A&P Show 2011

A&P Show - 19 Oct 2011

The girls and I enjoyed a relaxing day at the annual A&P Show today. There were quite a few different shows and exhibits than there have been in previous years, so that kept it fresh and interesting.

We took in the BJ Bear and Ronald McDonald shows for Hollie . . .

A fun new experience was getting to have a turn on "Doug the Digger" . . .

Animals are always a highlight - and this new dog show, "Chelsea and Her Dogs," was really fun to watch. Chelsea had 5 dogs which she had trained to do all sorts of different tricks, including agility skills. They weren't easy to photograph because they were constantly moving!!

The petting zoo . . .

And, finally, one for Mum - a cooking demonstration by Michael Lee, one of the NZ Masterchef finalists.

Making Tortillas

Lately Hollie has really enjoyed helping in the kitchen with baking and making dinner. With some of the money she was given for her birthday I bought her a kids rolling pin from Tupperware.

Hollie's 3rd Birthday Party

Hollie's 3rd Birthday Party

(Sunday afternoon, 12th June)

Since Hollie's birthday fell on a busy weekend (Queen's Birthday weekend, Impact Bible Conference), we celebrated with her friends a week later. The cake was a hot air balloon - she is fascinated with the local hot air balloons which regularly fly over our house. She invited 4 little friends (Libby, Lily, Neve, and Kees) and one older friend (Leah, age 14!). It was a very low key afternoon - they played outside, enjoyed some afternoon tea, played a game of pass the parcel, and then Hollie opened her presents.

1 Year On . . .

Optimist Yachting

Daisie had the opportunity to learn a bit of sailing this past week with other homeschooled children. Each afternoon we headed over to Pandora Pond in Napier. We learned how to rig the boat (including the names of the parts of the boat), tie a figure-8 knot and a bowline knot, safety procedures on the water, and of course how to sail the yacht! And after the fun was over each day we had to wash every part of the yacht and put it all neatly away in the storage shed. All the kids had so much fun! On Friday Susie was also able to go out for a ride, and she loved it too! Hopefully the wonderful ladies who organised this will do it again in the coming years when Susie is old enough to participate on her own.

Daisie and Olivia learning how to rig their boat the first day

Everyone trying desperately to understand the bowline knot!

Hollie with her new friends - Jemima and Ella-May

Daisie and Erin Watson

Getting ready for the relay race

Susie with Caleb Watson, and Daisie and Erin

Hollie on the Rings

The adventurous and athletic Hollie on the rings!

Hollie at Gym

Today was Hollie's first gym class - and she loved it!