Golden Shears

Doesn't every woman fancy a weekend watching elite athletes?  Of course they do.  What better then to be a spectator at the Golden Shears - New Zealand's National Sheep Shearing Competition.  We had a fabulous time.  There was sensory overload - lithe, sweaty men in singlets, moccasins and a furry foot between their cheeks. Not to mention the olfactory treats.  I never imagined I get excited about wool sorting but I found myself obsessing about who was going to win the rousing final.  

Beyond the shearing we went to a free range chicken farm...

Meet Sally's cousin and his terrific family...

Plus we stayed in the most unique accommodation - sheep shearing wagons!

We

lake daniells

We took Simone on her first tramping trip. She did great.  We walked 8.5 kms into the lake.  Ran between the sand flies to the lake. Ate laksa from the billy. Threw sticks in puddles and the river. Took a moonlight walk through the forest listening to moreporks and whistling tree frogs - good trick for getting hyper toddlers to slip.

2014 kicked off in style

2014 got off to a great start for us all.  These photos capture January. They are not in order - I've lost my blogger mojo...  

We were blessed to have tons of grandparent time!  We brought the New Year in with a terrific pizza party on Waiheke at MaMa TeTe and Saba's.  And, we were joined by Granny Mary, Michael, Pop Grae, Nanna Jo, Uncle Dave, Uncle Zev and Auntie Sam.  Of course we can't forget Betty Blue.

After Waiheke we were hosted by Michael at his farm in North Canterbury.  We were joined by Auntie Alison, Uncle Steve and cousin Campbell.  We had lovely time pretending to be farmers and frolicking on the Lottery River.

The pictures tell the story.  The family type portraits were taken by our good family friend Marti (who is an iconic New Zealand photographer - an octogenarian who is till going strong!)