Shooting the hoop

Sometimes after an urchin has cooked dinner, he pops out to shoots some hoops. Not sure if the redband gumboots and apron will start a fashion trend.

While the urchins were shooting hoops, a rainbow was in the clouds.

JPC Ball 2020

 The John Paul College Ball had been postponed because of the second outbreak of Covid-19 in Auckland.   Gatherings of more than 100 people were prohibited.  The urchins just had to wait. Fortunately New Zealand went back to Level 1 a few days ago, and the ball could go ahead.

Pre ball refreshments and beverages at Charlotte's house

Anneke was stunning in a silk dress is by Zimmerman.  All the girls are looking gorgeous.

The urchins had an hour to get to the ball. The car had to drop Anneke off, pick up some more students, and take them to Girls High Ball, and then pick up Quinn. It was going to be a tight turnaround.

Anneke and Maisie

Quinn decided to be patriotic, by wearing black.

Quinn and Amtire at Tihiotonga

Quinn and Katherine

Anneke and Maisee were the first to the Ball. It was great to see them arrive.

The paparazzi watched the students arrive in the usual assortment of classic cars, limos, quad bikes (Hanna), utes, fertiliser trucks, fire trucks, camper vans, Harleys, caravans, buses, and amphibian vehicles.

Chad and Nicole

And then we waited, and waited and waited. The evening grew cold, and the paparazzi got restless. Finally, the last car in the queue.

The urchins had a great time at the ball.  

A Big Thank You to the team of 5 million, all working together to control covid-19.

A few days later, Quinn sends me a link to the JPC Ball 2020 photos. This was the cover photo

I think it is nice that Kat's mum and I are in the photo.

Christmas 2019

 Tithe's glass zebra decoration.

 My favourite bird decoration.

Two christmas trees, presents under the tree in the lounge, chocolate fondue under the one in the dining room.

The candles kept the chocolate melted and ready for the dipping.

 Strawberries, grapes, bacon, nuts, dried fruit.

 How fast can an urchin unwrap a gift?

Family at the Farm

Motorbikes at Nic and Kellys

Californian Celebrations

 Quinn celebrated his 15th Birthday today.

 A fire to roast marshmellows.

 Happy birthday Quinn.  I hope you have lots of adventures this year.

  Just in case you didn't know, burn candles in a dimly lit room.

Lake Okataina

 The weather has been glorious this summer, so for a change from Okereka, we took the longer drive to Lake Okataina

 All the rain prior to Christmas has filled the lakes to the brim.

 The urchins loved that the jetty was under water.