Jan's 60th birthday

Mum turned 60 recently and so we had a party for her to celebrate the milestone!
Alicia found some old photos of mum when she was young and put them on a slideshow on the computer. Aunty Lyn organised the cakes for us which was great. Dad bought Mum a lovely new watch for her birthday.

We took Mum and dad down to Awaroa for the weekend as part of her birthday present. We went by water taxi which took about an hour. (Dad took a while to get his lifejacket sorted at the beginnning!) Our room wasn't ready when we arrived at the lodge so we made ourselves at home next to the fireplace and ate chips and dips.
Despite the lodge being like Fawlty Towers, we had a great time. It had new owners and they were still sorting out a few issues. The Minister of Tourism flew in by helicopter along with some important business people from Japan and America while we were there.

All Blacks Game

Simon, Kent and Stevo enjoying a few beverages before the game!!

Mark, Lyn, Janet and Brian wrapped up warm for the cold South Island weather


Brian with his trendy Speights hat on

Alicia and her best friend Jo with their black and white supporters stripes

Alicia and Kent went down to Christchurch with their mates for the All Black game against Sputh Africa. Janet and Brian also drove down with Lyn and Mark. They were all sitting near each other and it was a sell out crowd at Jade Stadium. The All Blacks won which was a great build up for the World Cup. Kieley looked after all the pets while everyone was away!!

Rabbit Island

Kieley took her whole class on a trip to Rabbit Island a few weeks ago. It was too cold to go swimming (Winter here!) but he kids spent the whole afternoon collecting shells on the beach and making huts up in the scrub. It was a pity we had to back to school as we were having so much fun. Some people found some shells similar to cockle shells but they were much bigger. We went swimming in Richmond at the Aquatic Centre beforehand and then had a picnic lunch. We try to go on a trip at least once a term. Next term we have our Year 5 and 6 camp at Marahau which will be exciting (and exhausting!)

Partying in Mot

Alicia and Kent went out on the town in Motueka with their friends recently and met up with Laster and Lua (Kieleys flatmates at Rat Street!) later on in the night. Pies from the garage on the way home at 3am!!

Ash Robinson

Meet Ash, the new member of the Robinson family. Ash is living with Janet and Brian in Riwaka and is loving it so far. (He is very spoilt)

Mum brought Ash home one day from the SPCA much to dad's surprise!

He loves to nibble amd claw Brians ears at 5am in the morning, a hint that he wants to be fed.

He caught his first bird a few weeks ago..I hope he doesn't get hold of mums doves in the back garden!

Holly Chapman

This is Holly Chapman, she's very cute eh? She likes going for walks around the orchard and catching rats. She is going to stay at her grandparents place while her mum and dad are in Samoa on holiday. She was "fixed up" recently at the vets but caused a scare when her wound wouldn't stop bleeding and she had to have a second operation. Luckily she is fine now but we will have to be careful whenever she is hurt or cuts herself from now on.

Dan Carter

Here is Dan the Man signing his new book which Kieley was quick to buy. Pity he wasn't signing it in his jockey underwear!

Alicia and Kieley went over to Richmond and lined up with all the crowds of people. Jojo was on hand to take lots of photos for us...we hope Dan will help win the Rugby World Cup for us this year. Go the A B's!