Grandchildren – Page 2 – Pamper Stamper

December 4, 2014December 4, 2014

Three Wonderful Weeks!

Last Wednesday I took my sister to Heathrow airport and said goodbye to her! It was a really sad time! And for a couple of days I missed her terribly. Having someone to share my everyday moments with had been so very special. Talking to a baby all day just isn’t quite the same. And because I am only here in London for three months, I haven’t the same friendship base that I have back home in New Zealand. I must drive Daniel and Marysia to despair when they get home from work. I chat about every little thing that Sophie and I got up to during the day, and believe me it’s not all that interesting. But still, I am loving my time here and I do try to make the most of every day. And, I am happy 🙂

Judy had flown over from New Zealand to London to keep me company for three weeks, and we certainly made the most of our time together. Not only did we see some amazing places, but being together did something in my soul. I felt such joy at being able to share my ‘life in London’ with her and also seeing new places with her by my side to chat over details and laugh! Boy did we have some good laughs! I am so spoilt to have a sister that I get on so well with and we enjoy each others company…. lots!

Judy arrived on her birthday, the 4th of November, and that is the day our fun together started. Sophie and I got up early to catch a bus to the train station, and then the Piccadilly underground to Heathrow airport, terminal two. The trip takes approximately an hour and a half on the tube, and ten minutes on the bus. It was a good trip and we stood at arrivals and waited excitedly to greet Judy as soon as we could see her. And then it was back on the tube with baby in pram, and my sister and suitcase in tow! Then dragging that suitcase on and off the train, up the escalator, on the bus, off the bus, and then down the road to home 🙂 All to be reversed the day Judy left hehe 🙂

The next day Marysia stayed home with Sophie, so Judy and I could spend the day in London together. Our first stop was Harrods!

Me with my cup of tea :-) — Me with my cup of tea 🙂

Our plan was to go and book in for the tour of Buckingham Palace. Both of us have been to London before and had the celebratory photo taken outside the palace gates, but we hadn’t been inside. We ventured off feeling very excited at the prospect only to be told once there that the palace was now closed to visitors until after Christmas!!! How disappointing! But we were told we could tour the Royal Mews instead. The stables with carriage houses? Why not? So off we went and if you have a look at the photos, you will see that we had plenty to look at. Actually it was really quite interesting.

Here I am with one of the first carriages we saw

And we did get another photo taken in front of Buckingham Palace :-) — And we did get another photo taken in front of Buckingham Palace 🙂

A lovely view on the walk from Buckingham Palace

And as we were going to Piccadilly Circus for tea and a show so we just had to have a look at M&M world!

Our next venture into London was to meet up with my friend Bessie. We decided that Westminster Abbey would be a great place to start. Unfortunately we didn’t realise that there was a huge ceremony going on in town to remember the soldiers from world wars one and two. The town was crowded and the two places we wanted to see were just packed with people.

Westminster Abbey on a very busy day in November. Celebrating and remembering 11/11/1945

Little crosses in place in rememberance of the lives lost

And a little video of my visit to Wesminster Abbey in October…

The Parliament Buildings and the Clock Tower, Big Ben! View from the Westminster Bridge.

At Westminster beside the Thames is this artwork!

More on another wall :-) — More on another wall 🙂

We walked to Covent Garden and saw the Christmas decorations there

It was amazing at just how much effort had gone in to decorate the buildings

And then as it was getting late in the day we caught the bus to london Bridge and the Tower of London. the traffic was horrendous and the bus trip took way longer than it should have. We arrived as it was getting dark but we still managed to see all the wonderful ceramic poppies that were ‘planted’ in the Tower of London, also to help us to remember the lives lost in wars.

The poppies in the ground of the Tower of London with London Bridge in the distance

Another wall of the Tower with the poppies below

It was as if they were pouring from the wall!

Now there is a train station by the Tower of London but it was packed with people. It also had steps and we had Sophie in the pram. So after a long walk Judy and I managed to get to another station that had a lift and us three very tired people managed to get home again. What fun!

On our next venture into London we visited the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Waiting patiently outside for our turn to go into the house

Judy in Sherlocks Lounge :-) — Judy in Sherlocks Lounge 🙂

Judy with Sherlocks hat and pipe :-) — Judy with Sherlocks hat and pipe 🙂

We wandered down to Oxford Street and walked through Selfridges. Selfridges is voted the best department store in the world and has all the designer collections and must haves (toys and gifts) for the whole family.

Now who could buy me this for Christmas?

Just a small portion of the Play-Doh display

Selfridges had the most amazing Christmas decorations!

I think I could make these amazing Christmas Stockings!

Selfridges had a room that was just about Paddington Bear!

And their window displays were a work of art inside and out! Fully decorated :-) — And their window displays were a work of art inside and out! Fully decorated 🙂

And then we move on to John West Department Store and their Christmas toy is the Penguin named Monty. These sell out every day! — And then we move on to John Lewis Department Store and their Christmas toy is the Penguin named Monty. These sell out every day!

Here is a link to their very cute Christmas advert…

We finished off the day with a meal at Bubba Gumps Restaurant... Yum! — We finished off the day with a meal at Bubba Gumps Restaurant… Yum!

Our next venture into London was to see the British Museum

And then on to the Victoria and Albert Museum

Here's Judy on the steps. The place is huge! — Here’s Judy on the steps. The place is huge!

Still the museum but the other side of the inner courtyard

Our first view of the Prince Albert Hall

Next day! On our way to the Zoo we stopped at Camden Town. Well known for the shop fronts, Goth clothes for sale, the markets and the Camden Lock.

And evidence of our very short trip to the London Zoo. Sophie was having an off day and cried the whole time.... so we left! — And evidence of our very short trip to the London Zoo. Sophie was having an off day and cried the whole time…. so we left!

London by night.. along bankside :-) — London by night.. along bankside 🙂 The top of St Pauls in the middle!

Early on in our walk along the bank of the river Thames. Great views.

A Carousel by night :-) — A Carousel by night 🙂

The Parliament Buildings and Big Ben at night

Looking across the Thames at the London Eye :-) — Looking across the Thames at the London Eye 🙂

On the last Friday that Judy was in London, we caught the train into London again, but this time we were to meet up with Dan and Marysia after work.

We went to Borough Market for lunch with Marysia and afterwards went for a walk to St Pauls to meet up with Daniel after work.

Outside The Shakespeare Globe Theater. The ‘YOU+’ Sign was for a friend 🙂

Crossing The Millenium Bridge with St Pauls Cathedral at the end.

I crossed this bridge earlier in my time in London with Sophie after visiting the Tate Museum.

Pushing Sophie across the Millenium Bridge

St Pauls Cathedral. — St Paul’s Cathedral.

We had time to spare so we went to the Museum Of London. And it was well worth the visit :-) — We had time to spare so we went to the Museum Of London. And it was well worth the visit 🙂

The night Sky at St James Square. Walking to Piccadilly Circus for tea.

After Dan and Marysia finished work we all went to The Rainforest cafe for tea. A great experience and Sophie loved the animals.

Here’s a short film of Sophie with the gorillas at The rainforest Cafe…

We visited Fortnum and Mason on our way to the Train Station. A very extravagant shop! Here is one of the displays.

Another shop display. Just one of the very many I could have taken photos of. They were all very special.

Here's another example of the fabulous displays in this shop. — Here’s another example of the fabulous displays in this shop.

No! This one is definitely better :-) Sorry Judy :-) — No! This one is definitely better 🙂 Sorry Judy 🙂

A mall with it's christmas decorations... but it was closed this night. — A mall with it’s christmas decorations… but it was closed this night.

On Judy’s last Saturday we all went to Winchester to have a look at their Christmas markets. It is a two hour drive south of Barnet where Dan and Marysia live, but it was definitely worth the trip.

One of the many stalls selling food and Mulled wine.

The brave people trying out the ice skating rink... in the rain and cold! — The brave people trying out the ice skating rink… in the rain and cold!

The stalls were all around the Cathedral and on the main streets

The main street with the old buildings and crowds of people

So on the Sunday, the last day Judy and I could venture out without Sophie we decided to do all the other things we had planned to do, but just hadn’t had time. We left nice and early and caught the tube to Baker Street station. The first place to go was Madame Tussards Wax Museum. What a lot of fun!

Yes that's me and Johnny Depp! — Yes that’s me and Johnny Depp!

Looks like Judy is trying to push Marilyn off the stage hehe

Why oh why Robin??? You look so happy here, and were so successful and loved! Money and fame sure doesn't bring happiness! — Why oh why Robin??? You look so happy here, and were so successful and loved! Money and fame sure doesn’t bring happiness!

The wax museum was very interactive. You could pose with all the models and the 4D movie experience at the end was all laughs. Judy and I had so much fun and were so thrilled we went!

And from the wax museum it was onto the London Eye! What an amazing experience, even in the rain!

Here's Judy in the eye :-) — Here’s Judy in the eye 🙂

The fantastic view, even through wet windows!

And after that fabulous experience we went on the London Dungeon Tour. I have seen this advertise the last twice I was in London but thought it would just be all touristy and not really worth going to, but it was well worth it. It lasted an hour and a half and was entertaining the whole way through. Great actors and also great scene sets!

Lastly for the day we wandered through Hyde Park and the Winter Wonderland. Luckily this was the first weekend it had opened. We were able to wander around and enjoy the place. I went again the following Saturday night with Marysia and Sophie in her pram and it was a nightmare. The people were squashed in like sardines! And we had to find Daniel. Consequently we didn’t stay long!

The Haunted house. The only ride Judy and I went on! It was great!

On our ride. Like kids again :-) — On our ride. Like kids again 🙂

Monday we relaxed, Tuesday we walked to Alexandra Palace and Wednesday was the trip to Heathrow Airport by the Piccadilly underground line!

It was uphill all the way to the Palace, but a great walk :-) — It was uphill all the way to the Palace, but a great walk 🙂

Alexandra Palace. This isn't far from Dan and Marysias place. Judy and I walked to the Palace, had a super lunch, and then back home again in the dark. — Alexandra Palace. This isn’t far from Dan and Marysias place. Judy and I walked to the Palace, had a super lunch, and then back home again in the dark.

Another view of Ally Pally :-) — Another view of Ally Pally 🙂

Now in amongst all the above places and things we saw, Judy and I also went to two shows, both were wonderful! We went to Les Miserables after our first dinner at Rainforest Cafe. Both great experiences! And we also went to Billy Elliot. That was actually Judys Birthday present as she arrived in London on her birthday 🙂

We also had the three day weekend in Switzerland. So all in all we definitely had three amazing weeks together. And can you see why I missed her so much when she left?

September 20, 2014September 21, 2018

I am in London!

Well….. I have arrived! And I am so happy to be here. G7 is gorgeous and she doesn’t seem to mind that this strange lady has taken over looking after her every day while Mummy and Daddy go to work 🙂 And I am so very thankful 🙂 Imagine if she was so shy and cried every time she looked at me. Instead, when she sees my face she smiles and talks to me in her baby talk…. I love it! I am such a super spoiled Nana 😉 and I love her dearly. We are going to have so much fun together for the next three months!

I arrived Monday afternoon and C2 and D2 showed me around the local area. Three parks within a half hour walk! I ventured out for my own discovery walk Wednesday afternoon. I wanted to see what the local area had to offer a visitor from far off who was a little scared to take buses and trains yet! I found lots of little dairies, hairdressers, land agents, fruit and vegetable shops, off licenses and a mini supermarket. There is a school over our back fence, so joyful sounds of children playing are heard at play times, lunch time and after school. Within two blocks I found a very old church dated back to 1884. It was called ‘Christ Church’ and is a Baptist church by denomination. The notice board advertised bible study groups, friendship groups, the Sunday service times, and a mothers and toddlers playgroup held every Friday morning! Yay… I decided that this will be my weekly activity and also a great opportunity to meet other locals, also very good for G7 to be with other babies and help with her social development 🙂

So today is Friday! Playgroup day! Arghhhhh… And I am off!

I am feeling a little apprehensive! I don’t know anyone! New in town! A foreigner! And a little old to be a playgroup mummy! How will I fit in?

I loaded the nappy bag with everything I may need for G7. It was bulging! I had forgotten just how much stuff babies may need on outings! And off I went!

I survived and I’m now back home again….

Yay! I had a great time 🙂 This playgroup is held at ‘Christ Church’ on Bellevue Road corner. The ladies that run it are extremely friendly and caring. They made me feel very welcome 🙂 There were 12 caregivers/mummies that came along with what seemed like hundreds of kids! Man it was noisy! I’m not used to so many children’s play noises all at once anymore. G7 loved it! She happily lay on the floor kicking her feet and joined in making noises! The young mums were very friendly as well, but best of all, there were two other Nana/caregivers, who I approached as soon as I could, and then sat with for the rest of the morning. One was her first time as well, and the other her second. We happily chatted while watching and interacting with our grandchildren and other children as well. I got offered cups of tea with plastic plates and plastic biscuits, which I played along drinking up my ‘cup of tea’. It was fun!

Next week I am meeting up with Helen at the local coffee shop for coffee together before playgroup. Helen is looking after her grand daughter every Monday and Friday. She drives a little way to playgroup! Both her and grand daughter are lovely. I may have found a new friend within a week of being here. This is such a great start and I am feeling very happy and contented.

I came home with a very sleepy G7 who is now way out of routine. She didn’t want to drink her second bottle of the day with all the fun going on around her. I finally managed to get her to drink it when we got home, and she is still sound asleep. It’s now 1.15 and by now she is suppose to have had her lunch time solids and another bottle! Hopefully she will be a hungry little girl all afternoon or Mummy D2 may growl at me hehe!

I also had a lovely skype chat with my man at home in New Zealand while G7 is sleeping. This day has been so good and it is only early afternoon.

Okay G7…. enough sleep. Nana is ready for our next adventure together 🙂

August 18, 2014September 21, 2018

Last day at home…

It’s 7:45 and I’m still in bed, but definitely not sleeping or relaxing. I’m thinking about the thousand things I still need to do today. I need to get up! But, I do have a list! I love being able to tick off jobs as they are completed and then knowing I am fully prepared for our holiday…. Hopefully!

Mostly I am excited! Eeeee! I have just finished checking Facebook and Snapchat, and have seen photos of my family and their travel shots as they make their way to Poland. C1, C2 and G3 are driving from London to Leszno and they crossed from the Uk to France via the Euro tunnel early this morning. And they are now in Germany!

Looking very excited! G3 and her Dad C1 🙂

Visiting ‘The Shard’ in London

Waiting to board the train at the Euro tunnel.

On the train!!!

A stop for refreshments in Brussels 🙂

And now they are in Cologne Germany!
Meanwhile C4 and D3 have arrived in London and are staying on for a few days while C4 has some work to do. They fly to Poland later in the week.

Don’t they look very relaxed! Lovely 🙂

Now, I have to wash my sheets and remake the bed! Clean the whole house including the bathroom! Print out travel documents! Phone Visa! Fold heaps of washing! Pack my bag! Prepare a meal for us and my two Aunties for tonight! And… The list goes on!

I really wanted to finish my crochet blanket before I left but will have to leave it at this stage until I come back home in January!

It can wait! But getting up can’t!

I leave New Zealand tomorrow!

July 22, 2014September 21, 2018

Less than a month!

Here I am sitting at my laptop when I have so many other things I should be doing! Time is running out and I am beginning to feel the panic! But I wanted to share all the happenings with you…. my reader 🙂

On the 19th of August, Robin and I will be flying over to Wroclaw, Poland. My sister, her partner and her daughter are also coming with us. We are all going to my second son C2 and D2’s wedding! Now isn’t that something to get excited about! Checkout their wedding plans…

And even more exciting news…. Eldest son C1 and grand daughter G3 are coming to the wedding as well… from Sydney! G3 is going to be a little flower girl. And wait… there’s more… Youngest son C4 and daughter in law D3 are also coming from Sydney. Nearly a family reunion! I can’t wait!

After the wedding we will be travelling to Prague for three days and then onto Budapest. We are going on another ‘Insight Vacations’ tour! Yay! I am sooooo spoilt…..and don’t I know it! This time it is the tour called ‘Treasures of the Balkans’. We travel from Budapest to Bucharest! I will be regularly putting posts on my blog and uploading photos when I can 🙂 Here is the tour…

and the details a little clearer…

And the day to day travel and sights to see…

Sorry the printing isn’t that easy to read 🙁 But do you think a wedding and a tour are enough to get excited about? Well there’s more!

At 10.52pm on the 21st of April little 3.3 kg G7 was born. Our third grand child to be born this year. G5 on the 4th of February, G6 on the 18th of March and then G7 on the 21st of April. Look at this gorgeous little girl…

Brand new Baby G7

A very alert little baby girl :-) — A very alert little baby girl 🙂

I love this photo of Sophie having a tub bath! — I love this photo of G7 having a tub bath!

One of my favourite photos. Sophie and her Daddy asleep together <3 — One of my favourite photos. G7 and her Daddy asleep together <3

Now isn’t G7 a wonderful addition to our family! We now have seven grand children. Four girls and three boys! I have had quite a few cuddles with G5 and G6 but have yet to cuddle G7. Roll on August the 19th!

Now after the wedding and the tour, Robin, Judy, Len and Teresa are flying back to New Zealand via Hong Kong. I will be doing something very different. I will be flying to London. Yes London. I am going to be G7’s Nanny until Christmas time, when C2, D2, G7 and myself will be flying to Sydney to celebrate Christmas with family there. Robin and C6 will fly from New Zealand to join us (Joanna has to work).

So I am going to get plenty of G7 cuddles. Will be missing the other grand children cuddles and my other children/adults/husband/friends, but what an opportunity! I feel like I am the luckiest person alive…. and I am very thankful.

Watch out people… this blog is going to have so many updates over the next six months.

July 11, 2014September 21, 2018

Home Made Playdough

Well the school holidays are here again!

Yesterday I drove to Palmerston North to pick up our Grandsons G2 and G4. I love having these boys to stay! You only have to look through a few of my previous blog posts and you will see photos of previous holidays and details of our adventures. I have made a few plans for these holidays but today, their first day here, it is a cold, wet and windy day. So it’s inside entertainment! G2 also has a cough cold and is probably better off staying indoors and keeping warm. So first thing was a game of minecraft on the Play Station 3, and then it was break time. The boys know that Nana Pam doesn’t like them spending too long in front of the television or a computer screen! So, out came the saucepan and a batch of playdough was made for the next form of entertainment…..and they loved it 🙂 If you haven’t made playdough before I suggest you give it a try. It is so easy!

Here is the the recipe….

Stir all together

1 cup of flour

1/2 cup of salt

1 cup water

1 tablespoon of oil

2 teaspoons of cream of tartar

and food colouring (any colour)

Then cook on medium heat, stirring all the time until the dough leaves the side of the pan. Tip it out onto tray and when it cools a little, knead it all together. And then the fun begins!

Here are some photos of the boys and their playdough creations…

Shhhhh it's a bird nest with a bird in it and her eggs — Shhhhh it’s a bird nest with a bird in it and her eggs

Christian cutting up his playdough sausage for Jaydens pizza — G4 cutting up his playdough sausage for G2’s pizza

I can see....a snail! — I can see….a snail!

Preparing and planning the pizza toppings

Lots of fun to be had! Playdough play lasted for about an hour and I think that is a pretty good return for the time invested in making it. And, the best part of all is that if you store your Playdough in an airtight plastic bag or container, it will last for a month or even longer.

The sun has come out to shine this afternoon so maybe we can get out on the trampoline or the bikes! But if it’s wet again in the next few days, I am sure we will be able to get our green playdough out again….even if it’s only for another hour of play 🙂

June 2, 2014September 21, 2018

More than expected!

I have just had a wonderful eleven day holiday in Sydney compliments of Son C1 and his wife D1. Talk about being spoilt! It has been one of the best Mother’s day and birthday presents EVER!

But the extra special thing about this trip has been the opportunity of taking my 85 year old Mother with me. Mum has been wanting to come to Sydney and see family for ages and this time everything just worked out nicely.

In the eleven days I had many moments that I will treasure in my heart forever. The cuddles with our two month old little grandson, visiting eight year old grand daughter G3 at school and being shown all her school work for the year on display and being extra spoilt with gifts from amazing seventeen year old G1 (our eldest grandchild). I also had very special times with D1, and then C1 when he got home from his work trip to Florida. And in this holiday, we also had two precious evenings with Ben and Chloe. My mother/grandmother soul has been satisfied ….ahhhhhh

Mum sitting at Matthew's work desk — Mum sitting at C1’s work desk

Casey showing me one of her creations — G3 showing me one of her creations

Casey showing her baby brother Luke to her School friends — G3 showing her baby brother G6 to her School friends

All attention on the cutest baby boy :-) — All attention on the cutest baby boy 🙂

Luke at two months old with Great Nana on the chair behind him — G6 at two months old with Great Nana on the chair behind him

Casey, Chloe, Ben Mum and Me — G3, D3, C4 Mum and Me

Out for tea together. Rebecca, Leeara, Luke, Sam and Casey — Out for tea together. D1, G1, G6, Sam and G3

Casey making a Beeswax candle — G3 making a Beeswax candle

I wasn’t sure how Mum was going to cope with the travelling and then all the extra activities we would do while in Sydney, but I was amazed with her. I know she got very tired at times and probably had some pain in her body, but she pushed herself and kept up all the time, determined to not be a bother and to also do everything we were doing. There were a few times that I had to remind her to get her walking stick out for safety reasons. These became cheerful reminders as Mum would say she was waiting for me to ask her where her stick was. But the last thing I wanted was to see Mum hurt herself and one fall could have been very bad!

Mum with her 'STICK' walking stick — Mum with her ‘STICK’ walking stick

We did have an extra special moment on our flight from Auckland to New Plymouth (home). I will never forget it! We were watching a movie on my galaxy, both sharing one set of earplugs to listen. So we had to sit pretty close and listen carefully with one ear. The movie was a real tear jerker, and when the saddest moment came in the film, here was Mum and I, both moping up our tears. Mum commented about how alike we are at being moved emotionally at movies. During the mop up time I looked very closely at Mums hands. I held her hands momenterily and looked at how crooked her little fingers had become. I felt so sad! My mother’s hands had suffered from the years of hard work. Her hands had wrapped around each of her children with love many many times. Oh what stories they could tell. But here they are now all bent and wrinkled. They have served her well but they have aged and they now cause her pain. I realise that this is definitely the winter season of Mum’s life, and also realise that I am now heading into the Autumn season. How quickly life flies by! Am I ready for what happens during this winter season? No I am not! I don’t think I will ever be ready. I love my Mum and Dad so much.

My Hand wrapped together with Mum’s hand

Mum’s right hand. Look at her bent fingers, especially her index finger!

The sweetest thing I ever saw was when we arrived back at New Plymouth. Walking to the car to go home I turn around and there is my Mum and Dad walking along each holding a handle of Mum’s carrybag. It was only 2.5kgs (I know because I weighed it), but Dad was helping her carry it. I guess he knows Mum’s crooked little fingers, and how painful they can be, way better than I do, after all they have now been married for 66 years. They are amazing!

I will keep that image locked in my brain forever. It was so sweet! This cute little old couple still showing their love for each other, sharing the load and both having wonderful smiles on their faces at the joy of being together again.

Yes I got way more than I expected from these eleven days!

April 1, 2014September 21, 2018

And Grandbaby number two for 2014 arrives!

I am always amazed at pregnancies and birth. It is such a miraclulous event! I always think of Psalm 139:1-16 when I hear of a new pregnancy. Have a look in the Bible at this scripture and see what you think?

Now I have just had the most amazing 20 days in Sydney! I arrived on the 10th of March and left again on the 30th, and in that time I became a Nana again to grandchild number 6. Master G6 arrived at 3:50 am on the 18th of March, weighing in at 8lb 11 oz, and with a thick crop of black hair!

Baby Luke surrounded by his adoring family, Dad Matthew, Mum Rebecca, and sisters Leeara and Casey — Baby G6 surrounded by his adoring family, Dad C1, Mum D1, and sisters G1 and G3

So I spent 8 days in Sydney waiting for labour to start, and helping D1 with the last minute preparations for having a new baby in the home; and then 12 days having lots of Nana cuddles with G6 and getting to know him a little, and also spending quality time with his two big sisters, and Mum and Dad. I also had my camera out ready to capture all the memory making moments! Here’s a sample of those precious moments…

Rebecca is so tiny...and look how big her tummy is. This photo was taken only a few days before the birth. — D1 is so tiny…and look how big her tummy is. This photo was taken only a few days before the birth.

We thought he was going to be born on the 16th...so we were prepared! — We thought he was going to be born on the 16th…so we were prepared!

And we took another photo of the 17th Just in case!

But we didn't think Rebecca would last until the 18th....so we didn't take a photo with the number 18! This one will have to do! — But we didn’t think D1 would last until the 18th….so we didn’t take a photo with the number 18! This one will have to do!

Brand new baby G6 with his very proud Daddy 🙂

And the first photo of Luke with his Nana Pam....me!!!! — And the first photo of G6 with his Nana Pam….me!!!!

And from that first day of G6’s life after his birth…we managed to take heaps of photos. C1 reckons there are already more photos of G6 than he has of himself in his whole life… haha. But really, how can you not take so many photos of a very cute baby. And….such a good baby as well.

His first change into a night time stretch and grow. His big sisters are amazed by him :-) — His first change into a night time stretch and grow. His big sisters are amazed by him 🙂

And getting his first hairwash and bath by his Daddy, with help from his sisters Leeara and Casey :-) — And getting his first hairwash and bath by his Daddy, with help from his sisters G1 and G3 🙂

Now I tried to be helpful, and not be labeled as an interferring mother-in-law (D1 and I get along really well, so I don’t really fear that label at all….but I treasure our relationship, and certainly want to make sure we remain great friends …always). So I did what I went over to Sydney to do. To be helpful and make life easier for the new Mummy, and the family as a whole. I helped with the cooking, washing and transporting and anything else that needed to be done. I also had many swims and managed to crotchet a whole blanket, and cushion cover and finish a little knitted cardigan….all for G6 🙂 I hope that I was a blessing….I know that I was blessed 🙂

The first time I hung out Lukes clothes....such an emotional moment for me. I even made sure the pegs were all blue! Doesn't that clothes line just melt your heart! — The first time I hung out G6’s clothes….such an emotional moment for me. I even made sure the pegs were all blue! Doesn’t that clothes line just melt your heart!

And here he is laying on his new crocheted blanket that I made for him :-) — And here he is laying on his new crocheted blanket that I made for him 🙂

The look of satisfaction. Tummy full and sleeping peacefully :-) — The look of satisfaction. Tummy full and sleeping peacefully 🙂

And on the last full day of my holiday we went to get some family portraits taken. The photographer allowed me to take some photos from beside her. I imagine her photos are going to be spectacular, because even though my backgrounds aren’t perfect, the photos are amazing! I love them all!

A bare body photo of Luke at 11 days old :-) — A bare body photo of G6 at 11 days old 🙂

A Beautiful family portrait :-) — A Beautiful family portrait 🙂

A special moment between mother and son.

Grand daughters Leeara and Casey with me....Nana Pam. The photographer also took a photo with Luke as well, but I have to wait to see that one! — Grand daughters G1 and G3 with me….Nana Pam. The photographer also took a photo with Luke as well, but I have to wait to see that one!

My son C1 has always been at ‘Star Wars’ fan. He has watched all the movies….many times. He has lots of Star Wars memorabilia. He has many collections of Star Wars collectors cards…and he can now say ‘Luke….I am your father’

Yes...One very happy Daddy to have a son after two beautiful daughters. His family is complete...or is it??? — Yes…One very happy Daddy to have a son after two beautiful daughters. His family is complete…or is it???

Yes….2014 has been a great year so far. We have two new grand children to add to the fabulous four we already had. We also have another one due to be born in April. A little girl, and she will be born in London. I am guessing that that event will be my next post! And I can’t wait to meet her and share her with my world 🙂

February 17, 2014September 21, 2018

So Proud!

I love my Mum and Dad! They are 88 and 85 and still going strong. Strong in health, living and loving 🙂 What an amazing heritage we have because of them. They deserve to be honoured…and I do honour them 🙂

We have family tea together every Sunday night, missing out only occasionally. Here are some photos of our gathering last night. G2 and G4 are staying so they entertained themselves with clothes pegs….believe it or not!

me and my Mum...yes we do look alike :-) — me and my Mum…yes we do look alike 🙂

What a lovely family group photo....love them all xxx — What a lovely family group photo….love them all xxx

Joanna with her Nana and Grandad :-) — C5 with her Nana and Grandad 🙂

Me and my oldest daughter Joanna who jut turned 22....love her xxx — Me and my oldest daughter C5 who just turned 22….love her xxx

My Mum who is 85! - 86 in September. I come from good genes :-) — My Mum who is 85! – 86 in September. I come from good genes 🙂

My Dad, he is 88 and a half!....he looks like the grandad in 'UP' — My Dad, he is 88 and a half!….he looks like the grandad in ‘UP’

A lovely photo of Jayden...except for the peg..haha — A lovely photo of G2…except for the peg..haha

Christian entertaining himself with the exercycle — G4 entertaining himself with the exercycle

I should have taken more photos of everyone there, but I am so happy with these photos. They all show the LOVE we have for each other.

February 17, 2014September 21, 2018

The Best thing to Happen so far this year!

On the 4th of February beautiful little G5 joined our family. The most gorgeous little 6lb 15.8oz little baby girl. Born in Palmerston North hospital and sister to G2 andG4. Little daughter of my son C3. And we feel blessed….yes very blessed!

Have a look at this little cutie…

look at her face! So beautiful :-) — look at her face! So beautiful 🙂

not even an hour old :-) — not even an hour old 🙂

Introducing baby Ella to big brother Christian — Introducing baby G5 to big brother G4

Yes....she is loved! — Yes….she is loved!

Introducing baby Ella to biggest brother Jayden :-) — Introducing baby G5 to biggest brother G2 🙂

He's pretty proud of her already — He’s pretty proud of her already

I'm going to keep her! — I’m going to keep her!

What little hands and fingers Ella has! — What little hands and fingers G5 has!

February 17, 2014September 21, 2018

Te Manawa Museum

One day last week I picked G2 up after School and decided to give both him and G4 a treat. Now if you haven’t been to the Te Manawa Museum in Palmerston North, New Zealand…you MUST go! Especially if you have young children. The museum is filled with interactive displays and it is so much fun watching the children explore and learn while playing.

All the ground floor is free entry so that is also a bonus to visit there. The first area you go to is the interactive house. It has a kitchen, lounge, bedroom/reading/dressing up area, and outdoor area consisting of a clothes line and a tree hut!

But the most favourite area is the scariest. If you walk into the wardrobe and through the hanging clothes a door magically opens at the back….and you enter into a dark secret passage. The door quickly closes behind you and you are left to explore/find your way out, using all the senses minus sight! And believe me it’s a bit creepy. You hear mice scuttling and things are hanging from the ceiling…and you even have to climb a bit! If you are very brave you can feel your way to the very end and find yourself up in the tree hut. If you get a bit worried you can find the escape door and end up in the bedroom and take a rest on one of the beds…or maybe read a book…or try out the dress up clothes.

In one of the rooms you learn how to do some plumbing. If you join the pipes correctly the water will start to run through the pipes. You can also fill up a bath with water and then pull the plug…learning not to waste water!

But my favourite part is the the outdoor area where the children can construct a big wall with the soft bricks that are provided. Talk about great entertainment for boys! They love it….even if we go there every holidays…they still love it.

There are the usual museum features as well and we did explore some of those areas but the real treat is all the interactive components of the place. Have a look at the photos and see what you think…

These are not really part of the interactive area of the museum, but the boys love climbing on them. Great for photos too I think :-) — These are not really part of the interactive area of the museum, but the boys love climbing on them. Great for photos too I think 🙂

Te Manawa - Jayden on W — Te Manawa – G2 on W

Te manawa - Christian in a — Te manawa – G4 on n

A mat and block in the entrance area. These are changed to different things regularly

Here the boys are about to pull the wall apart so they can build it again

The block are loaded onto the ramp and then wound up to the top level

Or...the blocks can be loaded onto a pully and manouvered up and around to the wall area — Or…the blocks can be loaded onto a pully and manouvered up and around to the wall area

Christian building the wall ever so carefully. You don't want bricks falling down on you! — G4 building the wall ever so carefully. You don’t want bricks falling down on you!

Nearly finished Christian! — Nearly finished G4!

Jayden says 'would you like soup or a coffee Nana Pam'? I answer 'both please' — G2 says ‘would you like soup or a coffee Nana Pam’? I answer ‘both please’

He then brings me the cash register to pay for them!

Christian looking down at me from the tree house — G4 looking down at me from the tree house

You can enter through the tube that comes from the secret passageway, or by the stairs :-) — You can enter through the tube that comes from the secret passageway, or by the stairs 🙂

What do you find at different layers of the ground....look and see...I see bones — What do you find at different layers of the ground….look and see…I see bones

These bricks aren't heavy Nan Pam! — These bricks aren’t heavy Nan Pam!

Reaching up to the top of the wall :-) — Reaching up to the top of the wall 🙂

Boys LOVE using these things...just like big men! — Boys LOVE using these things…just like big men!

It's the last block in the wall! Yay...done :-) — It’s the last block in the wall! Yay…done 🙂

We fill the bath and then empty it...looking at how much water we use at the different levels! — We fill the bath and then empty it…looking at how much water we use at the different levels!

tic tac toe with pillows on the floor! What a cool idea :-) — tic tac toe with pillows on the floor! What a cool idea 🙂

you throw the balls up on the top of the cloud, pull the wire and the balls fall from the cloud like rain! How great is that?

Yes it's an old tractor! — Yes it’s an old tractor!

The Maori history part of the museum :-) — The Maori history part of the museum 🙂

Through the wardrobe and what do you find??????