Wet School Holiday Fun

Well it's been a bit of a wet day today.  BUT I think the kids have had fun any way.  This morning I dropped Daniel and Jack off at my Dad's to meet up with their 2nd Cousin Yonni from Waipara (out of Christchurch).  They had a great time.  So much so that they bought Yonni back home for the afternoon and dinner.  When he was picked up Yonni was keen to stay and walk to the airport in the morning.  Next time, hopefully we can book in a sleep over.

William had his friend Thomas stay the night.  They had a sleepover in the rumpus room and didn't wake until 10am.  Then it was Cluedo on the Playstation.  What a quiet morning.


Olivia decided to do baking.  This was very well received.

Tomorrow Jack is doing a hockey programme.  This could be interesting with the weather!  The coach is Dane Lett who has been training very hard with Capital NHL Men’s team and is looking forward to the 1^st Game in Wellington on the 18^th August.  Can't wait to see what that's all about.

Daniel spent today trying to keep up with the big boys.

Dobson Loop Track

The Belmont Scout Troop was holding a Day Tramp to Smiths Creek Shelter in the Tararuas.  It was early, Todd and Jack got up and had a BIG breakfast as the Scout Leaders had suggested.


Then off for a Father - Son big adventure.

    

They met at the Scout Den and carpooled to Kaitoke.  The weather played along and the team were able to do the Dobson Loop via the old Dobson's Hut (no longer there).

 

Dobson's Hut site ... no longer present.

Point 656. Intrepid Belmont Scouts in the distance ahead of Craig (Leader).

Marchant Ridge from Point 656. Light dusting of snow beneath the cloud.

Big Rock - Smith's Creek, Tauherinikau River.

Our amazing Scout Leader, Craig Fraser with his son Finn.

Todd and Jack returned home about 6.30pm on Sunday night.  They had both had a great day, although somewhat tired and ready for bed!

Last Kea Moves On

Daniel had his last night at Keas tonight.  It was a bit of a rush from his Miniball Final (we came 4th) across to the Belmont Scout Den.  It was a family sharing night and everyone had to bring a plate in the theme of a bug.  We brought the Hungry Caterpillar:

There were five children moving onto Cubs.  Daniel will join William there for a term or two before he moves onto Scouts.  Here's some shots of the horseshoe farewelling them.  Thanks to Jack Hobbs and the other leaders.

  

Adrenalin Forest, Porirua

It was Christmas, the children were opening their presents and what did they get from Aunty Andrea, Paul and Asha?  You would never have guessed it, vouchers to Adrenalin Forest.  What is this you ask ...  Here's the brochure:


We finally managed to get booked in with the Jenness Family and off we set to use our the vochers.  The parents decided to join in so everyone was in the same boat.  When we arrived the first thing we had to do was harness up.

Next was the demo and practice run where the instructor made sure we were doing it properly.  The most important thing was to make sure you were attached to the wire at ALL TIMES.  Here we are having a go:

Todd, Jack and Olivia

Aimee giving it a go.

Olivia and Jack checking out the Flying Fox clip.

Once we were "Qualified" we set off.  There were 6 levels, Dan, Aimee and Liv did the first two, I was braver and did the third, Todd, Jack, Will, Nathan, Vanessa and Nick were troopers and did Level 4.  It was very high and scarey.  William didn't complete the level as he got to the flying fox and found it too hard to clip on.  He was rescued by the operations, being absailed down about 12 metres.  I was so proud of him knowing his limits.  These are some shots we took:

Nathan, Vanessa and Nick Jenness

Todd "Swinging from the TREES".

Nathan and Jack

Todd, looking very proud of himself.

Jack

Me

William, we think about 12 metres above the ground!

Catching up with family :)

William

Jack on a skateboard heading towards Todd (and Vanessa) who is about to do a really, really long flying fox!

Vanessa, stepping out.

Jack

Jack on the longest, scariest walk across the valley.

Here is a picture of the brochure. 

 In summary of the event Olivia says ... "It was challenging, but fulfilling".  This was us chilling out at the Aotea Lagoon Park afterwards.  We were hoping for a coffee stall as a caffeine fix was in order (no luck).  I wonder what the next adventure will bring?  

Jack - He didn't have enough climbing.

Afternoon Tea

Aimee and Daniel

Thanks Aunty Andrea, Paul and Asha - I bet you're looking forward to next year's present (now that you've started something - ha! ha! ha!)

Hockey Trials - Queens Birthday Weekend

Jack trialled for the Under 13 boys Wellington Region team.  He gave it everything he had and a cold windy Saturday.  He came home exhausted and slept for 3 hours.  Todd was proud of him, saying "He must have left it all on the field".  We were so proud of Jack being put forward to these trials.  Unfortunately he wasn't selected, but you gave it all you had.  Maybe next year :)  Great work son.

   

 

Asha and Jack

Asha hanging out with her big cousin Jack. Pizza at Aimees 10th party.