First day

well I had my first day at my new job today and apart from feeling like my head is going to explode from all the information I had a great day!

I really think I am going to enjoy this job - and Sally is great to work with.

He loved it!

After agonising for so long over what to get Tony for his 50th I finally came up with something special for him. I was devastated when it didn't arrive in time to take it with us and give to him on his birthday.

The first thing I did yesterday was grab the mail (we had a small pile from when we were away!) and pull the correct parcel out and give to him.

With much trepidation..... I hoped he would like it but you never know with Tony.....I handed it over. I had gotten photos from his parents growing up, their wedding, photos of him as a child and gorwing up with his siblings, then pics of his teenage years and people who had been a major part of his life. Photos of our wedding and the kids births etc etc... Then I put them all together in a book and sent it off to a printers to be professionally printed and bound so he has his own book all about his life.

Well he loved it! He sat there flicking through it with tears coming down his face.....now Tony is not a crier at all so I am glad that it touched him in such a way and that I could come up with something special for him for his birthday

Might take some time!

Bear with me guys!

Have been fiddling with my blog tonight (found a paisley pattern that I just HAD to use!) and it is taking me some time to figure things out.

I am so not computer literate when it comes to these things so may take me some time to fiddle until I get it how I want it but I'll get there.

Back inOZ

Well we made it home safely - we were hoping for a massive airline strike or some such thing but it just didn't happen :(

After coping with the "heat" in New Zealand - which although it was in the 20's nearly every day most motels don't believe in fans - we came home to the horrid humidity of Sydney!

So we are now unpacking and sorting things out and wishing we were back over there!

Once we are all sorted I will catch up with you all and get some more details sorted about our holiday including some pics

Excitement City

Thats what this place is.

Queenstown is like the ski resort area for NZ so heaps of adrenaline type activities - bungy jumping, canyon swings, jetboats - and resort prices!!! wow things are dear here! and there are people everywhere!

We went up in the gondola yesterday and we all went on the luge (kind of like the tobaggan thing at Jamberoo) which was heaps of fun. Kyle was happy because we went and saw a Maori show which included the Haka and Tasha was included in the show and got to join in one of the dances. (I do think she is taking after her aunty Gail here)

Tony's 50th birthday tomorrow so we have special day planned. We are splurging and having breakfast here in the restaurant and then Tony and Tasha go jetboating with Shotover Jetboats through the canyon. Then we head to Wanaka to Puzzle world and then a very special dinner out in a wonderful sounding restaurant (Thanks Davina). I had a special present organised but it didn't arrive before we left :( so can't wait to get home to give it to him.

I think this is it for me. the other places we are going don't mention having internet so will speak to you all soon (way tooo soon)

Another update

Wow. Another update! Thought I would use the computer whilst we can!

Today has been one of the best days ever! We saw some beautiful scenery. Amazing mountains.

We drove from here at Te Anau to Milford Sound through some of the most gorgeous areas. We stopped by the side of the road at one stage and saw a wild Kea (an almost extinct bird - I think they said there are 300 of them) which actually jumped on our car roof! The kids went and played in a snow cave and then we drove through Homer tunnel. This tunnel has been bored into the rockof the mountain so it goes for over a km and it is straight through the middle of the mountain. so Cool!

then we did a Milford sound cruise which took us all the way along Milford Sound. we saw fur seals warming themselves on the rocks and we went to Stirling Falls.
This waterfall the boat goes right up to the base of the falls where it hits the water - I mean right up, the bow of the boat almost goes into the fall. Tasha and I were standing up on top deck so we got a bit wet! But got some amazing views.

If I don't get to update again before we get home (only 9 days to go boo hoo) will chat to you all back in Aus.

What a day!

We have had another great day today - checked out of our motel and headed off for Te Anau. Stopped on the way at the most amazing paua shell factory shop and bought up heaps of gorgeous items for souvenirs!

and YES Jane I did get a bag!

Then we arrived in Te Anau. this place is so amazing. If you are ever over in NZ you need to come here. It is beautiful. We did our glowworm cave tour and it was mind blowing. you walk down into the cave and then go underground in a little boat to the glowworm caves. The boat goes just past the rocks and actually brushes against them at some times and the worms are sitting right there in front of you!

Then we went for a little tour! You have heard of tandem bikes and the goodies had a bike for three - well today we had a bike for 4!!!! It is set up like a car - you have 2 seats in front and 2 in back. the person in front steers and has the brakes but all 4 can pedal. After an hour of this our legs were very tired!

The place we staying in is great. This town is just amazing.

Hope you guys are all doing well

Another NZ post

Well guys life over here is great! NZ is kind of taking a step back to yesteryear- it is very retro and 70's over here!

We are having a great time. Went over to Stewart Island on a wet day so didn't see as much as we would have liked but Tony got to chat to some guys on the island and we learnt a bit about life on the island then and now.

Today we spent a day down at the Bluff and went around to a lady's house from the local historic society and found out more info about the Lucas and Cross clan. We even found Lizzie Cross's grave in the local cemetery! Found out that these people live a long time - the average age at death is about 90!!

We leave here tomorrow to head to Te Anau and Milford Sound and then Queenstown. Have booked for Tony to go jetboating in Queenstown for his 50th birthday.

To those who have sent us messages and haven't heard back we do apologise but roaming on our mobiles does cost a lot so we try and keep in contact via the internet and avoid the phones if we can.

The kids are having a blast and seeing lots of cool things - we are going to an underground glow worm cave tomorrow- accessed by boat - looking forward to that.

Hi from NZ

Checking in to let you know we are okay.

Have been having a blast - went to the Chocolate Factory and Tasha got spalshed by a chocolate waterfall! That was pretyy cool!

We have spent some time around Dunedin/Port Chalmers and found records of Tony's dad in the Maritime Museum. We found out some new facts and on old pic of him when he was 14. We are at Stewart Island today so catching up on more family history!

In Invercargill for a few days and then up to Queenstown and then the West Coast.

Will update when I can

We are away!

hi guys - just letting you know we are in NZ - had a great flight.

Had the best day with the allan's in Sydney on friday - didn't do much just hung out but it was sooo good

Have been taking heaps of pics as ordered by Matt- just wish I had a 1/4 of his talent with the camera!

will try and update when I can

Leaving on a jet plane

"All our bags are packed - we're ready to go"


Yep it's almost that time. Handed the keys over to Michelle today. Finished the cleaning of the house. we really need to get housesitters in more often - I even did the Tupperware drawer!

I am getting excited and nervous. I can't wait to see the Allan's tomorrow .

1 more sleep!!!!1

and in 2 sleeps we will be boarding our plane and heading off! I have made my list - checked it twice! Have all my confirmations and tours booked.

Will try and check in occasionally while we are over there when we can - really need to get a laptop with internet!!!!!!

Speak to you all later!

New Years Eve

Heres some of the photos from new years eve at Simone and Greg's


Haylee and Royce


Tracy



Haylee and John


the Karaoke posse!!!

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to one of the sweetest most caring people I know! To a person who has accepted me as me and welcomed me into her home on numerous occasions. A girl who has blessed my life by letting me be part of hers!

Yes, of course I'm talking about you girl!

Happy birthday SJ. Can't wait to see you to give my birthday hug in person!

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The countdown is well and truly on. We are getting ready for our trip - going up to Sydney to have a day with the Allan's before we fly out on our holiday!!!
The timing was great to have them up from Melbourne when we were going to be in Sydney. (well we are going up a day early and they are coming down from their break to meet us!). Can't wait to see them all again.

The nerves are starting to hit with the holiday! I am slightly worried about the flying thing and the being in a strange country thing! Have never left Australia before! But also very excited at the same time.

Happy New Year

WOooo HOOOOOOO

Happy new year everyone

We had a fun night - went to Mone's for a karaoke NYE party!

The kids had a blast and we belted out a few tunes (well I was back up dancer!).

Was great to see everyone and Tracy and Jacob came along with us so it was great to ctach up with them too - will post some pics soon