Another Year Passes, what will 2011 Bring?

Well here we are already ten days into 2011.  I wonder what this year will bring.  Last year had many challenges, lows, and the penultimate highlight We spent an unplanned New Years Eve in Nelson due to the flooding, slips and road closures in the greater Nelson Region.  Luckily it was with great company- Richard's cousins Robbie and Lynne. 
What are my resolutions for the year - none really as I have found that I never stick to them.  A few years back when i turned 40 - I decided to complete ten new activities for the year - it was fun, but I actually only achieved six of them. ( I recall learning the Bagpipes, Kayaking, triathlons, running 10km, loosing 20kg, getting a new job, and some silly little things like doing the dark water slide with the kids, and rowing a dingy as well).  This year I will aim for two new things I think.  I've long past the usual resolutions for weight loss, fitness, and better health - so we will see how it goes aiming for two new activities.
We are a little in limbo at present as Richard awaits confirmation of acceptance into the Otago University MBA programme (Masters in Business Administration).  Until we know his plans for study it is hard to make any plans for the year.  All we know is that it is Amelia's last year at home with us, and that the kids are growing up.  Our focus is changing and we are realising that we can start to think about life when there are no kids at home, or in Abbey's case where we only have one child to keep track of. 

Abbey and Amelia at Hamner Springs

Richard and his Cousin Robbie being silly with the kids glasses

Dad teaching Abbey how to fish

Amelia's first fish - a 980gm salmon

Abbey in the suns rainbow at totranui Beach Abel Tasman National Park

Our Spiritual Place-Wainui Falls - Golden Bay, Nelson

A very special place - where the water is so clear that you can see eight meters deep

A Fern frond - what the Koru is based on and a national icon

Amelia is beginning her University Studies early as her school have arranged for her to do a Theology paper.  She is very focused on her studies and want to do well in preparation for University next year. She has already achieved  preferential entrance to University on her marks for last year. Well done darling.
Our holiday has not gone as planned this year as you can see from the previous post.  we spent the time doing our usual Nelson activities, and made the annual pilgrimage to Wainui Falls.  For our US friends it is a forty minute bush walk to the falls, in the middle of the Abel Tasman National Park.  We have visited this place every year for the last ten years.  It is still very special.  As the photos show above we also went fishing for Salmon.  We cheated slightly as it was actually a Salmon Farm, but a lovely way to spend the morning.  We concluded the holiday with two nights at Hamner Springs - a natural thermal water springs resort.  It was just lovely relaxing in the sun, and soaking in the hot pools.  They have made some major changes to the pools, and we particularly enjoyed the lazy river in the cooler pool, as it was 33oC (about 91Fahrenheit) when we were there.  I have included a link below if you want to see the changes and what the resort is all about.http://www.hanmersprings.co.nz/thermal/about/

Alex as they leave Jamboree for their trip home - he is the
one at the back looking very tired

It is back to work tomorrow for me and Richard already started today.  It will be hard to focus as I don't feel as rested as I would like and the weather is just beginning to improve. That is usually what happens here - the weather is best in February.  Friday this week Alex returns from Jamboree after three weeks away.  The house has been very quiet without him, and there is still milk and bread left.  We now know who eats all the bread and drinks the milk!.  We are all looking forward to his return, and hearing about all their adventures.
We miss you son.
I trust that you are all well and we wish you all the best for 2011, may it be a year full of laughter, adventure, and new experiences.  Eric and Sonja we are looking forward very much to showing you our country. 
Christine