Julia's Birthday

My birthday was spread over a few days this year. On Friday Ben made me go into his work to meet him for 'lunch' and I was given a voucher to go across the road and have a manicure, facial and massage at a beauty school. It was lovely to have some time to myself. While I was being pampered Ben looked after the kids at his work and did craft stuff with them. They were very well behaved and had lots of fun with Dad!


Saturday morning we took the kids to Pelican Park but it was really cold and windy and we didn't last very long!
















We had a bit of a birthday BBQ with Gwen and John at their place on Saturday night. Jared insisted on having dress-ups so Gwen had to dig some hats out then he wouldn't even wear one! Don't you love their table (hehe)! A new one is on it's way.

Dani LOVES her Aunty Gwen! She always has the biggest cuddles for her.


I had to make my own birthday cake! Jared did help by cracking the eggs and doing the decorating though!

We did some sparklers after tea and the kids loved them :)

Monday (my actual birthday) was a bit quiet. I spent it at home with the kids and had a few phonecalls. It was lovely to be remembered and to catch up with people.

Family pics

We thought it was about time we had some photos take with us in them as well!

If you would like a copy of any of them let us know and we will get them printed for you.

July pics

Thought you might like to see the kids too!

Mum came over for a week on the 5th of July and I will add photos from then once I get the CD of her photos :)

The kids (and Dad) love playing 'shops'

They both LOVE bathtime - especially when there aare bubbles!

OUR BIG GIRL

Our New House

We finally got round to getting some photos of the house up. Sorry :)

Well it finally feels like we live here! We have all our stuff around us now and it is so nice. I can't say it feels like home quite yet. Maybe when we have some friends we can invite round for a barbie it might!

We are renting James' house until we sort ourselves out and it is lovely. We have 2 living areas, 3 bedrooms, an office, an ensuite and a lovely fenced section. It's a bit of a treat after living in the flat!

I must add we have a lovely comfy spare Queen bed if you want to come and stay. We would love to have you and will happily take bookings for it (you just have to give us time to kick Jared out of it first) !

Ben's training in Las Vegas

The Business Coaching company I work for -Action International paid for me to go to coach's training in Las Vegas. I gotta say, it has to be God, as I've only been there 7 weeks and it usually costs $25,000 !!

My room mate (Todd from Texas) and I went out to the strip on the first night (before the course actually started), as we figured we may be too tired later in the week!

Statues at Ceaser's Palace Pirates @ Treasure Island

Volcano at The Mirage

This is the hotel I stayed in. On 53 acres and surrounded by about 7 different golf courses!

Dinner out at the Venitian Hotel on 'The Strip' on the last night. Very flash and very yummy! Now, is the picture on the right inside or outside?

Here's a hint, this is in the same spot:

Yep, It's actually INSIDE! It's a reacreated version of Venice and according to a guy that was there recently, isn't a bad copy.

Working Hard

and Hard at work!

Yes, we did get to have some fun on the course, volleyball every morning -forgot to get pics :-( , did a high ropes confidence course and even got time to write a song for the group!

All in all a fantastic trip- one which I learned a lot both about business and myself. Here, I found my vision:

"Let's re-establish the family as the most important institution in society. How? By creating Powerful, Passionate, Profitable businesses that reward everyone connected with them!"

'The Family' was at the airport to
welcome us back and see us off again
in an hour! (altho I did get 2 spend the morning with Mum & Dad)




Grama 'n' me (looking slightly jaded after a long flight :-)

Nelson 15th-29th May 06

While Ben was doing his business coach training in Las Vegas his company kindly sent me back to Nelson. It was FREEZING and raining pretty much the whole time but it was so nice to see everybody there. Thanks Mum and Dad for looking after us so well, we miss you all already.




Jared got some new lego to play with while we were there.













I think Dani enjoyed the tractor more than Jared!

Jared was so happy to see Abby again.














The kids loved seeing Jade and Emma again! Next time we go back they will have another cousin as well!

We had to do the chipmunks thing with the kids too. They all loved it - even the big kids!

Can't wait to see you again in September - epecially Rach and the new addition xxoo

More Aussie pics - April/May 06

Hi everybody! Thought it was about time I put a few more photos up (You'll be very pleased Megan!). I promise I will make a more regular effort when we have broadband.....



Easter of course...don't you love the kids armchairs! We got them when we bought our new lounge suite.











On the train :)














The kids bouncy castle that is in the family room!










Our new car - 1998 Toyota Camry












Jared LOVES riding his bike any chance he gets!












I got given a popcorn maker for Mothers Day and it came with a whole lot of party stuff. Jared insisted that nights tea was a 'popcorn party'.