Who is that??

What do you get when you cross Marilyn Monroe, a Roman, a dice, a game of Twister, Snow White and a mechanic................

Marrisa's 30th birthday party!!

The theme for the party was to go in fancy dress starting with the first letter of your name. The venue was a really cool bar called Koi in Wellington City.

Everybody made such a great effort with their costumes and we had a great night. There was a delicious cake made by a friend of Marrisa's and prizes were given to the best dressed.

There was a people's choice and my vote went to our mate Tony Pepperoni:-

The best thing about this costume was that Denyse only finished making both their outfits half an hour before the party started!!

At around midnight we headed off to the town and went to a club, a favourite of mine, Boogie Wonderland.

After a few drinks, a dance and as much attention as any one person could handle (poor Twister man!) we headed off home.

the pictures say it all on this one and we had a very funny night so thanks! to Marrisa and Michael.

Click here for the full photo slideshow.

ps Marrisa I loved your Marilyn hair :0)

Ladies night

On my birthday back in July I was out having dinner with my girlfriends and Karen made a suggestion that we should go away for the night somewhere in the next couple of months. We all agreed this would be a fab idea so we left the planning in her more than capable hands.

After playing around with some dates we finally came up with a weekend in October. Karen found a beautiful house called Fernleaf Cottage which is in Martinborough. Here is a little information about the town: http://www.martinboroughnz.com/

The weather really was not on our side and hadn't been for the last couple of weeks leading up to the weekend away. The journey to Martinborough takes you over the famous Rimutaka hills which can be deadly in bad weather.

We literally left the decision to go until the Saturday morning as we did not have a clue what the outlook would be. There had been snow on the hill on the Friday night but we all still packed our bags and our food and drinks and headed off in the hope that we would make it there. We sensibly made sure we had plenty of blankets and food just in case we got stuck. I also made sure I had a good supply of vodka to keep warm :0)

So off we headed, Jill, Karen and I in the station wagon. Sadly Jan was unable to make the trip due to a family problem so we decided to take her substitute:-

The journey took about an hour and when we reached the peak thankfully we saw blue skies and not a flake of snow anywhere. We found our gorgeous house after doing the route around the town a few times and then it was time to relax.

http://www.martinborough.com/fernleaf/index.html

We arrived at around 1pm and after a quick cup of tea we cracked open the wine! The house was gorgeous, it was so peaceful, the perfect place for some r&r. We sat around the table for the rest of the day drinking, chatting and playing board games. We had such a laugh and managed to head out in the garden in between the showers to play petanque and catch a few rays.

This part of NZ is well known for it's scorching temperatures so when the sun was out it was hot!

What was so lovely was just sitting there enjoying each other's company and not having to worry about what the time was, where we had to be or what the kids might be doing. It was absolutely lovely! Even Jan got into the spirit of things.

Suddenly at about 8pm I remembered that the local pub in the square had a band playing that night so of course I suggested we should travel round there just to see what we were missing out on.

So we threw on a bit of lippy and a rain hat each and off we went.

What an interesting evening it turned into! The manager of the bar was celebrating her birthday so they were holding a black and white party and had a band called Studio 22 playing. We of course took Jan with us to the pub and she certainly got acquainted with the locals:-

After an initial frosty reception we had a great time. We were dancing and singing and generally just being a nuisance at times :0)

Everything was going perfect until....................someone kidnapped Jan!!!!!!!!!!

Can you believe it!!! We couldn't either. Poor Jan one minute she was having a rest under the table and then she was gone. We were really sad. We searched high and low for her but she did not turn up.

This kind of ended the evening rather abruptly so we left our number with the bar manager and hoped that someone would be kind enough to sympathise with us. I did try to explain that the doll actually belonged to Daisy and she would be rather heart broken if I went home without her.

We walked off home with our heads hanging low and our tummies rumbling. We arrived home and had tea and toast then took ourselves off to our beds.

The following morning we all woke up feeling rather delicate. We had a lovely breakfast in the gorgeous sunshine and Jan was still the main topic of conversation. We hoped that by morning she may have found her way home but her chair was still empty:-

We decided to have a leisurely morning then head off for a spot of shopping before heading home. We did decide that we would keep any eye out for Jan but we weren't hopeful. Jill's phone rang mid morning and to our astonishment it was the manager of the bar. She told Jill that Jan had been found!! She was a little dirty but she had survived the night under the smokers table outside.

Finally our faith was restored in the people of Martinborough.

After some laughs, some shopping and a spot of lunch all 4 of us headed off home feeling happy and wanting to come back for another weekend of adventure.

Here is is the album of photos. I am using a new web album so if you click on slideshow on the right hand side of the screen it will take you through all the photos. Enjoy.

http://s775.photobucket.com/albums/yy32/smudgersuk2nz/Martinborough/

Spring Half Term

As the title suggests we have recently had 2 weeks of school holidays. This means that Daisy has been off kindy and I have also been off gymnastics.

We spent the first week house sitting for my friend Jan who was visiting her family down south in Dunedin.

Jan lives with her husband Paddy and their sons Caleb and Lachlan in a beautiful house in Whitby so we were very lucky to stay there. The weather was absolutely terrible for most of the week so we spent the majority of the time just enjoying each others company and relaxing. We played games, watched TV, played with their gorgeous dog Maggie and had a few cuddles with her too!




The weather has been so volatile just lately. The first week we spent at Jan's it was just awful weather wise. It wasn't cold but very wet. This of course meant that we struggled to stay busy sometimes and we used most of our indoor activity ideas in the first few days. The short breaks that we did have in between the rain Daisy did manage to get out in the garden and play on the tramp which she loves:-

She also decided that the boys tractor needed a clean too:-


One of the days we were house sitting Daisy's friend Ellarhys came to visit for the day. The girls played beautifully playing shops and going camping in the lounge with the sleeping bags. They also set up a gym in the front room and they were leading one another doing routines which was highly amusing to listen to from the kitchen. After a few hours the girls started to get a touch of cabin fever so I decided to take them to the local pool in Tawa. This is the pool where both girls have their swimming lessons but today's visit was all about fun!

Here is a short video of the action:-

The pool was very busy what with it being school holidays and crappy weather but they didn't seem phased by it at all. Off they went in their togs and goggles to the shallow pool. The pool there is great because it is just the right depth and I can sit on the side and watch the mayhem-whilst receiving the occasional splash!

Another highlight of the week was a visit to the kids Capital E theatre in Wellington City. We went with some of Daisy's friends from kindy who just happen to be the children of my great friends Jill and Karen. Jan was going to join us with the boys but sadly she has been caught up in Dunedin.

We went to watch a production called Seasons. It was just as the title says all about the 4 seasons. There were 3 people who with the help of puppets, sounds and lights took us through a journey of the seasonal changes throughout the year.

The show was brilliant and I would highly recommend it. As always there was some adult humour thrown in for good measure which had me in stitches. Sadly cameras were not allowed so I don't have anything to show but if you are interested there is always good old Google-you know what to do.

After the show we headed off to the library for some lunch and then we let the kids run off some steam in the local park. Thankfully we were treated to half decent weather that day so it made the outing even better.

So, although we were let down by the weather during the holiday we kept it nice and simple and this meant that Daisy and I got to spend some quality time together. She has only one more term left at kindy before she starts school (eek!) so I am determined to make to the most of it between now and then!

Finally we return!

It has been a while but at last we are back!!

Just recently I have been concentrating on spending some quality time with Daisy. We have as usual been really busy with kindy and gymnastics but we have been able to have some great times together.

We had a great day visiting the amazing Te Papa museum in Wellington City and this was followed by a play in the gorgeous Frank Kitts Park down on the waterfront.

Daisy has had a few play dates with her friend Ellarhys.

We have been spoiled with some glorious weather over the last few weeks too which has given Daisy and I some great chances to get out and breathe in the glorious NZ air! We have mostly visited Aotea Lagoon which is only about 10 minutes away from here. We usually have a couple of hours to kill between kindy and gymnastics so we have just simply been having fun!!

I recently treated Daisy to a new scooter-a big girl one! We finally managed to convince her that her 3 wheeled Dora one was too small so 100 bucks later she was happy:-

Click on this album for some more photos.

Catch up!

I have also been able to have a few laughs recently despite everything that has been going on. I managed to spread my birthday celebrations over 2 events. One was a night out in Wellington with my friend Kara which consisted of lots dancing, smiling and a few lost moments too!

I also enjoyed a gorgeous meal in Wellington city with my friends from kindy. We visited Monsoon Poon which is a gorgeous restaurant in the heart of the city. We enjoyed delicious noodles and rice dishes and of course a few drinks too! Then we headed off to Boogie Wonderland! This place has a light up dance floor and more 70's cheese than you can imagine but it was such a fantastic night. My sides were hurting by the end of it from laughing so much.

See the full album here!

Look if you dare!

My friends have been my savior just recently and they truly are amazing ladies!

This weekend I am spending a night away in a gorgeous house with my friends in the beautiful Martinborough. Jill and Karen and I cannot wait! It is the end of the school holidays and with everything that's been going on just lately we are all in need on a well earned break!

There will of course be plenty of pics and gossip to follow on this event!

Discovery kindy has also had their annual disco-I cannot believe it has been a year since the last one!! Daisy chose not to dress up as a princess but wanted to wear a lovely disco top that her Aunty Natalie gave to her as a Christmas present. I managed to squeeze into my green fairy outfit-the same one that I wore last year. Thankfully none of the kids seemed to notice! I was busy face painting on the night so I didn't really get a chance to boogie!

My Mum also celebrated her birthday recently. We got to watch her very excitedly open her purple themed presents that we sent, thanks to the wonders of Skype! So Happy Belated Birthday Mum! I miss you very much. Here she is with my beautiful niece Misty at a wedding in the UK recently.

So that is basically the adventures of the last few months in a nutshell. There have been a few other things too but they are not important right now.

One other thing I would like to do is dedicate this post to my big brother Derek. R.I.P xxxx

Princesses First Swimming LEsson

Oh my god, it's moments like this that make you realise how quickly your child is growing up! On Monday 20th July Stef got Daisy's swimming gear ready and loaded it onto Daisy's back as they journeyed to Tawa Pool (about 10mins away) for her 1pm lesson...we were all very excited.

Stef & I were as little apprehensive as Daisy normally just jumps on dad (me) in the Porirua pool and has fun on the water-slide. So how was she going to take to a formal lesson? Strangely, Daisy was also unsure and although she said yes you could see doubt creeping in behind that unconvincing smile!

Well I'm pleased to say she was a little angel. Took instructions from the teacher without hesitation and was like a duck to water (to coin a phrase). Stef was very proud and phoned the awaiting dad with positive news and a real buzz in her voice. Our baby is learning to swim......how Kiwi of us.

Now we may be in New Zealand but wet-suits are not compulsory (ha ha), but the pics below show her lesson.





What a pro. And guess what.................the teacher has instantly upgraded her to the next class as her water confidence is advanced for this class. YES, I knew throwing her around the pool would lead to something!! ha ha.

Stef's Birthday
23rd July was also Stefs birthday so I stayed home to make her morning as special as I could. So balloons up, cake purchased and pressies on the table, all set. I think she had an enjoyable morning and then she was off for brunch followed by a big birthday night out in Wellington (and yes, she did pay for it with a lovely hang-over in the morning). It's the rules, especially at 29! Just look at all her cards.
Car Wash
Well the weekend came with a rare weekend sunny period so we had to make the most of it. The car was filthy and had not been cleaned inside or out for some time. So Daisy & I decided a good clean was overdue. Me with busket in hand and Daisy trusted with the hose, off we went to work. And yes.....I got wet! and so did she, but cried! oh well, it was fun.





Apart from the fun events above not much else been going on as both Stef and I been occupied with lots of other things.

I would however like to confirm how great Kiwi people are, let me explain. Since events have unfolded I have had an open door policy with a number of work and friend based family people. Many dinner invites and lots of talking have helped me loads. And I know Stef has had the same support around her too. We are very grateful :)

Speak to you all next week.

The Petone Winter Doo

Well I say winter, but today was a glourious day in Wellington and the sun was a treat for us all. The views were fantastic and I spent as much time looking out to in the harbour as I did looking at the fair on the beach front, Pics coming in a moment.

So today was a nice day as I was invited to the Petone Fair by Matt and his family (Kerry & Lily), Lily is the little one (although I'm sure they all have a mental age of 2! that's why we get on so well). So we all headed off to Petone (which is basically the opposite side of the Wellington CBD and a beautiful view on a calm day....like today......






So guess you should meet the Gordon family. Here's Kerry and Lily watching TV and Matt drawing chalk on the floor (don't worry, he was allowed!)


So the afternoon was pretty cool really. Daisy & Lily enjoyed some rides on the Red Dragon ride (and trust me they were very excited, wait to see the video), we took a trip to the petting zoo and touched all the animals






And the video is great (but I can't work out how to upload it - give me a break please, my first time remember! So the rest of the day was playing in the sand, taking photos of the cool firework displays and watching them light the cool fire tubes on the beach



All in all a nice day, which is something to behold right now! So glad I went out and enjoyed a lovely winters day in the city. Thanks to Matt & family too, as they also cooked me dinner, served me wine and sat back and enjoyed watching the All Blacks kick the Wallibies backside in the rugby....happy days.

Apology
Before I conclude my first (and very long!) blog post, I would like to make a statement and offer an apology.

Stefanie - I am sorry for the last year and the lack of attention I have given you. You are a rose and you blossom with love, care and attention, but I have not watered you for some time now and you have wilted away and died in my home. I am truly sorry for not being there for you when you clearly needed me so much. I will become a better man.

For all other readers, see you next week (I quite like doing this so expect to see me lots :)

Dogs, Mirrors & laying down!!

The last few weeks have been a challenge for both Stef & I and it's been hard to stay focused and strong for our daughter.

So fun has been a big focus for Daisy and she's been a busy little bee! First she spent two days at Mike & Marisas baby sitting their two boys (dogs!) while they took off to the snow fields for a family treat. We hope your trip was a wonderful one Dawes family. Daisy loves the dogs.



Now I wasn't there for the two days, so I have no idea what the outfit was all about!



But the laying down pic does have a funny story attached to it, let me explain. On Facebook there is a new group titled 'The Laying Down Game', and it's purpose is quite simple (and very English I must say!). Your task is to capture random pics of you laying face down with your arms by your side, the more random the better. So the Smudger clan decided to upload some pics onto Facebook.....what do you think, random enough (ha ha), personally I like my ironing face!! Who knows, we may share more of these in the future and create our very own NZ Laying Down Game gallery.





Now in the title I mentioned mirrors, well I was talking on two fronts here.

Over the last few weeks Stef and I have commented that Daisy seems to be growing up so quickly. She has clearly had another growth spurt and like her mum is very girly in her habits (so cute). Stef has recently treated her to some make-up and a mirror, they now take pride of place in her bedroom on her bedside unit, and yes EVERY morning is a ritual to get prep her gorgeous little face (closely followed by hand cream and a neat dress sense), Stef, look what you've created.....but I love it.



She looks grown up doesn't she, just like her mum ay. Bless.

Now the other side of the mirror story is her visit to theatre, she went to see 'Mirror Mirror' which is an interpretation of the well known Snow White. Daisy went with her good friend Lily who lives just across the road from us. The event clearly captured Daisy's focus and attention (no mean feat!)