The Aben Whanau

2010-08-05T14:59:00.003+12:00

The kids couldn't wait any longer to eat the gingerbread house. We always get extras coming over on Sunday after church, so they all did it together.

The hammers ready, 1, 2, 3.... hang on whose that goof-ball in the background? Oh, its just Maui!!

OHHHHH let us have it PLEASE......

Horseriding

2010-08-05T14:48:00.003+12:00

The kids got to do horseriding for a day in the holidays. They sooooo loved it. But it was so expensive that I could barely afford to let them do it the once let alone again. It was truly the highlight for them. I guess we'll have to find a friend with a horse?

Back at School

2010-08-05T14:34:00.003+12:00

Cole and Laurens first day of School for 2010... Oh yay!!

Family Foto's

2010-08-05T14:21:00.004+12:00

These are a sample of some of our photos we mucked around taking at the top of Kaiti Hill in Gisborne. We had to do it at the last minute because Steff was catching the bus back to Wellington the next morning and of course we still hadn't taken the photos.

2010-08-05T14:14:00.005+12:00

I'm still getting the posts wrong hmm.... Anyway, this is Megan, Kenton and Bailey sleeping on the tramp New Years Eve morning (a family tradition!)

2010-08-05T13:53:00.003+12:00

Over the Christmas (2009) holidays Kenton and Bailey came up for a week to Gizzy. It was so much fun. (When we weren't working picking up rubbish, that is...)

This is a New Years Eve shot, we're about to head to the town clock along with half the town to count the new year in.

This was the water fight they had during new years eve day. It was hilarious to watch and listen to. But, I made sure to watch from behind locked doors and windows in the house!!

These guys were so embarressing in the store! I ended up prentending I didn't know them. I was surprised that "security" didn't kick them out. Kenton is such a goof... (albeit a loveable one!)

2010-08-05T13:34:00.003+12:00

During the Christmas break of 2009 we got to catch up briefly with Jarom and Tane who we hadn't seen for ages.

We got Fish 'n Chips and went down to the beach with Nan and Grandad

Can you believe it??

2010-08-05T13:28:00.003+12:00

I'm actually trying to do the blog...what ya know! Fingers crossed I can get my head around this stuff and it will work for me... hmmm
These first few posts will probably be quite random till I've got myself sorted, so enjoy

School Holidays! Yiippee!!!

2008-09-30T10:26:00.015+13:00

The school holidays are upon us. 2 weeks off school and seminary. Sleep ins, staying up late... all those things the kids don't do. Like temper tantrums because they're too tired!!!!!

Megan is heading off to Napier for the day. The youth are attending a Church College Roadshow. It'll be great!

Youth from 1st Ward and 3rd Ward are going from our stake...and it should be a lots of fun.

Cole and Lauren have a basketball clinic that they're attending for the next three days. Val and Megan are off to Christchurch next week for about 5 days. Megan will be participating in a 36hour basketball-athon. All Megan's dreams come true...non-stop Bball.

Stefani is in Napier vacationing with a friend. She's going to do all the holiday things....Splash Planet etc The weather is lovely and we're experiencing lots of sunshine and warm temperatures....we've already had 20% more sunshine than is usual for this time of the year....and a lot less rain than was expected. We're in for a very hot summer.

Our Miss Muffet!

2008-09-20T14:48:00.003+12:00

These were taken late on Friday night after we had finished feeding the missionaries, cleaned up, showered, in our jarmies and were finally able to relax.

Lauren loves to perform and especiallay for the camera..

She wanted this one for Caleb..

My latest work project!

2008-09-18T18:54:00.003+12:00

http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/Default.aspx?s=3&s1=2&id=5440
Click on the above url to be taken to the local newspaper and read about my latest work project. I organised an Open Day for the Gisborne Police. Gisborne has a new Police Station. I was given the responsibility to organise an Open Day to showcase the new facility. I seized the opportuinity to celebrate the numerous community partners that help to reduce crime and reduce road trauma. It was a fantastic day. Here are some other stories I've been involved in. http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/Default.aspx?s=3&s1=2&id=4957 , http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/Default.aspx?s=3&s1=2&id=5062

Bacon and Eggs

2008-09-07T21:43:00.005+12:00

Hi folks. It was a happy Fathers Day for Maui, today. Hope all you other fathers had a great day. Maui got a new tie and a shirt. However, in New Zealand, Father's Day has a cruel twist: it always falls on a fast sunday. So, NO bacon and eggs for breakfast or lunch! Poor boy!!! Speaking about 'poor boy' Maui was called as the 2nd counsellor in the Stake Presidency to the new Stake President in the Gisborne Stake. Now that's a Father's Day present!!! Beats bacon and eggs!

Returned Luggage

2008-09-06T22:31:00.003+12:00

Well, thankfully and finally (it actually took 3 days) our 2 lost bags found their way home...... yah Megan was so relieved. One bag was hers and the other had her new basketball boots in it.

This is all 6 of our bags looking very sad and useless!!

Lost Luggage!!!!

2008-08-09T11:53:00.003+12:00

Val and the girls arrived home - minus two of their travel bags. Southwest 'miss placed' them somewhere between Salt Lake and LA. The good news is that they found them and sent them on. Megan is really happy because her new bball boots were part of the lost baggage. All those hours of searching for just the right boots, almost went 'southwest' into 'never-to-be-found-again-land' Anyway all is well with the Aben whanau. Val, Steff and Megan all looked so tanned and happy. The wonderful stories of all they did. What a great time! Thanks again to everyone.

Jumping for Joy!

2008-08-06T16:35:00.006+12:00

Just one simple message, (Brevity for Jen's sake) ....I'm jumping for joy!

And all our friends, too. They're home!!! Yee haaaa!!!!!!!! Thanks to our USA whanau (family) for making my girls' trip something we'll all remember. Love you guys!!!! You're the best!! Your Kiwi whanau!!!!

Work being done on the house

2008-07-27T15:42:00.007+12:00

The painter painted the lounge and is about to put up the wallpaper. Kirstin and I took the venetian blinds from the lounge and scrubbed them down. It was pretty cold, as you can see. The Bathroom now has a fan and heat lamps, The kitchen, bathroom and toilet get done this week. Hopefully the stove will be here soon. So lots happening and is an entirely new adventure for us (others might call it an inconvenience). So at the moment we're living in the kitchen. Cooking etc will be interesting this next week. I suppose the sad thing about it is we have no real control over what gets done because we don't own the house. I've seen a house I'm interested in and will be making some enquiries.

Acupuncture! My first time.

2008-07-22T20:29:00.007+12:00

Went to basket ball last night and played. Guess who's not 21 anymore? I tore my left calf muscle. Last few minutes of the game too! I was at half court and we got a rebound. I started running backwards and I was passed the ball. I turned and wham. I felt a small pop at the top of my calf. I passed the ball and hobbled to the side of the court. Poor me! I hobbled to the Dr. He referred me to the physiotherapist. I hobbled to the physio. I expected to be give the usual treatment. Massage, ultrasound, etc. I was surprized when the physio offered to use acupuncture to aid my recovery. I was hesitant at first but agreed to the treatment. I was sceptic but after the treatment, which included light massage, my calf felt better. 2 to 3 weeks for full recovery, so the injury wasn't too bad.

Hard at work

2008-07-21T15:21:00.006+12:00

Well, Lauren had the day off school today, no real surprise. She's feeling much better now, but not quite well enough to go the school. She's relaxing as you can see. I took the opportunity to get the bookcase done. I thought since the painters are making a mess I may as well do my bit to contribute. I'll only need to clean up once and take care of all our messes at one time. The pen marks are gone and I've varnished the sides. It looks good! Cole went to school today. First day back after school holidays. After school I was expecting a report about how his day went. He raced inside and promptly asked if he could go to Bradley's. "Sure" I said "be back tomorrow by 5pm". "Oh Bradley's mum said I can come over for an hour!" he said. "I'll see you in an hour, then!" was my reply. Off he ran. It's another beautiful day, clear blue skies, and about 18 degrees C, with light breezes. Not bad for the middle of winter. Perfect washing weather, painting weather, a great day not to be at work. Thankfully, I had a good excuse to be home.

Homeward bound!

2008-07-20T13:48:00.018+12:00

Well, the adventure has come to an end. Time to return home and prepare for another adventure! School!! We got packed up nice and early, then it poured down. We stuck around for a while. I helped Dad with learning how to download photos from his camera. I also showed Mum how to email photos using adobe photoshop. Mum made us pancakes for lunch. She used Karen's recipe and the pancake maker they bought in Hawaii several years ago, one like Karen's. First time Mum has used it. Dad had to rig it up to the transformer first, wires going all over the place

and he blew the fuses on his first attempt, admittedly all the fan heaters and every-thing electrical in the house was operating when he flicked the switch. After the reset button was flipped and a few things turned off, the pancake maker worked like a new one should, and the pancakes were some of the best I've had, besides my wife's pancakes of course!!!! Just after lunch Janice rang mum and said she had some venison to give away. Her freezer died and Pat needed to give away as there was so much of it. I ended up with a heap and gave most away. After visiting for a while with Janice, we hit the road. $107 to fill the van, glad we had a coupon. Oh yes! Before we left I bought some travelling food: chocolate caramels, sour snakes, blackberries and raspberries, chippies, you know all that good travelling food. Lauren at first declined because she said she gets sick eating sugary food when we travel. I said she'd be OK and coaxed her into choosing a few things and then we hit the road. Cole went to sleep in the back and Lauren sat up front. Just before Wairoa, you know that last little hill with the sharp bend over the rise, well we had just got to the other side of that hill and were just entering the long straight bit before Wairoa (Click on the word Wairoa to be taken to a map, then count six SH2 signs left of Wairoa City and that's the exact location). I was concentrating on the road and listening to the music when I felt a little tap on my left arm. I looked to my left and Lauren was green, her eyes were shut and she was holding her mouth closed and it looked like it was full because her cheeks were all round and stuff, you know, like when you fill up your cheeks with air! Well that was how she looked and I knew what was coming, I calmly looked for a place to pull over while lowering her window and saying in that mild authoritarian voice, "DON"T YOU GET SICK IN THE CAR!!!" which i repeated several times while I calmly looked for a place to pull over (I can read your mind, Val) Well Lauren leans forward, yeah not towards the window but forward toward the footwell and she let out a little ... technicolour fountain... I'm gagging as I can see and smell it...uuuggghhh, "OUT THE WINDOOOOOOW, NOT IN THE CAAA..." Too late. "NO NO NO NO NO.... OOUUUTTT THE WIIINNNDDOOOOOOWWWW" The second more spectacular technicolour foumtain followed.

(This is a painting and not the actual thing!)

I quickly pull over. Rush around to her side of the van, get her out and inspect the damageeeee. Ooohhh the smell. Poor Lauren had it all over her trousers and all over her pillow which was in the footwell. She knew, she knew. She told me at the store that she gets sick with sugary foods and chippies. Teach me! How does that proverb go? "Out of the mouth of babes!" - in this case literally.

Ryan's farewell

2008-07-18T21:27:00.003+12:00

I was finally able to pry the kids away from their cousins this evening. We had some dinner and then went to the Napier Chapel. The Ward put on a small farewell for Mania and Kevin Ryan. They will be in Australia next friday. It was nice catching up with our friends. Mania has lost alot of weight. Apparently when she was in the States some Doctor diagnosed her sleep disorder. She doesn't have narcolepsy but some other disorder. Apparently she didn't need all the medication she was on. All she needed was an hour of vigorous exercise each day, that's all. Like I said she's looking very good and she's not as prone to her 'turns' anymore. Great news for Mania. Any the kids had a ball at the chapel. Lauren made some new friends. I had to be the ogre and say no to a sleep over tonight. Cole wanted to go over to the Maraekura's to play with Jaleal, so I'm not sure if we're going to be going home tomorrow. I know I want to but I'm mindful of the kids. They're having a great time. We finally were able to take a photo outside Ocean Spa, so I've updated the previous posts and added a photo outside Ocean Spa.

Adventure day 4 and probably 5 too!

2008-07-18T13:55:00.005+12:00

Cole and Lauren spent the night at Mel and Bruce's. In the photo from left to right are : Tangiwai, Taylor, Lauren, Che, Johann, Tawhaki and Cole. Off to the left out of picture is Kane. He's very shy .....! Asia is also hiding! There is a rugby game on today between the Magpies and Taraniki. That was going to be part of our adventures, however, the cousins were more exciting. They're watching Twin Towers. That's what Lauren and Taylor are rivetted to. I think Cole and Lauren miss companions their own age!

Ocean spa is lovely at night (Well, it was when we went the other night. I found this picture on the net).

This is Taranaki and the Magpies in action !! (but not today - its wet and windy today).

Adventure day 3

2008-07-17T07:58:00.002+12:00

Today was haircut day for Maui. He's looking very sharp (even if I say so myself). We did some window shopping. That go boring very quickly. Maui had a work meeting to go to in the afternoon. After his meeting Nana and Grandad took us to the Taradale RSA. We had dinner there and were forced to endure some oldies music. Nana and grandad were rocking back and forth with wide grins on their faces. Cole's been torturing them with his music at home. After dinner we dropped nana and grandad at home and we went to Ocean spa for a swim in the hot pools. It was cool fun.

It must have been about 4 degrees outside and its was very dark. The pools were lite up and lots of steam clouds were hanging around the pools. Very romantic. Should have been here Val. We'll have to give it a go when you get back, Morere Springs? Excellent, its a date! Cole and Lauren were treated to a late night hot chocolate and french fries at McD's. When they got home they were so tired. They had a great day, but want to go back to the climbing wall. I'll get some photos posted soon

Adventure Day 2

2008-07-15T18:13:00.001+12:00

We went to the Napier Museum today. Cole and Lauren enjoyed the visit. The curator had prepared a children's activity which kept Cole and Lauren captivated for an hour or so. Not bad going for a museum visit. We checked out some Moari carving, some quilting, some art work, a display about the Napier earthquake. On the richter scale Napier was 7.8. The Gisborne quake was 6.4. That certainly put things into perspective for me. Must have been one almighty shake up. And the through an Art Deco display. So given that the displays were adult type exhibits, to hold Cole and Lauren for over an hour was pretty good work on part of the curator.

After some lunch at McD's we went indoor rock climbing at the place we know as "Salty Rock". It's now called "Kiwi Adventure" but in the same building in Ahuriri, Napier. We had a blast. Cole and Lauren climbed while I belayed. We were there for about 3.5 - 4 hours. My neck is sore from look up all the time. Their confidence grew throughout the session. Lauren wouldn't climb at first, but then she decided she had to have a go despite her nerves. She had a great time and thorouhgly enjoyed herself. Cole is a natural. And he knew it. He was telling all the other kids what to do and where to put their feet and which handholds to grab, and so on and so on. He was having a ball.

Cole and Lauren

Cole, how'd he get up there?

Lauren, supreme confidence!

We had lots of fun. And this is me, some would say "Is that George Clooney?" No that's Mountain Climbing Man Maui!!! "Rules Shmules, who needs rules. Ropes? Who needs ropes!" We had a great time and we had to use ropes!

Maui, Cole and Lauren's adventures. Day 1

2008-07-15T17:51:00.002+12:00

14 July 2008. Our first adventure involved a short drive to the Te Mata Peak reserve. From the carpark just through the main gates we took a scenic hike to the little Redwoods. There we took a photo: Cole Lauren and Grandad on a boulder. We trekked through some exotic forest, up some hills and came to a beautiful lookout with a panoramic view of the Hawkes Bay. Snow cover peaks in the distance. Cole summed it up when he spotaneously said, 'this is really beautiful'. We continued to the Giant Redwood Forest where we stopped for lunch. I took a photo at the lunch shelter. We were there for about half an hour before heading on up to the peak. Along the way we took in some caves and more beautiful scenery. Grandad had to take a few stops. I was alittle worried. The last time I took nana and grandad for a 'little' walk I almost killed nana. Nana didn't come on this little adventure. I was worrying that this little trip might be the end of grandad. However he made it all the way. Cole and Lauren did extremely well and I'm so proud of them.