Introducing............

Before we get on to the introduction piece we had better fill you in on the Joe saga. After his initial operation he had a temporary cast (because of the swelling) and an appointment for an X-ray and permanent cast set for two weeks later. 13 1/2 days later Joe had his friend Leo staying with us for his first ever sleepover away from family. Off to bed they trotted at 8.15pm. 2 minutes later and there is a thump and tears - no he hadn't fallen off the top bunk - Joe had actually managed to pull the cast over his elbow and almost off his arm. There was no way it was sliding back on so a trip to A&E followed, leaving a very confused Leo behind with Matt and Ben. Christchurch Hospital were amazing again - the triage nurse called the boneshop and we headed straight in there with no paperwork! Within minutes he was having a new cast fitted and we were sent home with instructions to return for our original appointment the next morning. Amazing! - we made the round trip from home in an hour! Leo was fast asleep and they even blessed us with a reasonable start time in the morning!

Joe has now been fitted with a more permanent cast because he is such an active boy, however the wires are poking through the skin, so he has been brought forward for surgery to remove them (Feb 11th). He (and Ben) are thoroughly enjoying the Wii that Matt purchased - it is easy for Joe to operate with his cast. He has of course returned to the trampoline, has been skateboarding and even sat on his bike - give him a couple of days and he'll be out on that doing wheelies!

Both boys stayed at their cousin's house last week. Well according to Ben they were not having a sleepover with Ash and Indy, but a sleepover with the new kittens! 2 adorable little things called Noodles and Lola. Ben was smitten!!!!!! They had been home for a few days so things had settled down with their dog Lucy before we arrived!

We visited our land out in Ohoka last week as we hadn't been over for several months - slightly overgrown!!! but we mowed part of the verge and have hired someone to mow the lot! BIG JOB! Next year we will have to make sure it is more adequately managed!

Last night Matt and Joe went to watch the Wellington Phoenix play Adelaide United at the AMI stadium. A first 'soccer' match for both of them since our arrival. Matt informs me that it was a great atmosphere and luckily The Phoenix won 1-0.

Now the introduction......Yesterday was a big day in our house as we took collection of our first NZ family pet. Her name is Ella and she is 3/4 Labrador and 1/4 Huntaway. She is 5 months old so is well trained (and toilet trained!), loves children and is just adorable! We have been visiting her over the last week and her previous owners came to inspect our home before handing her over (they are in the process of emigrating to Perth). We are all thrilled to bits to have her and our first 24 hours with her have been fun. She was quite excitable last night but has calmed down immensely. I think we have worn her out today with a walk in the forest and beach this morning, then a trip to the kite festival this afternoon.

Her first ever experience of the sand and the ocean was a success - she has discovered the joys of digging holes and raced around in the surf having a lovely time. The boys have been very excited and keen to help (except with the poop scooping) - Joe didn't even switch on the Wii this morning as the dog was an exciting distraction