Almost 10 Years Ago



Visiting Puhoi



ASB Tennis Centre Court

It is now ten years since Sonia passed away and we are all doing great. Lydia is now 15, and Emily is now 13. When Sonia passed away the girls were only 5 and 3, but now they are no longer little girls, but amazing young woman. I can see plenty of Sonia in each of them showing in slighty different ways.

This was the first year for Emily at Northcote College and its the first time in four years they are at the same school. This year Lydia is studying for her Level 1 NCEA, so we've tried to cut back on some activities, as she needed to spend more time on assignments and studying.

Over the summer holidays the girls spent time on the Boat and at the Bach, spending time on the beach and in the sea. Lydia and Emily enjoy fishing and snorkling, and they both love swimming and sea food.

We took the girls to the ASB Classic Tennis where they got to see the worlds top women players play. The power and pace of the play is incredible to see live.

For the last week of January, I took the girls to Bach. We went on walks and visited some of the northern beaches. We made our way to the Waipu Caves, which we normally drive past on the way to Whangerei. The caves are quite large and contain glow worms.

In March it was the girls birthdays. Emily had a sleep over with five of her friends, although I'm not sure they got much sleep.

We took the girls to the Wrights Watergardens in Patumahoe. Which has ponds, colourful gardens and pathways surrounding a waterfall. It was quite stunning and picturesque.

In the April school holidays the girls went down and stayed with Harry, Mary and Brooke. They kept the kids thoroughly entertained and busy with activities.

On the Boat


Off for a Snorkle


Beautiful Northland

ASB Tennis Ana Ivanovic

On the Beach

Waipu Caves

Cave Explorers

First Day of College

Emily and Friends

Lydias into Vinyl

Emily's Zoo Trip

Zoo Selfies - What Animals

Zoo Red Panda

Water Gardens

Plenty to See

Water Lilies

With Cousin Brooke

Te Atatu - Nikau

Emily's Big Sing


Port of Singapore


Birthday Card for Dad

We went to a few displays like the Carabosse - Fire Garden in the Auckland Domain. It was a wonderful experience of fire and music as you walked around the flaming contraptions.

We walked around the Te Atatu sculpture trail seeing the weird and wonderful sculptures and art on display. Many of the pieces were quite beautiful in an impressive setting.

Emily joined the school choir and in June performed in the Big Sing at the Townhall. There were some very talented choirs singing, including Emily's of course. Hear it for yourself here.

Also in June, I got to go to Singapore for work to demonstrate our shipping system. But it was only for a few days. This was my first time in Singapore, and I was genuinely impressed with the place.

In August it was my 50th birthday. Lydia painted me an amazing piece of art. Her artistic talents are quite remarkable.

We also went to the Auckland Botanic Gardens. There is a stunning array of plants and flowers to see, and it covers an enormous area.

In the October school holidays Lydia was busy finishing her Painting and Graphics portfolios, which were due in the first week back at school. So Nanna and Grandad took Emily and Donna's family down to Queenstown for some skiing. Emily had a great time.

Even though Lydia was completing her portfolios, she also managed to complete her Diver training to become a fully qualified scuba diver. Her instuctor praised her abilities and said that she was a confident diver.

Te Atatu - Maze


Te Atatu - Nice Location


Lydia's Paintings for Dad

50th Dinner with Christine and Graham

Botanic Gardens

Why are you taking my photo

Amazing Flowers

Amazing Sculptures

Lydia's Card Making Skills

Emily Playing Pokemon

Emily and Nanna on Ice

Emily and Zack Skiing

Made up for Halloween

Lydia's Graphics

Lydia's Painting Portfolio

Lydia's Painting

Campaign Utopia Dance Show

With Nanna and Grandad

School Prize Giving


Lydia's Certificate


10 Years


Hello from Val Thoren France

The girls are still very busy dancing with Emily doing Ballet and Jazz, and Lydia doing Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary. So there are a lot of trips back and forth to the dance studio each week. Over summer they both play tennis.

I only got to go on one school trip this year to the Auckland Zoo with Emily's class. Its quite different being part of a college class, as basically you let them do there own thing, while you wander around making sure no one is causing any trouble. It was a relaxing day for me as I got to see the new exhibits at the zoo. The new areas they have created and exhibits as first class and well worth a visit.

The girls are still doing very well at school, and continue to excel. Lydia received the Prize in Design & Visual Communication, the Prize in Painting and Certificate for Excellent achievement in Digital Creative Technology.

Emily received Certificates for Excellence in English, Excellence in Science, Excellence in Social Studies, Excellence in Art, Excellence in Hard Materials Technology, Attainment in Digital Creative Technology, Participation in Class Discussion in Health Education and Consistent High Achievement in Physical Education. I was again a very proud dad of my girls achievements.

In December it was the dance schools show. Lydia and Emily were in all five shows. Emily was in two dances, and Lydia was in up to four. For the first time they were both in the same ballet dance. Campaign Utopia was another incredible show put on by the school, both girls were so beautiful and graceful as they perform in the senior dances. See a small part from opening night for yourself here.

This summer with study over, my parents have taken the girls, along with the rest of the family over to France and Rome.

Well I hope that gives you a bit of an insight into our busy year.

Emily playing Tennis


Emily's Certificates


Emily's Certificates


By the Christmas Tree