Farewell to 2013

Well 2013 is drawing to a close and it's been an exciting year filled with love, laughter, the odd tears and many, many memories made.
Looking out our window one of our trees sparkles with Christmas lights. I like to think that it signifies the celebration of what has been and anticipation of what is yet to come.
To everyone near and far Happy New Year and may 2014 be a spectacular adventure :-)

Morning Walk - Morning Swim

While Tian swims in the morning HT and I hit the pavement and the beach.

NZ Birds

One of the beauties of living where we do is an abundance of native birdlife. One of the challenges however is trying to photograph these naturally shy creatures so unfortunately these are pictures I took at Rainbow Springs in Rotorua.

The Kereru (Wood pidgeon) and the Tui both love the native flaxes and kowhai trees in our garden and the beautiful King Fisher makes it's nests in the bank cutting just up the road from our letter box.

Giving Back

This morning Tian and I got up early to head down to the Mount and marshall for the Eves Surfbreaker Triathlon as part of a fundraiser for the Papamoa Surf Club.
Cameron Brown won the mens race in outstanding style and Rebecca Kingsford the women's race almost equally convincingly. Both then headed out for more running in preparation for the half ironman which is but a few days away.

Most inspirational of all was the 72 year old gentleman who competed in his very first triathlon today - what an incredible achievement.

48 Years

Today is Deb and John's 48th wedding anniversary, an absolutely amazing feat to be incredibly proud of. Looking forward to celebrating their 50th in two years time :-) and looking back on their own love story.

The Tide

Tonight was Ocean Swim number two for Tian. The conditions looked much better than last week; far less chop and only a fairly gentle wind by comparison but under the surface was a strongly outgoing tide. Full credit to Miss T for battling strongly against it for the entire final and longest leg for a well earned fifth place.
I hope that your determination is a sign of things to come and how you will always deal with challenges. Never let things get the better of you because you have an inner strength and people around you who will always be there cheering you on!

Merry Christmas to All

Here's hoping that all our family and friends both near and far have a wonderful Christmas and take the time to appreciate al the amazing things that they have.

We are blessed to have so many great friends and to live in such a beautiful country.

Mele Kalikimaka

Monarch Butterfly

One of the new babies from our garden today.

Only one more sleep until Santa visits :-)

Single colour pictures

Just because :-)

BOP Surf Life Saving Champs

Another first for 2013 - Tian's first beach based surf life saving competition.
Some highs - a team gold in the Cameron Relay (Tian did the final run-leg), some lows (a DQ in the Tube Rescue with Shinae) and lots of new experiences.

Harbourside

Firstly - Happy Birthday to my wonderful mum. I hope your day is lovely and that you enjoy each bite of the delicious risotto I'm cooking you for dinner.

Secondly, we went to Harbourside to celebrate a belated 50th birthday for my good friend and ex-principal, Jenny. I'd just like to say that my meal was 'fantastical'.

The new xmas addition

My gift to our family this year is a fabulous new washing machine. It's been a long time coming and the old one is taking a much deserved retirement as it's over 20 years old :-)

Sad as it may be I'm excited about this new baby - I may even have to name it.

First Ocean Swim Competition

In less than idyllic conditions Tian bravely took on her first ocean swim competition tonight. She swam the 750m event and was the 4th girl and 7th overall which was a pretty impressive effort for her first try. There was a howling north-wester and short uneven chop combined with a turning tide. Hugely proud of your effort Tian!

A surprise for Miss T

I've been working on a little surprise for my fabulous small person and I've enlisted a little help from her amazing year 8 teacher, Mrs Debbie Currie. She kindly supplied these fantastic pictures from camp.

Art

Here is a shot of one of the many pieces of art that Tian undertook at MIS.

AND...
I had my TOD at Welcome Bay today. It was very intense but I feel far more 'in the picture' for my new job than I did yesterday. :-)

Summer evenings

One of my favourite things to do on gorgeous summer evenings is to eat outdoors :-)

Santa travels by IRB

Santa arrived at Papamoa Surf Club today as part of the final Junior Surf and Little Nippers day for 2013.
His arrival was delayed slightly as there were sharks surfing the waves while we practised tube patient rescues, so we had to get out of the water quickly.

Speedway

This afternoon Mum and I went to speedway with friends. I was a very dusty experience again. There were a  few really good crashes that happened right in-front of us.

Ending Intermediate

Today, Friday the 13th was my last day of intermediate. It was also our final prize giving, I received the trophy for the most contribution and service to school life. I was very proud of receiving this award. Paige, Aleisha and I played a flute trio the piece was called Eye level. There were also many tears shed, as I am going to Tauranga Girls and will not be seeing my friends for long periods of time.

Farewell Kuranui School

Well my final day as a teacher at Kuranui School has come to pass.
What a wonderful four years it has been and such a wealth of learning has occurred both for myself and all the children that have been a part of my life.
I can't thank the families and children and school enough for making my first teaching position such an awesome experience.

Arohanui & kia kaha.

Year 8 Graduation Dance

Well it was a night of glitz and glamour to celebrate the drawing to a close of two amazing years at Matamata Intermediate.
My beautiful young lady had her hair done by Marg, just a touch a make up added and then her lovely dress.
SO proud of you Tian :-)

Marevellous Marg doing Tian's hair

Finishing touches

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A very nervous & chatty car ride there

Tian & her fantastic teacher Mrs Debbie Currie

Tian & her friend Christoph

Tian & her friend from age 5, Paige

The year 8's of Room One

The year 8 girl's & Mrs Currie

Jamie, Shelley & Tian

Rm 1 End of Year Extravaganza

We had the final Room One trip today - was a fun day!
Kids loved it, parents had a great time and Tracie and I enjoyed every moment too.
I'm so lucky!

Deb's Christmas creations

Deb (mum aka grandma) has been busy making us plates of food for our respective events tomorrow. Where would we be without her?

Taupo Cash Meet

A stellar day at the lovely AC Baths in Taupo at their annual Cash Swim Meet.
2nd overall for 12yr girls.
Placings:
- 2nd 400m free (11sec pb)
- 4th 50m back
- 5th 100m free
- 5th 100m IM
- 11th 50m free
- 3rd 100m back
- 1st 100m fly
- 2nd 200m back
- 4th 12yr & over 4x50m mixed relay

100IM - breaststroke leg

100IM - free leg

100m fly

The Matamata team

2nd overall 12 yr girls

Jamie's gorgeous breaststroke

Jamie - 1st overall 16yr girls

Christmas Tree

We put our Christmas tree up today as well as doing a bit of Christmas shopping :-) feeling a little more festive.