Welcome Kaleb!

Good News... Wee baby Kaleb William Ross Parker made his way into the world on Sunday night at 6.30. Weighing in at 7lbs 13oz. He is completely lovely and cuddly - newborns have to be one of the most beautiful sights in the world! We got to meet him nice and early for a fleeting visit on Sunday night and then yesterday we spent more time with him. Emma is very excited to have a cousin on this side of the world. Emma has been calling him Elmo since Christmas time so it will be interesting to see whether that continues.... But now for some pics...

Happy Easter...

Hello... I haven't done a post for a wee while because the new memory card Rob brought for the camera doesn't seem to like the computer... And a post without pics just seems boring.. I would like to show you the picture of Emma cracking up holding an enormous easter egg that she managed to unwrap - and the one of her wearing bunny ears. And of course the easter craft she created for family easter presents... How annoying...

We had a fairly quiet easter - Rob working hard out on Uni stuff and trying to do his best rather than me who was always happy just to pass! We've had lots of visitors recently - firstly Ben the black lab, then Tim from England and lastly my Mum who has a broken arm and has been needing some help. So Easter was a catch up quiet time really but lovely all the same. And we hope all of you had a lovely Easter too - especially those in England who had a white one! I'll post some photos soon...

A Week on the Sunshine Coast

We're just back and fresh from a wonderful week on the sometimes sunny Sunshine Coast - Queensland - Australia. We had a great week staying with Sheryl, Gary, Caitlin and Ryan. Emma took to calling Ryan 'boyfriend' or 'Alex!' And on the days we were out by ourselves Emma often said 'back to Ryan now!' She may be a little bored and lonely this week! Sheryl and I managed to get out a few times for Mummy time out which was also great. While Gary and Rob went to watch the Warriors lose! There were a couple of rainy days - but I'll never forget the day it was 39 degrees - it was just pure heat & sunshine! The beaches were amazing - in fact Emma got up this morning and put her togs on and said 'swimming!' So all in all it was a lovely holiday.... no more now till July! So thanks Sheryl and Happy Birthday!

A Day @ Home

On Friday we had a delightful day at home - which consisted of baking, lots of dancing and a tea party! Emma loved the tea party - which kinda turned into waterplay inside! But very cute and adorable and something we will have to do again. I love quality time with Em.

Weekend in Port Waikato

We had a gorgeous weekend in Port Waikato last weekend. All the family came - Mum, Janelle, Skip, Dale, Nell & us. We stayed at the Hopkins very cool bach - which Emma was very excited about seem it was a triangle (it's an 'A' framed house). Saturday was lovely and sunny so we all spent lots of time at the beach - Dale & Nell being a little more active getting the kayakks out. Emma had great fun splashing in the waves & building sandcastles. Last year when we came here she was fully into eating sand - I'm glad she's over that now! Sunday was a little wet and stormy which was a good thing for the area with the grass being a shade of brown. Nell & I still enjoyed a walk in the rain on the heavenly beach which is miles and miles long. And then it was back home to the reality of a night shift!.... Oh well it was a great weekend - family, food, sunshine and the beach a winning combination!

Summer, Summer, Summer

It is proving to be such a delicious Summer this year - and Emma has been having so much fun. We have been visiting the local swimming pools reguarly and Emma loves jumping in off the edge now - she often points up at the diving boards too! The above photos show some other things she is loving this Summer. Hanging out in her new playhouse (trademe purchase!) Seen above eating an icecream and not sharing with a hungry Dudley! Enjoying lots of water play in her paddling pool and her sand pit. Emma also loves checking Daddy's tomatoes and trying to eat any red ones! She also loves checking on Rosie & Martin the two very hungry caterpillars on our swan plant too. May Summer go on and on and on....

Happy Birthday to Rob!

Another year older... Rob is now 35! A normal working day - although Emma and I did go in and visit him at work. Tried to cook a favourite for Rob for dinner - steak and soy potatoes were a hit! Chocolate cheesecake not quite as great as it sounded... Oh well we had fun celebrating Daddy's special day. We are also planning a possible trip to Raglan at some stage to celebrate some more - we might even give Emma her first camping/tent experience.