Busy Busy Busy.....

We have been so busy and I am going to have to do a brief summary or I may be here all week.

1. Matt has suffered no after effects following that scary weekend. He is not allowed to drive for at least 6 months, but we finally have a date to see a neurologist! End of May!!!? He is back on his bike, so is able to get to work without resorting to the bus.

2. Matt and I went to see Richard Dawkins talk last month. It was a very interesting evening and was funny to see the protestors outside. Check out the Banana Creationist on youtube.

3. Easter was spent with the Jacobs at their place. The kids made the cutest Easter baskets and then tore around the garden to look for eggs - what a haul!

4. Joe is seriously back into the rugby season. He officially has the all clear from the 'bone doctor' after his last set of X-Rays. A very impressive set of scars remain, but he almost has a full range of movement.

5. I turned 40 last week and was treated to a 'surprise' party on the Saturday afternoon. Our fabulous boys burst into our room at 7.05 am shouting "Happy Birthday Mummy!" I said "but it's not my birthday until Monday". "We know" they replied "but you have to open these and then get ready for your surprise party this afternoon" Bless them. Actually it was great, I had enough time to tidy up the Chinese Laundry in the lounge and clean up before people arrived. Best of all I didn't have to prep any food! Big thanks to all the friends and family who provided scrummy food and to Anna who decorated a beautiful cake.

6. On Sunday 11th the boys and I headed off for a little holiday. My friend Luanne lives over the road and her son Jordan is in Joe's class. She also has 2 other boys - Daniel aged 5 and Callum aged 3.

The 7 of us had booked a cottage at the Farmyard Holiday Camp in Geraldine. We had a fantastic time!!!! The boys hurtled around on their bicycles for 3 solid days. There were also donkey rides each morning, quad bikes each afternoon, playgrounds, rabbits and guinea pigs to hug.....a never ending supply of entertainment. It was a great few days away and such fun to go with friends.

7. Matt also surprised me with a weekend away without the boys. Nana moved in here and took the reins while we headed off to a luxury hotel and spa in Hanmer - just Bliss!

Mum handled a very busy weekend brilliantly and we can't thank her enough! Joe played Rugby on Saturday morning, scored 2 and the team drew. Then he went to a party at the airforce museum. Time for a quick shower and a reunion with Ben before he was off out again......to the AMI stadium (see 8).

8. Joe's team had been selected to play the curtain raiser at AMI stadium prior to the Crusaders vs Cheetahs Super 14s match. Joe was so excited and couldn't wait to touch the hallowed turf! He led his team onto the field, carrying the ball. He scored another 2 tries and they drew 4/4. They then had seats in the stands and were able to watch the match. Hopefully someone from the club was taking photos and video so we will be able to link to some soon. We spent much of the evening texting Nana to get updates on how our star was doing!

9. Ben had his last days at both preschool and playcentre.

He was centre of attention and enjoyed the special kai and cakes at his celebrations.

He also attended his last playgroup session, but we didn't know it was his last session until we received the phonecall from Kindy. He has done his first 2 days at Kindy now and seems to be enjoying it. He is able to wave to Joe at playtime and feels like a really 'big boy' now.

I'll just finish with one of Ben's latest photographs. How we laughed!!!!!!!! Love it!