Abby turns 9 and the Highlanders lose.

This Friday the 13th our babygirl turned 9 years old. She invited 5 friends over for a party and 2 stayed the night. It was a success. Sam got invited over to James' while his sister Libby was here at Abby's party. Mom and Dad arrived at Holly's in Texas and Abby opened their gifts while on webcam. Thank goodness for webcam! Although I really missed them after we hung up. Dano and I gave Abs tickets to the NZ Ballet troupe coming through Gore this Thursday. Abby is still totally crazy about Little House on the Prairie and Reena, Bovins and Nik and Ger gave her the set of books for her birthday. She is already half done the first book!

Saturday night we went to the Highlanders rugby game. A new canadian friend, Chris Howey came with us to the game. He is teaching at Gore High with me and he grew up in Aylmer. He is a funny dude. We met at Hell for some excellent pizza then on to the game. The Highlanders tried to defeat the Chiefs but were unsuccessful. We were amazed by a few things at Rugby Park. Firstly, they sold 6 packs of beer that people can purchase and take to their seats. A few people had 3 six packs in hand! Secondly, the hotdogs they sold were those giant floppy corndog looking things dunked in tomato sauce. (Giant bloody...well, you get the picture) Thirdly Chris and I were "thunderstruck" (also a favourite song down here) by the clothing Kiwis are wearing! It is like they are living in the 80's. Skinny jeans, leather high top Nikes, leggings and short dresses, the mullets were out of this world!! Some kids are even dying the long hair down their necks blonde. Chris was noticing the "steps" in the sides above their ears too. The fashion is definitely a step back twenty years. Teenage boys even wear skinny jeans. So bizarre!

Until next time,
Samantha