Labouring away

We hit the road over Labour Weekend and visited Josh's rellies at their farm in Rongotea (aunt Audrey, uncle Ian and cousin Hamish) and Sarah's brother Greg and his family at Turakina, near Wanganui. Both girls lapped up the attention and it was great to catch up with family. Sarah and the girls also spent time catching up with Sarah's aunt, Rosaleen, who was down from Tauranga (minus camera so unfortunately no photos). Iris had a wonderful time and we think Phoebe's made another admirer!

On a more general note, Iris is talking more and more. Her repertoire includes "cat", "dog", "duck" (she's obsessed with them!), "shoe", "sock", "foot" and "toe". Scarily, I think she also attempted "TV"! "Mummy" and "Daddy" are now used in context which is quite a buzz for us both. Phoebe continues to grow and grow! You can't stop her smiling and she's also a very chatty wee thing (trying to outdo Iris already).
Phoebe hanging out in Rongotea (literally - she's chilling in the fantastic seventies swinging chair!)

Phoebe posing in the cute outfit kindly sent by her great-grandmother, Rana.

Phoebe gets to know her cousins, Ben and Emma and their Nana, Maxine.

Iris enjoyed dinner and a beer with Dad on the deck on one of the few nice days we've had recently.

Busy girls

We survived the polar blast that hit Wellington last week. We had a lovely day with Frank and Libby on Wednesday (had so much fun I forgot to take photos!) Jude and Ella came to play on Friday. The good weather finally arrived today so we headed up the coast to Queen Elizabeth Park at Paekakariki for a picnic and a walk on the beach. Iris loved the waves and enjoyed walking on the sand, chasing her shadow. Phoebe is doing really well and seems to be totally recovered from her nasty bug. The Plunket Nurse visited for the first time - Phoebe charmed her with big grins and coos. Iris absorbed in a good book on a rainy day.
Jude and puppet friend entertain Iris and Ella.
Iris on Paekakariki Beach
Phoebe and her teddy (sent by Grandad Wernham) - yes, the teddy is bigger than she is!
Our little fairy princess

Three roses and an iris

At home with Phoebe Rose

Since her stay in hospital, Phoebe is doing much better. She's back to smiling at the drop of a hat and is very chatty. She loves watching her big sister and all signs are that she is one sociable little girl!

Spring has sprung

Wellington put on such a great day for Sarah's birthday that we headed off to the Botanic Garden for a picnic at the Soundshell. The tulips were out in all their glory. Our plans to feed the ducks were foiled - the very well-fed ducks were not interested, as evidenced by the mounds of uneaten bread in the duck pond! Josh and his girls.

The ducks weren't hungry...

It's party time!

We celebrated Sarah's birthday and Phoebe's arrival on Saturday 16th September. Our little house was bursting at the seams with friends and family, not to mention food and drink! A good time was had by all (so they tell us!). Amanda outdid herself with the fantastic birthday cake - thanks again! Iris with Sarah's workmates, Audrey and Nicola.

Phoebe with Auntie Kate.

Phoebe and Amanda, cake-maker extraordinaire.

Yvonne and Joah.

The fantastic cake.