our house...in the middle of our street...

 

Ethan takes a dip in Coopers Creek

This is Coopers Creek. Its about a 10 minuted drive from home. We head out here when the temperature soars and take a dip...

slimey friend for freya

 

little monkeys

 

Spencer Park in Christchurch

 

school run

 

latest news from kiwiland

Hi Guys. Thought Id post a quick update.

Well, summer is supposed to be at an end now. The Oxford pool closed a week ago and the trees are turning red/gold. The weather is still lovely though, there has been some rain but the skies are still blue and the men are still in shorts :) I am sure some kiwi blokes wear shorts all year round though.

The kids are thriving. Freya has her dancing class, which she loves - and she has registered for the Oxford soccer team but hasnt played as yet. Ethan is busy with his friends from school. We usually have a little guest after school most days. Its great because I am geting to meet the kiwi mums at last. Ive got loads of Brit friends but not too many kiwis.

Ive started Tai Chi and Pilates classes both of which I really enjoy.

Chris is doing well at work. He has passed a test in order to become an assessor for the apprentices. He really enjoys teaching the younger lads.
He is toying with the idea of building a jet boat. A friend of ours has the templates and it looks like it will be a winter project for them both. Will keep you posted on that.

We are looking forward to our next visitor. Chris' friend Rodger is arriving in 4 weeks time. We have organised some golf clubs for his arrival.

The bar-b-q season is coming to an end now but there is still plenty to do at the weekend. Last weekend our friend had a party to celebrate their first year here. This weekend we all went swimming and to a local school fair and next weekend we are going to watch a Triathlon. Our friends children are taking part in it and we will be there to cheer them on.

Looking back at the photos we took over the summer I realize just how busy we have been. There have been loads of trips to the pool and the beach as well as finding a local water-hole. The bar-b-q was working on overtime and the kids have had a ball. The stress of the UK is well and truly behing us now - the pace of life here is much more relaxed.

Winter will bring new things to do too. We plan to go to a ski resort for my 40th birthday in August - so I am busy arranging that. Hopefully there will be a big group of us going.

Oxford is beautiful in the Winter - as we are so close to the southern alps, the backdrop of snow covered mountains is spectacular. Will be posting some photos when we get our first real dump of snow.

Time to order the wood and coal it think.......