Dave & Jean Arrive!

Brad's parents arrived in Gisborne on the 26th of December for a three week visit. We were excited to show them around around town, take them to the beach, and of course go to dinner and a movie (without the kids!!!!). We took it easy Friday night (since 28 hours of travel can tend to wear a person out). Then Saturday a.m. we took them to the farmer's market here in town to check out all of the wonderful offerings this region has to offer. We loaded up on fresh fruit, veggies and wine and then went home to eat lunch. The afternoon was spent relaxing at the beach and napping.

Sunday morning Brad & I took advantage of the free baby-sitters and headed out surfing. We went with the daughter and son-in-law of the other locum working at Brad's clinic. They were here visiting for two weeks from Oregon, and were enjoying all of the local surf spots.

Here we are before heading out...



We also spent quite a bit of time at the beach with Dave & Jean. The boys especially enjoyed having Grandma & Grandpa to play with in the water.





On Monday, Brad had to work, so Dave, Jean, the boys & I headed up north along the coast to Tolaga Bay to show them the Wharf there (you may remember pictures of this from an earlier post). They were having a fishing derby when we got there, so there were quite a few people fishing off the wharf. One young girl had caught a baby sand shark and Harrison (my little dare-devil) went up and pet it. Jonathan was very interested and spent a long time examining it, but chose not to touch it.




Brad had to work New Year's Eve, so we didn't do much during the day. In the evening we went to Allan & Pat's (the other locum) house for a BBQ. It was a fun evening and the weather was beautiful. Not a crazy celebration, but quite fun.

The next weekend we took a two hour boat ride around the bay. It was on this neat old boat that had been restored, and they take you out into the bay and beyond to get a good view of the coastline. We had a great time...the captain asked the boys if either of them would like to put on the captain's hat and steer the boat, but they both were to shy, so I got to instead! I think I made a few people sick in the process, but it was a lot of fun.







Well, this was just an overview of Dave & Jean's first week here. More to come...

No, We Didn't Float Away With the Tide

Well, I realize it's been quite a while since I last blogged (I've got to admit, I've been putting it off. It's just been to nice outside to sit here and attempt to blog, so set your expectations low).

We've been busy since I last posted a blog...We spent Christmas Eve at a friend's house, and then went over there again for Christmas dinner. They are from the states and have been living here for about a year and a half, and they have a little girl Harrison's age, so the boys really enjoy getting together with them. After dinner we walked to the beach and let the kids play there for quite a while (it really didn't feel like Christmas, but it was still really nice!). So all in all we had a good Christmas. Santa even made it here, and the boys had a good time opening gifts Christmas morning.

Backtracking a bit, the following three pictures are from Brad's office Christmas Party (it was held at the local pool!). It was actually a bit cool and overcast the day of the party, but the boys decided to get in the water and try out the waterslide.



Brad & the boys eating their lunch.



Santa even made a stop to visit all of the kids and bring them each a little gift. These are all of the children of the employees at Brad's clinic.



The boys making cookies for Santa (since we don't have AC, the boys live in their underwear. They only put clothes on to eat meals and leave the house, and even then it is sometimes a struggle to get them dressed!).



Christmas Morning! Harrison wearing his new bike helmet and checking out his new LEGOS.



Jonathan riding his new bike from Santa.



Well, that was Christmas in a nutshell. Brad's parents arrived on the 26th, so I'll attempt to get all of our pictures organized and post again soon (don't hold your breath, though!).