newlife

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T16:27:00.000-08:00

Hope Everyone is having a great Christmas all our love

The Williams's (NZ Branch)

2011-10-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since we updated the blog. We are all well and busy with school pre school and work. We are recovering from the world cup which has been amazing although the liver needs a rest. We have been skiing (merryn is now skiing by herself and doing well) Sarah and I went to a couple of World cup games which were great even if the result didn t always go our way. The weather is getting warmer and lots of twilight sport is happening. We are playing Tennis and I am playing Cricket as well as a bit of football. Freya is back into her swimming and both girls are doing Athletics. There are only 6 weeks of this term to go and then its summer hols. How time flys, best wishes to you all xxxx

Princess parties

2011-05-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Princess parties have been a theme resently The royal wedding were Sarah and the Girls wore Tiaras to watch the pomp. Then Merryns 4th birthday lots of little princesses running around having fun. Talking of running, Freya has had her cross country at school and got to represent her school at the inter schools. She did well running in the under 10s she came 9th. Freya has also been playing soccer and getting stuck in. Sarah has joined a running club so she is up at 5.25 am in the week running. Gareth has been playing squash and is training his class at school to do the Taupo half marathon. As well as all this activity we are waiting for the snow so we can get skiing.

Easter finally here.

2011-04-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hi all

We have had a busy 1st term at school. Sarah now has a full time job at Te Kuiti High school working for a handsome boss, ME !! Freya has been doing really well at school and has been swimming representing her school at the waitomo district swim meet , representing her school at inter schools Athletics as well and playing Touch rugby,She scored a couple of mean tries! All this and getting great results in her reading spelling and vocabulary. Merryn has been doing well at The Cottage and desperately wants be at school doing the same as Freya. We have had thai students stay with us for 3 weeks and with rugby starting up and sarah running circuits twice a week its been busy. I have joined the squash club and played in my first tournament. We are now on holiday and after an 11 week term we have needed it. We have another 11 weeker this term aswell so things will be fun. Freya had her 8th Birthday which was at Owhango and it was a great weekend lots of cake pop corn and custard pie fights.She had some wonderful presents too. The nights are drawing in now and the tempreture has dropped so summer is over and winter starts. Hope everyone is well miss you all xxxx

New year summer hols

2011-01-12T17:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

Hope you all had a great New Years and have a great year ahead. We had a good time with friends and have been enjoying our holiday. We spent New Year at the lake camping. Swimming in the lake, chilling out and having fun. We have been to Owhango and swam in the river and had Bbq's and more recently we have been to Kawhia. We stayed with Derick and Marian (our landlords) at their bach. We had a great time sailing, swimming in the sea, catching crabs and fishing. The girls are enjoying having Davy the horse and have both been riding him, Freya has been cantering along the races of the farm. Both the girls had friends around and went for a picknick and for rides on davy. We have a couple of weeks left untill we go back to school and work so we might fit in some more adventures before then.

Love you all

Williams's

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T17:03:00.000-08:00

We have been away on holiday to Waihi Beach and had a great time. Nev and El have been with us for christmas and thats been wonderful especially for the girls. We have been a bit poor on updating the blog hopefully we will be better next year. We have a new addition tempareraly. Davey the horse.

2010-07-23T16:10:00.001-07:00

All Good in Piopio

2010-06-13T00:45:00.000-07:00

Hi All
We have started to settle in to life in Piopio. Freya is enjoying school and doing well. She is playing hockey on thursday evenings and enjoying it. Her skills are improving and she is starting to get a bit more competitve. On Saturday mornings Freya plays Netball, she has won player of the day a couple of times and although her team are coming second in most of there games she is sticking at it which is good. Freya also got picked for the inter schools cross country and ran very well (she was one of the youngest in her age group 7-9 yr olds).
Merryn is enjoying pre school and loves getting involved in everything. She enjoys circiuts that Sarah runs on a monday night and joins in with the exercises her prone bridge is awesome. Merryn also loves being out side and helping Sarah in the garden and looking after the animals. We now have 1 cat 1 chicken and 1 goat called Charlotte.
Sarah is getting regular work at Piopio college and realy enjoys it there. Her circuits class is going well with about 15-20 people each week. She has also got herself onto the board of trustees at Piopio primary school.
My Job is going well and i am enjoying Te kuiti High school. The Senior PE group I teach are training to do the Taupo half marathon in August so i am getting to do some running at school.
We are going to see Wales v All Blacks on the 26th in Hamilton. I hope its a good night!
Our house in Owhango is nearly finished. I am over decorating especially with a 3 yr old around
Hope everyone is well and will try to keep this going.

Sporty Times!

2010-03-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

I have been picking up some more work relieving, at Piopio College, which has been good. We have been away pretty much every weekend doing things in March. Freya and I ran in Rotorua, I ran a P.B.1hr41.55.(Half Marathon). Freya ran in the Little Devils Race(1.5km) and she Won! She was awarded a camelback and cuddly toy for her efforts...Way to Go Freya !! Next was The Kururau Krusher : Road Bike,Run,Kayak,Mountain Bike (108km), A long day, with a capsize and broken Bike, but I still managed to finish 3rd! Freya's Sports Day was next... 1st in Sprint, hurdles and Long Jump,2nd in Shot and middle distance. She is PioPio Primary School's 6yr old Champion! Gareth is playing 5 aside football for a team called Gotham city united, on Tuesday nights.
Freya had some of Her new friends Ele and Emma Barton and Maddy Buckley over for birthday Tea.
On the Saturday she celebrated with old friends; Maddy, Saige, Izzy, and Jayden,with party games, a scavenger hunt in the woods, and a swim in the river. This weekend some friends came to Pio Pio for the King Country Bike Challenge, more bike trouble meant just a 2okm ride for me, but a good day all the same. On sunday Gareth took out the Pre- school 10km run, freya and Merryn biked, I was support crew!
The Girls also had some muddy fun at home and a bout of the Chicken Pox each.

photos to go with owhango

2010-02-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

Our New House in Owhango

2010-02-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

Merryn will start Pre- school( The Cottage) this week Mon, Tue, WEd. So I will hopefully be able to pick up some relief teaching, get my coursework finished, maybe even tackle my new sewing machine!
I am running in an off-road half marathon next weekend, freya is doing a kids run too, and then it's Krusher weekend( multi-sport event).
Two weekends ago Gareth and I ran as part of a team in the Round The Lake(Taupo) relay(150km all the way around). This weekend we exchanged on a house that we are going to use as a bach to ski, mountain bike,run etc from. It has that dreaded word "potential"!We thought it was going to be furnished but when we arrived to sleep in it last Friday there was only one single bed!Initially we will need to clean and paint it, oh and furnish it!!
The photos are of freya and merryn's friends, me dagging a sheep on my friends farm, and Our new house.
Freya's birthday coming up so will post photos of that next.

New House

2010-02-25T01:19:00.000-08:00

I know ,I know were getting slack. We Will try better. Any way here is our new house. We are slowly getting used to it and to living in Te Kuiti. The girls love the space they have and the freedom. I love being far enough away from work that i can relax without bumping into the kids i teach. We have been busy doing lots of running and fitness stuff so have the girls with Freya swimming at Te Kuiti swim club. Wewill try and keep you up to date.

2009-12-24T15:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas to you all!!

Well once again we have been spoilt and over whelmed by your genorosity. Thank you!!

Christmas in NZ is more laid back and low key. We are adjusting to summer Christmas's and puting our own touch to it.

The girls are loving it and have had a great day. The weather is great we have had a big brekie and opened pressies. We have spoken to family in the uk and had some bubbly. We are now looking forward to over indulging with friends and making the most of the day.

We hope everyone has a great Christmas and New Year All our Love

xxxx

End of Term

2009-12-11T17:38:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy and scary time the last few months, but its turned out well in the end. After a couple of near misses getting pipped to the post I finally have a new job as Head of PE at Te Kuiti High School. So we are moving north to Piopio, a village 15 km from Te Kuiti. We have a brand new 4 bedroom house to move into (still renting) with great views. We will miss Taumarunui and have made some great friends here.

We have been busy doing lots of fun things Sarah competed in a mountain bike event and won her division. We have been out to 21st, 30ths ,35th 40th and 50th Birthday parties, Playing 5a -side footy and doing circuits. Freya has been the busiest with BMX racing on Mondays Swim club training on tuesday swim race night on wednesday and Touch on Friday. Plus she got into the school athletics team and went to inter school athletics doing long jump.

Merryn is loving pre school and riding her bike. She can,t wait to join in with all the activities freya does. She is a great character and keeps us entertained.

We took freya to a fishing day at Turangi trout hatchery and she did realy well learning to fly fish and catching and landing a huge rainbow trout. She enjoyed it and got her fish filleted and smoked so we could have it with our picnic.

Tom (Sarah,s cousin) came and stayed which was great. I think he had a good time. Vic another of Sarah's cousins also came by and it was awesome to catch up with him and Aoilife.

We have now got to the end of the school year and are looking forward to Christmas we have our tree up and lots of pressies underneath, all the girls are excited and Sarah insists on playing the Christmas cd all the time.

We would like to wish everyone a verry merry christmas and a prosperous New Year. We think about you and miss you all lots and will try and keep in touch better in the new year.

2009-10-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all

sorry for the lapse in posts its been a hectic 10 weeks with lots happening. Sarah is still working fulltime at St Pats which she enjoys and keeps her out of trouble. She is also still running circuits twice a week and on the pre school commitee as well as charging around the country side on her mountain bike. We have a new addition to the family, a Lamb called Spring you can see the photos later. Merryn and Freya are both doing well. Merryn loves her new child minder and going to pre school and has done some great paintings already. Her speach is developing all the time and she has a good sense of humour. She loves being outside and always wants to part of what ever is going on. We have taken her skiing a couple of times now and she loves it.

Freya is doing well also her reading is getting better and better and she is improving in school. She came second in her school x country and then 6th in the inter schools x country which was great. Her skiing has improved and she is now skiing all over the mountain. I have some news too, I have resigned from my job and am now looking for a new job so scary times again. Sarah and I ran an off road half marathon in taupo which was fun and Sarah won her division. We have also been to see an All Blacks game against South Africa in Hamilton. We had a great time. Hope everyone is well and will catch up with everyone soon hopefully

xxx

Lorna married

2009-08-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well what aWhistle-stop tour of the U.K. this time! But we wouldn't have missed Lorny getting married to Dan for the world. It was great to catch -up with friends and family even though it was very brief. Huge apologies to those we did not catch up with; Gareth's Auntie Marian, Uncle Bryan, Cousins Matthew and Cathryn and families, friends Lynn and Nick, Bob and Dee, Kath and Haimish, Pete and Anj...

It was a real treat to shop at Cribbs Causeway and Cardiff, even though somebody swiped my card and spent $ 1000 dollars of our money in U.S.A.

Lorna looked like a princess on Her wedding day it was fantastic to see her sooooooooooooooo happy, looking forward to her and Dan hearing the patter of tiny feet, with grand children closer to home for mum and dad.

Come out and see us soon, I know a few of you have plans, you are all more than welcome we'd love to see you.

I had a birthday party the Saturday we got back after flying in on Tuesday! It was fun with apple and quince schnapps and Turkey rolls.

Gareth's team unfortunately lost in the Rugby final, and Gareth announced his retirement mmmmmmmmmmmm We'll see !

We are hoping to get fit again and do an off-road half marathon with some friends. We waved off Our good friends Dallas and Steve and their boys Jordie and Teina, they have left for a new life teaching inHongKong.

Enjoy these photos !!!

Turkeys and Merryn's b.day.plus half marathon

2009-08-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

Just to catch up in the right order.....Merryn had her 2nd birthday, Sarah baked her a humungous chocolate cake! I spent four days up in Auckland on my Personal Trainer Course learning heaps of new stuff. Then my friend Mel and I trained for an off-road half marathon, we trained really well, then both got ill just b4 running it...We went anyway! It was a pretty tough run, especially for Mel ( first comp. she had done). Next my friend Marty picked me up for a full day of Turkey- shooting. As this year I wanted to provide my own turkeys for my mid-winter birthday party. We headed down to a friends farm...Thanks Kirsten and Paul! eventually finding some Turkeys. Paul stopped the Quad bike, Marty gave me the shotgun and they both said " off you go" I was like aaagh( in my head) i lined up my first victim through the sights and " bang!" first shot I got one. I was a natural...later on I shot 2 birds with one shot! I totalled 5 turkeys and Marty matched it. All in all a successful trip, then we had to pluck them and do all the other yukky stuff. But it was worth it!

update 06/09

2009-06-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

We are nearly at the end of term 2 and off to the uk. It has been a busy time with Sarah and me working fulltime and the girls doing lots. Sarah has been running circuits twice a week and finishing off her personel training course as well as mountain biking and running. Today she is out Turkey shooting trying to get one for her Birthday party.I am playing rugby and coaching the High school u 14s as well as being the teacher in charge os sport and the rugby administrator in school so its keeping me out off trouble. Freya is playing Hockey and Netball aswell as going to pippins and has also become a member of the Turangi Climbing club, she is an awesome climber I can't get anywhere near her on the climbing wall. Merryn has turned two and now go's to pre school 3 times aweek which she loves. She is speaking more and more and comes to support at the rugby. Her favourite shout is "throw the man down". Hope everyone is well see you soon. xxx

Easter hols

2009-04-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Its now getting into autum the leaves are falling and the nights are getting darker. We have just broken up for the hols. We met up with lucy and Neil in Raglan for the weekend. Nice and relaxing, lots of coffees and walks, fish and chips and some fishing. Its been a busy 10 weeks with Sarah working full time at St Pats and me slogging away at the High School. Freya is doing well at school and with her swimming aswell as pippins and hockey and Netball. Merryn is becoming more and more of a character. Her speech and words are getting better and more of them, her and Freya get on well at the momment and play well together (long may it continue!!)

We had Colin, Sarah's cousins son stay for a couple of days. We took him up the mountain and to Waitomo caves and also introduced him to several NZ Beers (we tried Mac's Gold, Montieths,Tui, Steinlager Pure and Speights) he has now gone to Christchurch to work on a Dairy farm.

Sarah is doing well with her personel training and is enjoying her clients getting results. Rugby is about to start for me and I've finally lost the 10 kgs and the beard. I Feel better for it and hope it will make a difference for my rugby. Hope everyone is well speak to you all soon

2009-03-07T23:23:00.000-08:00

Dear All,Hope this blog finds everyone well and with a feeling of spring in the air if you are in the U.K.Well for us the last five weeks have been very busy. I have been working full-time (temporary contract) at the local catholic primary school, so I have been a v.good girl saying my prayers and attending church! I am really enjoying teaching my class of 11 and 12yr olds(yr.7&8). Last week they wrote to their role- models, so we are waiting ( but not with baited breath) for replies from Prince Harry, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Wil Smith....to name a few! I have been teaching swimming to some students 3 afternoons a week, which has been good for me and great for the students fitness! I have also been running a Mum & Baby swim class once a week which has been fun to do with Merryn as she loves the water.Merryn is looked after by Shiree whilst I work, she is still funny and enjoying new words.Freya is settling in with her new teacher Ms. Wallace and learning with the aid of a smartboard, her project has been dogs. They recently skyped a man and his sniffer dog in Auckland. And had Mountain rescue dogs and agility dogs in to visit the class.Gareth is enjoying teaching his students, meeting some of them at 7am for triathlon training at the pool, getting 17yr olds up at that time in the morning let alone exercising is fairly impressive!He is off to the Rugby ground to play in his first Rugby game of the season, a warm-up game against Te Rapa, who are short of 1st choice forwards that have been playing Super 14 this w'end! Gareth is hoping he isn't on for long as He is competing in an off-road 1/2 marathon tomorrow in Rotorua!With the Rugby season fast encrouching, the weather is more Autumnal, mornings darker and fruit and veg. ripening- completely the opposite to all at home. My weekends will change from running and mountain-biking to watching Freya play netball and Gareth Rugby.The Kururau Krusher which I had been training for was last Weekend, it was wet which was probably a good thing but the wind ( which we never get in Taumarunui) meant that at times it was hard going.I can't remember if Gareth wrote about it before but anyway....It is a local multi-endurance event. The first leg is a 44km Road Bike, Leg 2 a 16km run, a 22km kayak( grade 4 river lots of rapids), and a 26km mountain Bike to finish! I borrowed a road bike, mountain bike and kayak. It took 6hrs 44 mins and I came 3rd, narrowly missing out on 2nd by 20secs.It was a great experinece, I won$200 and will probably be mad enough to do it again next year!We are looking forward to catching up with everyone soon at Lorna and Dan's Wedding, or around the 2 weeks that we are back.Love Sarah

super summer

2009-02-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

We have had a great summer. The girls have done loads and enjoyed having nanny carol and grandad Malcolm around. The weather has been awesome and there has been lots going on. We had a couple of Bbq's (a good dayboxing day) went camping to Waihi beach which was great lots of surfing and walking/running and sightseeing. We walked the tongariro crossing and Whakapapaiti valley and Karangahake gorge. Freya did the last 2 and did really well. We had new years eve at our chalet in Ohakune which was good fun. Carol and Malcolm became locals at Ruddies place and the camp ground and the bowls club.

Merryn and freya have been bouncing around on their new trampoline and chilling in their pool and generally having great fun. We our all back at work now or school or childcare but can look back at a super summer.

Christmas Day

2008-12-24T21:10:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has as good a christmas as we did. Merry Christmas to you all.

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2009!!

2008-12-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas is here and we have our summer hols. Carol and Malcolm are with us which is great. They have already settled into life in Taumarunui, playing bowls and becoming regulars at Ruddies place (cafe in town).Merryn is growing up quickly and getting more adventurous and talkative. She loves playing with Freya and being on her bike. Merryn is also a little climber, up and down everything.

Freya has finished her first year at school and was a tapping tui in the kiwi 12 days of Christmas, at the end of year prize giving.Freya has been horse riding and her swimming is coming on leaps and bounds. Marian has made the girls an awesome advent calandar which they absolutly love. Freya is very excited each morning waiting to see what is in the little bags. We have our Christmas tree up I think this is the last year we get a real tree.( 25 degrees is not ideal for trees) if this one makes it to boxing day it will be a miricle. Sarah has been charging around the country side mountain biking road biking, kayaking and running. She also recently did a triathalon in Tauranga and came 6th. I have been taking it easy and enjoying a few games of golf and some cold beers. We also entered a team in the local mixed 5 a side soccer and ended up in the finals thanks to Sarah's penalty in the sudden death shoot out. unfortunatly we lost in the final but it was still good fun.

We hope everyone is well and would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. G S F & M xxx

school hols

2008-10-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

dear all,

we have all been making the most of our 2 week break. Lucy came to stay and Gareth took us on a mammoth "tikki" tour.(300kms) We had lunch on the Forgotten Highway in Whangamomona, coffee at a vineyard in waitere(west coast) wedges and whitebait in mokau, then home for dinner!

I arranged a girly couple of days staying overnight at the chalet and skiing, which was great despite only getting 1/2 day skiing instead of 2! We enjoyed hot spa, bubbles and a kid-free zone..

Freya did a bubbleworkshop, standing inside a huge bubble! Gareth and I got our N.Z. driving licenses.

We then set off on holiday for 3 days. Day one we did a bush walk through to a huge waterfall ,coming back to a basic cabin in Matamata, but freya and merryn enjoyed aswim in the holiday park pools and me...in the hot pool again!

We spent the next 2days at Waihi Beach and had an awesome time! This is the best holiday park we have ever stayed in(even better than the Northland one Dad!) all facilities are just a year old, an air pillow under shade in the kids play area, a pool with slide,and...spa!(pool 30degrees), gym etc, oh and 2mins to the beach.

On our anniversary,we did a coastal walk to a gorgeous beach(we were the only ones there) then we had a fab breakfast at a Cafe in the village. Then onto another cafe to book a romantic dinner for two! Whilst I popped in to book a table, Gareth wandered onto the beach.... I came back to a deserted car and v. excited Gareth waving his arms around. Just 20m off the beach in the breakers were two Orcas...what a fantastic sight, and such a privilege....locals commented how they had never seen any so close. We watched them for a good 20minutes with kids running along the beach with them. After this we drove to Kati kati..settled by Ulsterman and famous for its murals, and later a babysitter arrived at our cabin (organised by camp owners)and Gareth and I went out for dinner. What a great day!!!!!

Back to Taumarunui, weather is pretty wet, waiting for the next high front so we can go skiing again. Oh and I have got a job!!!! Teaching English for a term at the High School.

Enjoy photos ,Wish you were all here..Love Sarah, Gareth, Freya and Merrynxxx

The Mountain is awesome.

2008-09-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

We have been back in New Zealand for a couple of months now and back to work and normal life. The plus side has been its ski season and there is heaps of snow. We have all been busy which is great. the girls have been doing loads of cool stuff. Merryn is still the most popular toddler in town and everyone seems to know her. She is more trouble than Freya was, but she is cute so gets away with most things. Merryn has been up the mountain a few times sledging and loves it. Freya has had tonns of stuff to do she had her school x country and came 6th in her age group and 1st in her class. She has been for a ski trip with school and we have been as a family a few times. Freya can now ski by her self her confidence has grown and grown. she wizzes all over the place its great. Freya has also been a model in a wearable arts show at the high school.

Sarah has been out mountain biking and running and skiing so is enjoying her self. She has also been getting a bit of work so its keeping her out of trouble. She has also sat her personel fitness exam.

I have been working and coaching my rugby, the season is over now time for a rest!!! I v managed a few days up the mountain and the last time i skied with freya it was great fun we even managed to ski right down to the car park freya was awesome.

I went on a bike beer crawl with some mates we played cricket at one house boul at another we stayed at each house untill all the beer was gone then moved to the next in between there was some cycleing Nicole cook would havestruggled to keep up. it was a good day/night.

enjoy the photos speak to you soon.

Home from Home 2

2008-08-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

Second Half of the trip we had enjoyed Gem's wedding and Merryn's Christening, and headed to Wales. We took the girls to the Beach and visited Cardiff Castle. Granpy got to show off his veggy garden. We got to see Rhyd's sports day and Evie and Merryn got to race in the toddlers race. It was great to catch up with Alun and Vicky and chill out in sunny Wales.

From Cardiff we headed to Bristol and caught up with Friends, plenty of drinking and socializing. Freya and Merryn had a sleepover at Chris and Rob's. Freya was very excited about it. Sarah and I went to a pirate party which was good fun . This was followed by a bbq the next day in Bath with Viv and then on to Helen and Miles. In the last 7 days of our trip we stayed in 7 different places. We had a good catch up with the Ashtons. Then back to Cardiff to say our farwells. Then up to Bromsgrove to give the 600 back and say goodbye to Marian and Bryan and Carol and Malcolm. We then hired a car to drive to Croydon to see Lorna and Dan. We had a lovely time, Dan cooked a mean pork dish and we had a nice little tour of the area. Our last day we visited a great little zoo/Farm the weather was great.. It was a brilliant way to finish our trip.

Our Flight back to Nz went well the Girls were awesome again. We got back to the worst storm to hit NZ for 10 years. lots of rain and wind but we made it home ok.

from Home to Home

2008-08-08T01:59:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic trip!!!!!!!!!!!

It was well paced to begin with ,dividing quality time between family and friends. Then all hell let loose inthe last 6 days, all of us sleeping in a different bed each night and then 2 sleeps on the plane. We were pleased to get back despite arriving in Auckland to the 3 1/2 hr drive back to Taumarunui through the worst storm in 10 yrs! A far stretch from ambling through an Animal Park near the M25 with Lorna,Dan,and Cathy (dan's mum) on a beautiful 30 degree summers day back in the u.k. 24hrs before.

I would like to thank Lucy and Neil at this point for taking us to the airport, and welcoming us back, providing friendly faces at the airport and some where to recover with bacon sarnies and coffee b4 the drive home.

Week one was a fab , calm and relaxing catch-up with Carol and Malcolm. I got excited about shopping in Bromsgrove...it had been 18 months! Ga and I discovered a new fab run. We visited the Lido and a real chateux for cream tea, and saw a Lynx in Birmingham city farm. Carol and Malcolm managed the girls jet-lag well, getting up with them at 3am the 1st morning! Also baby-sitting whilst We went to Henley with Mark and Serena for a day of drinking Pimm's on the riverbank. David and Lynsey joined us there too and we bopped the night away collapsing into "de-luxe Ruffell sleeping quarters" later that evening.

And then the storm that was" Alflora," lots and lots going on all at once, boring it wasn't!!!!!!!!!!! first Gem's 3rd Hen do, a yummy Thai meal, followed by throwing crazy shapes on the dance floor in Mazza's. Gem asked the bouncer to check her I.D. saying she had memorised her b'day e.t.c., but alas some years had run under the bridge and He didn't feel he needed to ask. Our cousins Hannah and Brett were there too, which was really cool, especially as Hannah normally lives north of Bendigo, Oz.

Mand had me baby-sitting within 24hrs of getting home- which was cool! We also caught up with Jane and David and Dan....Great to see you guys , Me, Mand and Jane all with a new baby to show off!!!

Of Course Gemsy and mum were headless chickens( or was it ducks?) inthe Pre-Wedding build-up, Esp. Gem which I thought was probably beneficial to her not noticing the shear volume of water which fell out of the sky and ran speedily towards the magnificent marquee before the BIG DAY.120 name places later and 3 ivy bound marquee posts ,a scull along the Avon and it was time to party! The Wedding was amazing with Gemma and Steve looking so great together, the bridesmaids looking great, esp. La after having her dress constructed around her 10day old baby's breast-feeding needs. Lots of mass colour co-ordination, and organisation. It was a really great to meet Steven's family, they had made great efforts to arrive in England for this special occassion. Linda and Mum looked fantasic mothers of the blissful couple. For me it was "massive" that so many of my cousins were together to celebrate Gem and Steve's Big Day. 14/15 of us and family was an awesome effort,with Sue and Martin from Beijing, Graham and Brigit and Vic from Oz oh ,and us from N.Z. Despite Mandy not making the Wedding We did get to catch up on the Friday which was great.

The following day and Merryn's Christening saw friends turning up in their finery from various parts of the country, special Thankyous to my Godmother Laurie who travelled from Bonnie Scotland, Celia, my rowing partner from Northumberland, and Lyn , Nick and Joseph (not a baby anymore) from Deal, Kent. Big Thankyous to Uncle Mark, Auntie Lorn and Gem, for being fab God- Parents, finally huge thankyous to Mum and dad for Facilitating the occassion, El for Merryn's cake and Carol for her help on the Day. To everyone not personally mentioned it was " Fabolous" to see all of youse.Especially all the squids playing together a memory that will last alife-time. Thanks for making it such a special day.

I'm signing off now.. to be continued.

heads down saving hard.

2008-06-15T00:51:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Apologies for lack of corro. but as title suggests... it's been lots of work and not enough play.

The good news (in a way) is that I have been picking up about 3 days a week of work, At Freya's school, another primary school and the High School.

We had a fun weekend with the Zimmermans in Taupo.....watching Fireworks,the fastest moving feet in the world, in the form of a south American Flamenco dancer, visited the trout farm,having lunch at the Prawn farm,and ice-cream at the honey shop!!!!

Gareth has enjoyed an old timers come-back as 1st 5 (fly-half) for the Taumarunui Eels, receiving Player of the Day on more than one ocassion, the team are currently top of the table with 4 to play, already winning a trophy for the first round.

I have received good support for the circuits I am running on a Monday night. I have also been playing in a basketball league... non- contact mmmmmmmmmmm! Jury out on B'ball. Ran in a 16km off-road run, near Auckland, and came 8th....much more in my comfort zone.

Freya has completed a width in the pool, although I'm not sure what stroke you might call it! She has also been playing some hockey and joined Pippins ( Rainbows). She is doing well with her reading at school, receiving a principals phone call home as a result.

Merryn has rather quitely turned 1yr! (due to run being same w'end)She has lots of mums who give her cuddles wherever she goes. Her walking has come on massively over the last week, just in time for plane journey!

Not long till we see you guys...can't wait. It's winter here now and although it's dropped to -1 at night it was 17 c today and blue skies.

CU soon Love Williams's

Holidays

2008-04-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

We have got through another term and are now on holiday. At Easter we had Chris and Rob come to stay and we had a fantastic time with them showing them around. We went to the mountain and to the lake and Freya loved showing Chris and Rob all these exiting places. Freya is loving school and has started netball, which she plays on saturday mornings. she is in the Turaki Tots. At school Freya had a sporting heros day and her and her friend Maddy went as the Everswindells. They looked very cute. Merryn is doing well she is into everything at the momment. She is also loving her food and trying all sorts. Sarah is back to being the fitness queen and training for a 16km run and running circuits in the high school gym on a monday night. She has also been getting some relief work at Turaki primary and at the High School. Gareth has been playing rugby and Taumarunui Eels are top of the table at the momment.

We have just been away for a few days to Raglan and had a great time chilling out in the cafes and watching the surfers at Manu Bay and swimming in the sea in Raglan Harbour (well Sarah and freya went in the sea) . Gareth is hobbling around at the momment he broke his toe playing rugby (silly old man) . The weather is changing now and we finally had some rain and we have had to light the fire a few times. We are all good and enjoying are holiday speak to you all soon.

more birthday photos

2008-03-22T01:28:00.001-07:00

thank you all for my presents

love Freya xxxx

Term 1 ...Freya turns 5!

2008-03-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

Term 1 and we've been pretty busy. Gareth with his new responsibilities at work plus playing rugby for Taumarunui Eels. Me doing sporty stuff and picking up some work. The girls being looked after by various friends. And of course Freya' s 5th birthday and 1st day at school.

Ga got his first Rugby run out in over a year playing No.10 in a 15 a-side tournament, the Eels won and Gareth got player of the day! And to think he was going to hang up his boots! Ga also organised a mixed 7-a-side team for a football tournament which I also played in over the last 8 weeks, we were runners -up and won a cash prize!

I organised a team of 14 to compete in a ' Round the Lake (Taupo) Challenge' All who took part did an awesome job, completing 155km in less than 16 hrs. Gareth and I also took part in the local multi-endurance event...The Kururau Krusher. He did the kayak leg for a mens team(22km) and I did the mountain bike leg(26km) for a girls team. I have also begun my 'Netfit' course and am due to complete a 4 day fitness instructor course soon.

Freya has finished Pre-School and onto the next chapter in her life with her 1st day at school going well despite it also being my 1st day teaching there! Her party was held at the High School gym with 18 friends!

Merryn is saying "Dadda" and "mamma", clapping her hands and waving. She is V. sociable and even when she is out and about without me has lots of people recognise, say Hi! and give her cuddles! She is sleeping well and has 2 teeth.

Gareth wishes to congratulate all fellow Welshmen on the Grand Slam and to say to supporters of the English that Brian Ashton is a great coach and you should stick with him.

Pat a farmer who Gareth coaches the 1st 15 with had Ian Botham staying at his farm last week, apparently He often Visits to go Fly-Fishing, as does Billy Conelly. I am doing some training with Paul Tito's ( 2nd row for Cardiff Blues)sister Abbey at the mo. As her boyfriend also plays for the Eels.

Enjoy the photos.

Love Sarah, Gareth, Freya and Merrynxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

At home

2008-01-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Freya has learnt to ride her bike!She has had a pony-riding lesson andcan now "go" "stop" and steer. She has been playing with friends. We went to pick blueberries the other day. The weather has been in the 30s and we've been cooling off in our neighbour's pool, we've also cooled off in the river and the lake.

Gareth and Our neighbour Merv. have built Freya and I an awesome pen for our pets, no more escapees!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

Mum and dad certainly made the most of their time in N.Z. We did some local walks on them arriving in Taumarunui the weather was fantastic and we all went to see the local gloworms one evening, they took Freya up Mount Ruapehu on the chairlift a first for them amongst many others. They have a taken helicopter ride over a glacier and been whale-watching ! They will have a couple of nights with us before getting back to blighty.

Well we've been here a year, how time flies!

Gareth has had a promotion at work (teacher i/c sport) and has also taken on Head of House (Hikurangi), he is enjoying his 8 week hols at the mo, and so are me and the girls.

Last year I did a spot of personal -training which I really enjoyed, so I have enrolled on Netfit, a personal - training course. I will be a student again...minus the usual connatations that label brings! First job is to organise a team of about 14 ladies to run/walk around Lake Taupo (155km).

Freya is very ready for school, and will be starting on her birthday in March this year. she has a Kiwi accent. Freya has also learnt to ride bike ( no stabilisers!)

Merryn is crawling, so it's time to re-arrange bottom shelf items!

2008 new year in nz

2008-01-05T23:07:00.000-08:00

December was hectic as its the end of the school year aswell as Christmas, But good too. It was great to see Dad and El and show them around Taumarunui and Nz north island. The Girls thought it was great having Grampy and Nanny El around. And I think they enjoyed it too. After the end of term we headed up to Auckland and saw Lucy and Neal and had a pre christmas meal and drinks which was great! We did our last minute shopping in Auckland and then. Headed to the Airport to meet Marian and Bryan it was good to see them and a bit emotional for Sarah. They were tired but excited to see the girls and looking forward to seeing NZ. Once we left the airport we headed north to Orewa and then on to the bay of islands we spent a few days up there and travelled back through the Kauri forests of the west coast. We Found a great camp site just north of Dargaville, Freya went Kyaking and eeling she had a great time. From here we headed to the Coromandel were we met up with Dad and El again and all of us spent a wonderfull Christmas at a Bach in Cooks Beach. The house was great and only 2 mins from the beach. We had a seafood Christmas dinner with crayfish and prawns mussels and plenty of booze. Freya and Merryn loved their presents and were pleased that santa had found them in Cooks beach.

Boxing Day we headed of to Cathedral cove which is beautiful and Hot water beach where you can dig a hole in the sand and have your own spa.

After several days of running up the beach and swimming in the sea and seeing some great sceanery we headed back to Taumarunui while My parents travelled home via Auckland and Bryan and Marian went to Rotorua......................TO BE CONTINUED

Heaps of sport

2007-11-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

October has been a busy month with Freya and Merryn doing their swimming lessons and gymnastics for Freya. Plus Freya being a model for pumkin patch cloths at a fashon show and absolutly loving it. She can work a crowd and she's only 4. Merryn is awesome and doing really well she love the water and is great in the pool.

Sarah and me are playing twilight mixed netball which is good fun. We also ran the Auckland 1/2 marathon on 28th Oct which was good. Sarah is also doing some personel training and this is going well. Gareth is playing twilight soccer aswell and has played his first game of rugby in Nz which he really enjoyed he even scored a try. Both of us are now training to do The Alpine Adventure Goat Run which should be a challenge.

The weather is getting warmer and the summer holidays are getting closer. Work is going well and we are all really happy.

Speak to you all soon

Ga Sarah Freya and Merryn xx

2007-09-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

Holiday snaps i fogot to add photos below so here they are. Plus go the AB's

Hawkes Bay Hols

2007-09-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hi there all of you,

Well the 'dark term' is over for Gareth and, after 5 out of 7 days being taken up with Gareth's rugby commitments we can all have a break, and watch the World Cup !!

With 2 weeks off we headed to Hawkes Bay for a holiday, and Sarah found that with an extra one Her packing skills were really put to the test!

We arrived in Napier in brilliant sunshine, enjoyed egg sandwiches courtesy of Rita and chilled out on the beach. The following day we walked up Te Mata Peak, merryn in the backpack and Freya on foot,some great views of vineyards set in river deltas below. The following day we drove to Ocean Beach and Freya enjoyed paddling in the sea. Sarah was in her element discovering the village of Havelock North for some retail therapy and later tasting wine at Vidal before purchasing! Needless to say we looked at property prices.....mmmmm....pricey. But the thought of Hawkes Bay Rowing Club, Vineyards galore, sunshine and beaches is quite a motivator.

Back at base and we set off on a walk around Rotopounamu Lake ( previous picture on blogI was pregnant with Merryn) we saw the wild horses of the Kaimanawa on the way ( maybe this time next year we'll have one watch this space.....) There was a small erruption on Mt.Ruapehu which caused a lahar, but this didn't disued us from heading up there on a fantastically sunny for a spot of skiing. Sarah took Freya and Gareth had Merryn in the LittleLife backpack, whilst on skiis( he took it very slowly!) It was a great day, with Freya skiing from the 1st chair down to the bottom of the mountain.

I hope friends and family commiserated for Gareth at Wales's loss to Fiji ( a black day in the Williams household).

We have another week off where Sarah may going skiing with some friends and she will be running a Gymnastics and Dance workshop. Both of us are also training for the Auckland half marathon, plus Sarah is personal training 2 friends, so beginning to get back into shape.

We would love to say CONGRATULATIONS!!! to Gemma and Steven on thier engagement, and we are looking forward to catching up with many of you next July.

Love and miss you all, Sarah, Gareth, Freya and Merryn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sisters

2007-08-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Hi All

It's been a while and there's lots of news. First of all Merryn is doing well and getting bigger and more alert. She is smiling heaps and trying to talk. Freya has been pony riding and loved it she is going to have lessons in the summer, which she is really excited about. Freya has also been up the mountain skiing again and went up the mountain with pre school for the day sledging. She is still enjoying Monkey movement with mummy and has got better at her gymnastics. Her swimming is also coming along really well as well which is great.

Lorna and Dan came to see us which was great. They went skiing up the mountain and Dan did some wicked coaching with Freya and Lorna found some exciting sledging spots for Freya. Sarah and the girls took Dan and Lorn to Taupo and to Waitomo caves which they really enjoyed. We had Lamb Wellington cooked for us and it was delicious. We herd all about there awesome travels in Dubai and Thailand which sounded great. Sarah also persuaded Dan to do some football coaching for the Taumarunui juniors and now he is a local legend. They are now in south Island and hopefully having more exciting adventures.

Sarah has been out partying with the girls. I thought it was going to be a quiet meal but oh no Sarah came back with tales of topless waiters and male strippers. I don't think she stopped smilling for a couple of days.

Gareth has been working hard and doing lots of rugby coaching. His King Country u 14 team have started there Rep season with matches v Waikato, Taranaki, South Waikato and Wanganui. He is looking forward to the end of the season and a rest. School is still going well and Gareth had a days skiing with the yr12 and 13's which he really enjoyed.

Anyway hope everyone is well speak to you soon

Gareth Sarah Freya and Merryn xxx

2007-07-31T03:04:00.000-07:00

scoobs and mikey

The Girls

2007-07-31T02:57:00.000-07:00

Some photos of Merryn and Freya

2007-07-31T02:54:00.000-07:00

Birthday

2007-07-31T02:27:00.000-07:00

Well I think that the rain has finally made it from the U.K. to North Island N.Z. A big message of condolences for your soggy summer if you are living in the U.K.

It was my birthday , and so naturally I had a party! With a mid- winter theme. Gareth cooked a Turkey and we had turkey and cranberry rolls, and lots of candles!

It was great fun with Lucy Jewell and Neil travelling down , they also fitted in a day of skiing. There were about 20 people, and my wedding boots got an airing. Sorry not many photos, as it's usually me taking them.

Merryn is doing really cool stuff, smiling lots, rolling onto her side and gripping toy rings. Oh and how could I forget went from 7pm until6.15 am today!

Our friend Scoobs and bloke, Mikey came to stay mid week, whilst on their whistle stop tour of New Zealand. They visited the Waitomo Caves one day and went Skiing the other. Sarah and Scoobs caught up on 2 yrs of news the 1st night needless to say it was a late one in which the blokes ears nearly fell off!

Photo of me and my friend Kirsten at my party, 1.30 am oooooh.

2007-07-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hi All

We have had a fun filled holiday so far. Freya has been climbing at Turangi climbing wall and did very well. She managed to climb to the top of a couple of climbs and did very well on some of the more difficult ones. She has also been to the cinema with her friends to see shrek 3 and then to top it all off Freya has been skiing. She had a 2 hour lesson and then away on the slopes with Daddy. She loves it the only problem is she dosent want to stop just go very fast then fall over. Sarah and Merryn have been up the mountain and Sarah has even managed one run down the slopes. Merryn has been great and is sleeping well and being more alert in the day taking everything in. Gareth has been promoted to Head coach of the King Country u14s and has been running the trials and selecting his squad for a 3 day camp in Taupo this weekend. Gareth has managed to get up to the top of the mountain to ski even if it was breifly. We have also been over to Taupo and Sarah and Freya went swimming and swinging off the tarzan swing into the pool. Even though it was raining and middle of winter they both managed to swim outside.

Hope everyone is well speak to you all soon

Gareth Sarah Freya and Merryn xx

10, 6, 2...Phew

2007-06-30T02:49:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

Gareth has just completed another 10 week term, which is no mean feat, it being winter and having 6 weeks of broken sleep.He has also past the first assessment of his Maori course, and completed his N.Z level 2 Rugby Coaching qualification. Needless to say he his looking forward to 2 weeks off!!!

I can't believe Merryn is already 6 weeks old. She has just started to Smile, is more alert in her awake times and is doing 7 hr sleeps at night.

I am walking with my friend Jodie several times a week, which is helping me get fitter.we are also combining our skills to run " Monkey Movement" a dance and Gymnastics course for 3-6 yr olds, will let you know how that goes!

Freya is growing and soaking up info. from her pre-school teachers like a sponge, in fact it's like living with the " manners police" at the moment!! I'm sure when she is a teenager things will be different!

Thankyou to everyone who has sent Baby cards and Pressies.

Lots of Love,

Sarah, Gareth , Freya and Merryn xxx

Queens Birthday 2007

2007-06-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hello All

3 weeks old and still an angel Merryn is sleeping and feeding well and is great. Sarah is back running and back in her "normal" trousers. We have hadquite afew visitors and Lucy came down from Auckland last weekend which was great. Gareth went to a Dads night at Freya's pre school with Freya. The children sang songs and showed off their work and then there was a sausage sizzle. Gareth also went down to the pre school saturday with a few other Dads to help put in the new play area and softfall covering. It s a bank holiday this weekend (the Queens Birthday) so we have been to Taupo for the day. Sarah went shopping with Merryn while Freya and me went swimming at a great pool with slides and a tarzan swing and an outdoors bit it was good fun. Today freya is at a birthday party and before i forget Wales beat Fiji in the sevens so im a happy man.

2007-05-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

One week after Merryn arrived and she is settling in brilliantly. She is feeding well and sleeping well day and NIGHT. Sarah is well and has been out and about taking Merryn and Freya to mainly music and to scocer as well as shopping in New World (supermarket). Freya has been great too and realy helpful. Freya's swimming is improving all the time and she enjoys going to her lessons on a thursday. She so keen to do well she practices in the bath. The high school is still going well and i am enjoying work, we've got a long weekend next weekend Because it the queens birthday. Hope everyone is well enjoy the photos.

Baby Merryn

2007-05-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hi All

There is a new member of the williams family. 8lb Merryn Fern Williams. She arrived at home at 6.21 saturday the 19th May. Sarah was awesome and did the whole thing without pain relief. I was lucky enough to deliver merryn thanks to our midwife Dianne's instructions. It was a fantastic experience and one sarah nor I will forget. Merryn is a contented little thing and so far is as good as gold. Freya is enjoying being big sister(at the momment) and is doing a good job.

We also have a new rabbit called jasmin. 3rd time lucky. Freya is playing soccer on saturday mornings now and enjoying her self. I coach my under14s saturday mornings and its all going well. Everyone her is still really friendly and supportive which is great and we feel really welcome hear. hope everyone is well and we'll catch up soon.

2007-05-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

Dear All,
I'm sure this blog finds you making significant strides into the summer season and it's festivities. It is hard to get ones head around the reverse of seasons, here it is looking very Autumnal which is nice.
We have had a wet week which has curtailed most outdoor activities and meant that all the baby clothes I have sorted through to wash are turning into a white-washing mountain! But that's fine as I have no drawers to put them into yet! I had a midwife's appointment inthe week- all fine. I'm due 3 weeks today but after working 4 days last week and thinking I might be early I have now decided that I will probably be late again, so don't phone us we'll phone you!!
This week has taken a month to go by as I haven't been working, which inevitably made me get v. grumpy with Gareth yesterday! I will be actively seeking out projects next week, so may have to start scanning the property papers, but perhaps I'll just start with buying a set of mdf drawers from town to paint. I'm working on the "Domestic Godess" thing but that's pretty hit and miss,having said that did make a bloody good stew( thanks JamieO) this week!
Freya is really settling in well now, and I'm loving the 'I love colouring' age stage. She had an injection in each arm the other day,and although i didn't explain this to her, as we met the nurse she said " I'm not to sure about this" (aaagghh-she was v. brave) which is just as well as she has also got to have a Hep B and Meningitis injection (meningitis more common over here) soon.
Despite Gareth deciding not to play rugby Freya and I watched him play football in the pouring rain last Saturday and Taumarunui won! This I believe is something of a revelation. Gareth had a day out of school on Tuesday to take his U14 rugby lads to a 7-a-side tournament where they finished Runners-up by 1 point. They have their first 15-a-side game this Saturday in Tokaroa which is about 1hr1/2 away.Then one of the footballers is picking him up from there and taking him to Hamilton where he is going to play football again!Sorry I don't have any entertaining photos of Gareth playing footy. Thankyou to Chris for your lovely e-mail,would you be able to send more photos as Gareth accidently lost the last ones?
Take Care Sarah, Gareth and Freya xxxx

more photos

2007-04-18T00:36:00.000-07:00

Easter Hols

2007-04-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

Sarah's turn to blog. Gareth, Freya and I headed down to wellington Via Wanganui ( where Freya had her last play in the sea before winter). In Welly we visited the excellent Te Papa museum where Gareth and I sponged in info. but Freya just got a bit bored! We stayed with Hilary, a friend and teacher at the High school who has a place with her Scottish boyfriend ,Glen just outside Welly. Good food, good company and a free bed for acouple of nights! On day2 we visited a nature/ bird reserve which we all enjoyed, seeing lots of birds and Tuatara( dinosaur type lizard native to N.Z.) It was a 2hr. walk so I was a bit useless for the rest of the day. The following day it rained which gave us a perfect excuse to visit a shopping Mall, wow! This believe or not was again an enjoyable experience for all, as We hadn't really experienced this arrray of shops since xmas shopping in theU.K! We headed back to Taumarunui via palmerston North where we squeezed in more shopping, albeit on a slightly more pratical level. We bought a de-humidifier,and 2 heaters which along with a days wood collecting, thanks to Gareth and Peter should see us right for our first N.Z. winter without central heating!!

Had a midwife appointment today and all is fine then drove to Ohukune where ourChalet is, Very excited to see the first dusting of snow has covered the Mountain.

Photos; our woodpile, Gareth's new workout ,chopping wood, Dance Show with friend Zoe, Freya flying her kite and bird-watching!

New Pets

2007-04-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

We got through our first term teaching in NZ 10 weeks. Holiday time yipee!! Sarah and Freya have new pets. Freya has got a rabbit called Rocky and Sarah has a Hen called Rita. They have a run in our garden and keep each other company. We are heading off to Wanganui and Wellington for alook around so a bit more exploring. We'll let you all know what we did when we get back.

finally have furniture

2007-03-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Things are ticking along nicley. We have our furniture now hooray!!! 118 boxes which arrived last week. The house is looking more like a home which is great. Freya's room is good and she loves having her toys and pictures around. Sarah has been busy unpacking boxes and sorting stuff out while i toil away earning a buck or 2. I have started a maori course on a monday evening. This will be useful at school and improve my pronounciation of place names. I am also playing twilight hockey on a tuesday night which is fun. Sarah is now on the pre school commitee and has been doing some supply teaching at the high school which is cool. Freya had her 4th Birthday and loved her party. Sarah worked really hard organising it all and it was great.We hired the swimming pool and had the party there. Freya's friends loved it and Freya loved it . Thank you for all her presents she had a great time opening them all and playing with all her new toys and books and dvds and wearing her new clothes. I made it to the party just in time after being on a 2 day canoe trip with the yr11s from school. I had a good time canoeing down the Whanganui river and camping in the bush overnight. We have also bought a ski chalet in a place called Ohakune you can see Sarah in the photo. Its pretty flash and should bring us in a couple of dollers. Speak to you all soon.

2007-03-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

We are now settling in to normal work life. Things are going well at the High School and Freya is enjoying pre school and making friends. Sarah has had a bit of supply work and now has a comfortable chair to sit on (our furniture has not arrieved yet so we are still camping out in the house) . Some friends have lent us an arm chair. We have been out and about still at weekends and Gareth has competed as part of a team in the local multisports event the Kururu Krusher. He did the running leg 10 miles it was a good weekend. This weekend we went to the Kiwiana festival in Otrahango which was good fun. Today sunday4/3 we went to childrens day with lots of activities for kids like swimming face painting slip and slide and bouncy castles aswell as story reading and apple bobbing, all good fun.

2007-02-11T22:29:00.000-08:00

Since our last posting I have had a midwife appointment (all is fine) although Freya and I arrived at the hospital for my appointment and she shut her finger in the car door- luckily we were in the right place to get it checked out! It's better now.

Freya has started at a fab Pre- school called Rata St Pre- school. On a Monday they do sporting activities, movement and music, Tuesday they visit the neighbouring Primary School and choose a library book for the week, Thursday is Creativity day. They also have a healthy- eating policy. She is quickly making new friends there. I have a childminder lined up for afternoons if I get some relief teaching at the school.

On Waitangi Day (signing of treaty between Maori and British) we took adrive to the National Park, remembering our camera this time , as the weather was beautiful. We had a picnic and took a ride up Mt. Ruapehu on the chairlfts - Freya loved this!

We did another walk around a lake, stopping on the beach for a picnic and Freya had a swim. This walk was 6km which Freya managed really well, so she is toughening up!

Gareth has been on a 3 day Hui (meeting) at a Moari Marae learning how to improve interaction with maori students. this has been really helpful and great start to teaching in Nz.

This weekend , Saturday was the Taumarunui Agricultural show, Freya enjoyed it playing on the bouncy castle and stroking miniture ponys. Saturday night was a bbq with friends which was good. Sunday we went to watch the World wood chopping championships held in Taumarunui. Its all happening here.

kakahi Rodeo

2007-01-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

The Rodeo...

yeeeehaaaa!

2007-01-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to the rodeo, it was set admist beautiful countryside and was a crushingly hot day. I've never been to a rodeo before and I loved it! I'm pretty sure Gareth and Freya also had a good day. I'm looking forward to next year when perhaps I can have a go!!! During the lunch break they called the kids into the arena, Freya and I went . She joined about 10 others her age for "Sheep Undecorating". The mums held a screen up to cordon off part of the arena, then the sheep (about 8) were let in, they all had ribbons attached to their tails which the kids had to grab to get a prize, it was hilarious!!!Freya collided with another boy and bit the dust-litrally! none of them managed the task but collected the ribbons off the floor, Freya won apair of jandals(kiwi for flip-flops!).
We have met a some families from Taumarunui.Yvonne, who runs the pre-school, she is originally from Brecon, she has adaughter, Maddie who is Freya's age. Gail is a pharmacist,originally from Buckinghamshire She has a daughter zoe who is 5. It's great that Freya has some friends to play with.
I will attempt to attach photos, Sarahx.

2007-01-22T15:52:00.000-08:00

this is our new house and car in sunny NZ

2007-01-22T15:42:00.001-08:00

2007-01-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

moving in

2007-01-21T00:12:00.000-08:00

Hi Sarah here!
this is my virgin voyage on blog! Firstly I'd like to say Happy New Year to all who have logged on so far! Secondly thanks to Shelley whose idea it was to set this up.
On the 9th we moved into to a school house connected to Gareth's school in Taumarunui. It has 3 bedrooms, a nice garden and is in a tidy, quiet street.For girls and gardeners( there are tree ferns, hydrangers, umbrella trees and flax outside the kitchen window, and Dahlias and Rosemary as well as unidentified at present fruit trees). The decor/ soft furnishings are very dodgy but for $90 a week we can't complain.
Since moving in we have done several day trips, a weekend away and a five day holiday.So lots to tell you!
We bought a book of walks in the local area which has been great so far. We drove to Lake Taupo(1 1/2 hrs) and picked up some essentials for the house, as we are still waiting for all our stuff from the U.K. to arrive. Another day trip to Te Kuiti (just an hour!) took us to another Warehouse store (for those not familiar- a cross between matalan and tesco). On this day we picked up afridge which after buying it we discovered didn't fit that well in theboot of our car! With a bungy holding the boot down and 75km of mountain roads to negotiate it was quite a tense drive back!!
We drove to New Plymouth for the night, travelling along the Forgotten Highway (imagine Jurassic Park!) and then back via Waiau Estate( v. nice winery) to Taumarunui along over 100kms of unsealed roads (no petrol stations) the fuel light was on for the last 50km another interesting experience!
My scan was on the 16th(21 weeks) one healthy baby to report.
Next we took off to Rotorua where we had a great couple of days and some fab weather.We visited the Tamaki Village, to learn more of Maori culture. We also caught the sky gondola to catch a great view over Rotorua and visited The Buried Village ( an entire village buried by the Tarawera volcanoe). There was a rowing regatta going on at nearby Blue Lake, one of the competitors confirmed what I already suspected ...that I was about an hour and half drive from the nearest Rowing Club. I think I'll have to find another way of getting back into shape after this baby!
Next stop Mt. Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty. The weather was amazing(30 degrees) and the surf was up!So we just chilled out withSANDwiches on the beach. We did a good reccie of the area, as this was originally where we intended to settle....Jury is still out on that one.
Returned home today, the modem has finally arrived and Gareth has got us set up. Apologies for not being in touch earlier and then mammoth news session. short and sweet next time and with pictures!!!

2007-01-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

We have now arrived in New Zealand and the sun is shining. We had a long flight and feel a little tired but at the same time feel very exited. we got a free ride from the airport through scotty who needed someone to drive a hire car back to the city and asked if we'd drive it back for him so we did. We are in Auckland for a couple of days now with Lucy before heading south to Taumarunui.

2006-12-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

it is the night before christmas and this is the first installment of our blog we are about to leave on a journay to nz and a new way of life. It is hard to say our farewells but we are looking forward to starting a fresh in new zealand.