September 18, 2008

Dan's brother Mark, his wife Kris and daughter Emma left Dresden today to travel to Australia then to New Zealand. We are very glad to have visitors again. Tonight we will be organizing beds, washing sheets, creating a menu and planning a combined belated birthday for all three cousins. M,E,K will fly into NZ this coming Tuesday. Abby and I will go to pick them up at the airport. We have a few things planned while they are here, Mark will be flying back to Canada 5 days after he arrives and the girls will stay on into our school holidays. They are bringing "stuff" with them...Cheez Whiz, Maple Syrup, Sherrif Lemon Pie mix, Dove Soap, Degree Deodorant and the list goes on. These are all items that New Zealand does not have. I can't wait!

At Pukerau Primary the classes only go up to Year 6. Sam is in Year 6 now and his group of mates will move on. The options are St. Peter's College, a Catholic school that goes from Year 7 - Year 13; Longford, a public intermediate school of Year 7 and Year 8 classes and that is really it. Blue Mountain College, a public school the has Year 7 - Year 13 would be a hour bus ride both ways. Sam's was keen on going to St. Peter's College as his friends are going there and it is a small school. As we are not Catholic we had to interview for a few Non-Preferential spaces. Sam did not get a spot. So we are keeping our minds open, looking into Longford and what is meant to be will, will be. Sammer comes home everyday dirt ground into his pants, bruises in strange spots, bottoms of his feet black...he and his friends play Bullrush. As I can understand it...they kick off their shoes (thus the black feet) and then they pummel each other (bruises and dirty clothes). He loves it.

Abby has become a different girl in the mornings. She used to wake up with a snarl, and continue to snarl, growl and yell before she left for school. It was most unpleasant. The last three weeks have been the opposite. I am so glad these phases kids go through come to an end. Thank God!!!! Something has changed and she is happy, pleasant and lovely now. She is getting ready to do her Ballet assessment this Saturday. She keeps telling me that she loves dance but she is nervous about the assessment. I am sure she will do well.

Things are going really well, the weather is starting to turn warm. New Zealand has the most amazing fresh breezes. I love the wind. Their trees, plants and vegetation are beautiful. We are in contact with many people from home and I love hearing updates.

Until next time,
Samantha

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kim and Cathy .....and Karen is 40!