School Performance

The Fijian Group

The kids school performance was held this week, with 2 shows on Wednesday and one on Thursday.  This year was a Polynesian Culture theme and Elle and Ryan chose to be in the Fijian group.  Unfortunately their tutor never showed up so Elle was assigned to teach the girls group and the boys group learnt their dance off You-tube!  They both did a great job - it was a very entertaining performance.  Kelly and I sewed their costumes which we think turned out quite well considering we were only given a roll of material and just made up the pattern.

They also performed with their school Kapa Haka group which was fantastic.  They practice hard and give up their Friday lunch times to be a part of the group.

Kapa Haka - couldn't get any pictures of Ryan - the boys were at the back

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

Yesterday it snowed in Temple View.  SNOWED!  The whole country has been hit by a severe wintery blast and since Sunday it has been snowing in strange places like Taupo, Wellington and as far north as Auckland!  Mount Pirongia had a nice dusting of snow in the morning - something I've only seen three times in my entire life! 

Snow on Mount Pirongia - the most I've ever seen it covered

The day was very cold but it had a different feeling to it.  Somehow I knew that if it was ever going to snow in Temple View, yesterday would be the day!  I kept looking out the window to see if it had started yet.  About 12:30 we got a pelting of hail.  Then about 1:00 I thought - I'm just going to have one last look out the window and luckily I did because lo and behold fine white flakes of snow were falling down from heaven!  I quickly called Crystal then ran outside and jumped around like a crazy person.  It was amazing!  Soon there was enough to build a snowman and we had a huge snowball fight!  Well I wish that happened, the truth is it melted as fast as it fell and stopped after about 2-3 minutes!  But I don't care.  I am 32 years old and for the first time in my life (maybe ever?) IT SNOWED IN TEMPLE VIEW!

Beehives President

Elle was called and set apart as the Beehives Class President yesterday.  It was lovely to attend her setting apart and to hear the encouraging words of her blessing.  As I listened to to the Bishop I was reminded of when I was called as the Beehives president - 21 years ago!  Even as a 12 year old that calling taught me leadership and responsibility and helped to prepare me for the many church callings I have had and the many more which are still to come.  We know Elle will do a great job in her first church calling.

Jonathan's Trip to Utah

Sadly we found out last week that Jonathan's Aunty Polly passed away.  She has lived in America most of her life after marrying Uncle Charles who served as a missionary here.  They had returned to New Zealand twice to serve as missionaries in the New Zealand Temple - the last time being just before we got married.  When we were in the states in 2009 we had some lovely visits with Aunty Polly, Uncle Charles and their family. 

Jonathan with Aunty Polly and Uncle Charles - Christmas 2009

Jonathan decided on Monday night that he would attend the funeral.  We spent Tuesday in Auckland getting an emergency passport - which thankfully only took 4 hours (it helps when you know someone behind the desk).  Then we booked tickets and he was off at 3am on Thursday morning.  The ticket was cheap but the downside was it took 30 hours to get to Utah - he had a layover in Sydney and San Francisco.

It was a whirlwind trip - just five days actually in Utah, but he seemed to pack in a bit of everything: spending time with family, visiting old mission companions and shopping. 

Jonathan with some of his cousins at the funeral

Jonathan with Charlotte, Jack and Kate

If Elle and I weren't going next month I would have been insanely jealous!  haha But I'm glad he got to go and represent his family and have a bit of a break while he was at it.

While he was gone Mum and Dad left for the Philippines which was sad but exciting too, the kids started back at school and I started back teaching Seminary - last term for the year!

Its good to be back together as a family.