Well, it's starting to feel more like fall here. We've had more rain which means everything is green, flowers are starting to bloom and, well, it really doesn't look like fall back in the States at all (besides the few Northern Hemisphere trees that are changing color). The days are rapidly getting shorter, which means fewer daylight hours for Brad to surf, but he is coping amazingly well!
As of today, we officially have only 52 days left until we bid farewell to Gisborne. There are definitely mixed feelings...It will be so good to see all of our family and friends back home, but we will miss Gisborne and our friends here. We're already planning to come back in about six years for a six-month stint (Brad can't wait to get the boys out surfing...He is truly addicted!).
Otherwise, not much out of the ordinary has been happening here, no exciting pictures to post, just doing our day-to-day thing. Hopefully we'll get a few more pictures up before we head home!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Catching Up...
Okay, well, I have officially failed at keeping this blog up to date. So, I'm just going to post some pictures with captions of the past few months. We've had a lot of visitors, so I'll try and show a bit of what we've been up to, starting with a few more pictures from Dave & Jean's visit in January.
Dave & Jean at the local golf course. Brad took them golfing one day while they were here.
Jonathan hanging out in the hot tub in Rotorua. We spent a few days there with Dave & Jean, and the boys' favorite part was our own private hot tub.
Dave cruising down the luge course in Rotorua.
Brad & I figured we'd try this swing out since we had someone to watch the kids...It was a blast!
Brad surfing at Tolaga Bay.
Jean and Harrison hanging out on the beach at Tolaga Bay.
On Dave & Jean's last evening we went out to eat on the wharf. The restaurant had a bunch of fish hanging on the walls and from the ceiling. Jonathan was quite impressed by it all.
Dave & Harrison on Wainui Beach, getting in a few more hugs before it was time for Grandpa & Grandma to leave.
Dave & Jean left January 16th. Then my dad, Fred, and my sister, Shana, arrived on February 14th. They were here for two weeks and we had a great time showing them around Gisborne, and including them in our day to day activities.
Dad & Shana reading to the boys. The boys were so excited for all the new attention!
We didn't waste any time...We gave Shana one day to recover from the jet lag and then we signed her up for surf lessons. She did a great job, and she and Brad had fun heading out for a couple of surf sessions during the week. Here she is during her lesson with Frank, her surf instructor, cheering her on in the background.
Shana reading to Harrison at the Library.
Harrison really enjoyed making bread with Shana.
Shana, Dad & Kim at the end of the wharf at Tolaga Bay.
We went to Mahia Peninsula to go snorkeling and see Moko the dolphin. Luckily, we were able to see Moko (Dad & Shana actually got fairly close to him), but we didn't get any good pictures.
Shana & Brad out snorkeling.
Dad & Harrison playing on the beach at Mahia.
On Sunday, Dad, Shana & I headed about an hour and a half northwest of Gisborne to hike at the Whinray Scenic Reserve. Here Dad and Shana are on the swing bridge that spans the falls at the beginning of the track.
Shana and the Falls at the Whinray Scenic Reserve.
Brad took the day off from work on his birthday and we went to a beach we had never been to before. It was about 40 minutes north of Gisborne and it was beautiful. There were even some sheep that came down to check out the action...Here Shana is herding them over to where Brad and the boys were sitting.
Besides some people camping, we were the only people on this beach. It was incredible and the water was so clear!
Brad pulling the boys around on the boogie board.
On our way back from the beach we stopped at the village where the movie The Whale Rider was filmed. This is a picture of the Maori meeting house that is in the film.
We were also able to visit a small farm and tour their grounds. The gentleman in the picture below is the owner, and he and his wife have a small vineyard, where they produce grapes for their own Chardonnay. They also have a variety of olive trees for pressing their own olive oil and a variety of fruit and nut trees. It was really interesting to talk with him and have him tell us a bit about their place.
We are so glad that our families were able to visit us and share a bit in our experience over here in New Zealand. Thanks for making the trip!
Dave & Jean at the local golf course. Brad took them golfing one day while they were here.
Jonathan hanging out in the hot tub in Rotorua. We spent a few days there with Dave & Jean, and the boys' favorite part was our own private hot tub.
Dave cruising down the luge course in Rotorua.
Brad & I figured we'd try this swing out since we had someone to watch the kids...It was a blast!
Brad surfing at Tolaga Bay.
Jean and Harrison hanging out on the beach at Tolaga Bay.
On Dave & Jean's last evening we went out to eat on the wharf. The restaurant had a bunch of fish hanging on the walls and from the ceiling. Jonathan was quite impressed by it all.
Dave & Harrison on Wainui Beach, getting in a few more hugs before it was time for Grandpa & Grandma to leave.
Dave & Jean left January 16th. Then my dad, Fred, and my sister, Shana, arrived on February 14th. They were here for two weeks and we had a great time showing them around Gisborne, and including them in our day to day activities.
Dad & Shana reading to the boys. The boys were so excited for all the new attention!
We didn't waste any time...We gave Shana one day to recover from the jet lag and then we signed her up for surf lessons. She did a great job, and she and Brad had fun heading out for a couple of surf sessions during the week. Here she is during her lesson with Frank, her surf instructor, cheering her on in the background.
Shana reading to Harrison at the Library.
Harrison really enjoyed making bread with Shana.
Shana, Dad & Kim at the end of the wharf at Tolaga Bay.
We went to Mahia Peninsula to go snorkeling and see Moko the dolphin. Luckily, we were able to see Moko (Dad & Shana actually got fairly close to him), but we didn't get any good pictures.
Shana & Brad out snorkeling.
Dad & Harrison playing on the beach at Mahia.
On Sunday, Dad, Shana & I headed about an hour and a half northwest of Gisborne to hike at the Whinray Scenic Reserve. Here Dad and Shana are on the swing bridge that spans the falls at the beginning of the track.
Shana and the Falls at the Whinray Scenic Reserve.
Brad took the day off from work on his birthday and we went to a beach we had never been to before. It was about 40 minutes north of Gisborne and it was beautiful. There were even some sheep that came down to check out the action...Here Shana is herding them over to where Brad and the boys were sitting.
Besides some people camping, we were the only people on this beach. It was incredible and the water was so clear!
Brad pulling the boys around on the boogie board.
On our way back from the beach we stopped at the village where the movie The Whale Rider was filmed. This is a picture of the Maori meeting house that is in the film.
We were also able to visit a small farm and tour their grounds. The gentleman in the picture below is the owner, and he and his wife have a small vineyard, where they produce grapes for their own Chardonnay. They also have a variety of olive trees for pressing their own olive oil and a variety of fruit and nut trees. It was really interesting to talk with him and have him tell us a bit about their place.
We are so glad that our families were able to visit us and share a bit in our experience over here in New Zealand. Thanks for making the trip!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Surf Competition!
Well, Brad entered his first surf competition this past weekend. It was a longboard competition which means the boards have to be over 9' (I think...don't quote me on that!). He was pretty excited about it, I was a bit more leery. He figured it was a good omen when he went to register at a bar Saturday evening, and the guy at the registration table was wearing a Kansas City shirt. They got to talking and I guess this guy's girlfriend lives in KC and so he visits there quite often. Anyway, he was entered, and the only other thing to do was go make some bets with his friends that he wouldn't come in last in his heat.
The competition started at 7:30 Sunday morning (I think this was the first time we've used our alarm clock since we've been here!). Luckily, one of the guys picked Brad up, so the boys and I could head out to the beach a little later. Unfortunately, we arrived about 15 minutes after Brad's heat, so we missed his surfing. Brad didn't care, he was so excited that he placed 3rd out of four in his heat! He was on cloud nine the rest of the day.
Even though we missed Brad's surfing we had a fun morning hanging out at the beach, it was beautiful weather and the water was so clear. The competition lasted until late in the afternoon, but the boys and I only managed to stick it out until noon. Brad went back in the afternoon to watch the finals and stick around for the prizes (everyone that surfed got one). Brad won a hat (that will be staying in NZ, it's quite homely), and when his name was called, they announced him as "Dr. Brad, the only surfer from Kansas in the competition"...Brad is still reveling in the afterglow of his first surf competition.
* Sorry, no pictures of Brad since I missed his heat!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
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...
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!).
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!).
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Christmas Party #2...The Doctors
We attended a Christmas party for all of the doctors in Brad's clinic on Dec. 12th. It was at the home of two of the doctors, Dave & Sanet (pictured below).
They have a beautiful place on Wainui Beach just outside of Gisborne. You can see the great view from their deck in the pictures below.
The evening started out with drinks and finger foods, and then Sanet had all of the kids move down to the beach, where she had marked off an area and buried a bunch of golf balls for the kids to find. When they found a ball, they got a small gift. Brad had to help Jonathan a bit (and Harrison didn't even participate...he was to busy playing with Legos inside).
We had a wonderful meal of ham, salmon and prawns with a variety of side dishes. After the meal we had a gift exchange and enjoyed desert, a Pavlova with fresh berries and a Trifle. Both were delicious.
Pictured below are Allen (the locum from Minnesota) and his wife, Pat. Next to Pat is Nilminy (she's a doctor that works at Brad's clinic), her son, Jeven, and her husband, Kris.
Brad & Jonathan waiting to open gifts (they guy sitting next to them is the son of one of the physicians).
Group photo of all the physicians that work in Brad's clinic.
We had a great time and the boys behaved quite well considering we were there until after 11:00 (once we got home it was a different story!).
They have a beautiful place on Wainui Beach just outside of Gisborne. You can see the great view from their deck in the pictures below.
The evening started out with drinks and finger foods, and then Sanet had all of the kids move down to the beach, where she had marked off an area and buried a bunch of golf balls for the kids to find. When they found a ball, they got a small gift. Brad had to help Jonathan a bit (and Harrison didn't even participate...he was to busy playing with Legos inside).
We had a wonderful meal of ham, salmon and prawns with a variety of side dishes. After the meal we had a gift exchange and enjoyed desert, a Pavlova with fresh berries and a Trifle. Both were delicious.
Pictured below are Allen (the locum from Minnesota) and his wife, Pat. Next to Pat is Nilminy (she's a doctor that works at Brad's clinic), her son, Jeven, and her husband, Kris.
Brad & Jonathan waiting to open gifts (they guy sitting next to them is the son of one of the physicians).
Group photo of all the physicians that work in Brad's clinic.
We had a great time and the boys behaved quite well considering we were there until after 11:00 (once we got home it was a different story!).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
