Monday morning 24th
So it seems no matter how I try to leave the house at 8.10. It is nearly always 8.23. Well today as you can see 8.14

Nevertheless, still get the kids to school on time
I am so impressed with the Waterview drivers
Everybody lets you into the flow . Got Mia'school in no time at all

Bye Mia have a lovely day

 You too Cleo, bit cold for those shoes but what would Grandma know?

Annette and Joanne are up at the hospital sitting with dear John
He is in his last stages of life now
But comfortable
I thought I would bake a coconut cake and take it up
Easy peasy and delicious as well

Then Dale and I went to have a look at an apartment for us to live in

Not a great shot but looking pretty good.
Picked up the kids and went home, then we got the phone call
Sad to say John finally passed on. It has been a long few days for his family and friends
A man well loved by all. Fun, charming a good friend, husband, father and Poppa
The King of Chudleigh Grove, we shall miss you John.

One way to beat the blues
Have children in the house, they certainly brightens one up

Good night girls xxx

From Barcelona to Ibiza - Meanwhile Back in Auckland

Friday 21st
Katie and Chris have now moved from Barcelona to Ibizia for the Wedding Of The Year
Pieta is marrying Duncan.

 So time to change the Flags

The little Scruffy Dog is loving it's travels, here it is in Ibiza

So as everyone was enjoying themselves in the sun

And the Bride was walking down the aisle with her Mum and Dad. (Stunning Shot)
To meet her Groom

Old friends Gorgeous girls

Meanwhile back in cold old Auckland
Saturday dawned
Friends came over for dinner
Jane arrived with her 3 kids, Eden, Luke and Ely
and Joseph came to stay with his cousins
While the big kids watched "Grease"

The two little ones passed out very quickly, with their companion Esme

Sunday 23rd
Oh, what did Grandma cook up for the bunnies in the morning?
Pancakes with Raspberries, maple syrup and bacon

 Yum

More activity in the afternoon
Madagascar 3
Cleo applied her own makeup, which she informed me, she was allowed to do, all of the time
Mmmmm
Bit over the top

More cousins.
Jordan joined us at the movies

We all loved it.
Of course, half the fun is the junk food and drinks
Totally immnersed

 Jordan came back to play
Dress ups.
Great fun, but what a mess

Nice end to the weekend

Cup Cakes and Drama

Tuesday 18th

Just a normal day to start off, but a drama evolved later in the day
Grandma made cup cakes for dessert and School Lunches and a morning tea treat
It had been quite a long day, so she decided to have a little rest in front of the TV before school pick up

Set the alarm clock on the ipod, just in case and settled down to watch Masterchef.
Well blow me down, suddenly she opened her eyes. OMG, had nodded off
Alarm hadn't worked.
It was 2 minutes to 3.
Picked up car keys and ran out, drove like the clappers to get Cleo.
Phew not too late, on to get Mia, of course got stuck in traffic and it took a bit longer than anticipated.
But all safe and sound.
Meanwhile a bit earlier in the day, the yellow light came on, to show petrol was low.

Of course the handbag was at home.  No money, no phone
After retrieving the bag,it was back to the service station.
So, how do you open the Petrol Cap
Mmmmm, got the attendant, he worked out that you just opened the bit on the outside
BUT, how do you open the cap.

Use the key, said a helpful customer
Ahhh
Here is the key, will that fit in the key hole?
I don't think so

Anyway after a phone call to Dan, who wasn't overly helpful, as his car might be a Dodge but different model. The Helpful customer noticed, that there was a Dodge Assist number.
Finally, after another 5 -10 minutes, on hold, Thank God for 0800 numbers
The man said, "just press the little slide"...
I did, out pops the key
Just like that.

Easy when you know how.
By now, children were getting very scratchy
Cleo was worried about everything. It was a little tense

Home, time for a wine. Ahhh perfect
Grandad was coming over for dinner

Prawns, fish and Pasta
And Cupcakes and Ice cream for dessert

So it was worth it after all

Excellent

Wednesday 19th
Mia was off to spend the night with The Atkins Family.
Packed the bag and off to school

I notice the photo was taken at 8.18, no matter how early we all get up, we never seem to
leave at 8.10...The designated time alloted.
But never the less, arrival at school is always early.

I mus commend the Drivers in Waterview
They always let you in. It's fantastic, not like Parnell where no one gives way

So it was decided, that Cleo and Grandma would go to Parnell, to watch the Fireworks.
New Zealand's Golden Girl Valerie Adams,was to be presented with her well deserved Olympic Gold medal.
Stolen from her, by a Cheat.
Cheats never Prosper, she got found out.
So a big party down at the Cloud, followed by a Firework Display, that can be seen from
the house in Churton Street

Into bed for Miss Cleo

Thursday 20th
Dipping Eggs and Soldiers then off to school

Tonight Thursday At Grandma's...Again at Fairlands Av
Baking again
Our dear friend John is wasting away in Auckland Hospital.
Thought I would make something tasty for Annette and Joanne
They are sitting with him, keeping him company
How about
Bacon and Egg Pie and Cup Cakes

After delivery to the hospital, Grandma came back and cooked up some yummy mince

Then turned that into pies for the kids
Here they are, ready for the oven

Cleo set up the school room for her willing pupils.
Everybody happy? You bet your life they are.