Dad arrived, and another friend of ours, Matt. Jack was warming up now and getting into his cool new toys. We had a delicious roast meal and just managed to squeeze in some pavlova!
New Years was a sad affair with us tucked up in bed asleep by 10pm - sleep is precious these days and we just couldn't see the sense in forcing ourselves to stay up. Jack woke me at 1215 anyway so I gave him a quiet little New Year's kiss.
It's been a good time for family, too. Cousin Alexi came down on Thursday for a couple of weeks, so we've been busy going to the zoo, shopping, scrapbooking, baking etc. Then Chants arrived from the States after hmm, 5 years or so. Another cousin gave birth to a lovely wee boy on New Year's day.
Next weekend we're heading down to Christchurch for Brad & Michelle's wedding - yay! Then 2 weeks later it's up to Auckland for cousin Helen's 21st (-; made even more special by the fact that Stuart's Mum will be over from Scotland!
Jack's been busy too - partying into the wee small hours and keeping his Mum & Dad up. He's loads of fun though (during the day!) and getting himself around the place pretty well.
Well that's about all the goss for now, I'm sure I'll manage to scrape some more together for next time.
Hope everyone had a lovely, safe Christmas and New Years xxx