Sophie goes to NZ

Sophie left this morning with Linda, to fly out to NZ for a couple of weeks. She is then flying back on her own (as an unaccompanied minor and the airline assures me they look after the kids VERY well)

This photo has nothing at all to do with anything, but I thought it was funny. It was the sight that greeted me when I opened the bathroom door. Apparently it was too noisy everywhere else in the house to talk to her best friend on skype! And yes, that would be Rick gym gear she is wearing.

Waiting at the airport this morning

Again

Getting ready to go

Nervous excitement building

Bye Soph! See you in a couple of weeks.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Boxing Day BBQ with the Knights

We caught up with the Knights on Boxing Day and it was a lovely relaxed day. Lots of leftovers from our respective Christmas dinners followed by some more present opening and a big swim. Relaxed and laid back, just what we needed.

With three young boys there was no doubt that soccer would be played

Even Ella got in on the action to give Linda a bit of female support (isn't she cute!)

Me and Ella. Was very hot ....hmm or it could have been the champagne that made me glow....

The boys just 'happening' past the Christmas tree ...

More presents!

Liam loves Star Wars and I was delighted to see his face when he opened this up

That's James behind that big box!

Ella watched all the proceedings from the table - best view in the house

Christmas Day

We had a lovely day at Christmas. Linda was with us this year and it was excitement all round when the wrapping paper started flying. Sophie chose purple and silver for our Christmas colours and so for the first year ever we have not had all the creations and collections from the previous decade adorning our tree.

Before the chaos

Tricky got new sunglasses
Tobes was very pleased with his book and shirt. He's hardly worn anything else since.
Some shopping time coming up ...
Toby got some nerf gear and Sophie quite fancied herself as the next Rambo

Some photos before lunch is served ...

Turkey parcels, ham and prawns. We went high protein for the occasion.

Skylarking in the kitchen while dealing with the aftermath

Woops did I get your butt with that!

Hmmm ..... the aftermath of the new skateboard / longboard. Not pretty upon close up inspection.

Auckland - Brisbane cruise

The much anticipated cruise left Auckland on the afternoon of Ricks 40th birthday. Again, it was a beautiful day in Auckland and a great day all round to be cruising in Auckland Harbour which was looking her sparkling best.

One of the first things we had to do on boarding was attend a mock evacuation drill. Everybody was champing at the bit to get out and explore the ship so it was a bit like torture having to pretend it had all turned bad and we had to get off the ship.

Ok I know we all look a little ridiculous. We all felt a little ridiculous.

Escape was quick however and we made it up on one of the decks ready for departure

Tricky enjoying his birthday

Auckland was beautiful that day

This is the show lounge where we spent many an evening watching whatever show was on that night. Also they had bingo there every afternoon at 4pm .... Toby fast became an addict and could be relied upon to make sure everyone was there and ready to go on time, armed with their dabbers.

He also won a door raffle one day ...

Enjoying the view from "The Dome"

There were all sorts of shows on at all sorts of times. This was a laser show one afternoon in the main atrium. We learnt quickly to get there early to secure a good seat .... it was dog eat dog when it came to getting the best view

Our cabin. A little compact for the four of us but we coped well so long as none of us was snoring.

This is where we had most of our meals. Silver service, three courses every night. Quite decadent.

A nice photo of Rick and Sophie

Another day, another show.

The endless corridors

Another show ....

.... and I got to go onstage and do what I do best - eat! Here I am sampling the scallop dish. Nice but a couple more scallops would have been good for my pre dinner snack!

Me and the chefs - I had to buy the ships cookbook for the privilege of this photograph

Cruising back into Brisbane in the early hours of the morning

Sailing under the gateway bridge

Getting ready to dock at Portside. Brisbane not as lovely as Auckland to cruise into.

The indignation of being back on land. We were all a little terse that day.

And another holiday over. Sigh.