Pam in NZ

I have settled back into life in South Africa after a wonderful trip back to New Zealand. The trip home went very fast and at times I did feel as I was rushing around like a flea in a fit, but everything went as planned. It is always great to get back to NZ after time away you see everything with a renewed focus and realise how lucky we are to live here and to have so many dear friends, though it does make it hard to leave. Just as well I knew Andrew was back in South Africa waiting for me or I might have decided not to return!

Andrew's and my South African visas came through with no trouble at all, which was pretty amazing after all the hassles we had before I left getting all the paperwork sorted. We now have to leave the country so that on return, Andrew can have his visa validated. He is very keen to go to Mauritius so he can blob on the beach. We have booked and leave on May 3 for a few days.

Kirst, Ant and Charli were over from Australia when I was home. We managed to get lots of family and friends together for a fun "meet Charli" picnic at the Otaihunga Domain near Paraparaumu. Charli is a wee sweetie and her uncles were thrilled to have the chance to have cuddles at last.
 

The weather has turned cooler here and for the last two days I have been wearing long sleeves and now it is taking  quite a lot of effort to dive into the swimming pool brrr! I think I might have to buy a wet suit!
 

Andrew has passed several milestones at work ( HAZOPs and alignment conference, for those interested) and is feeling things are on an even keel for now. He is continuing to fight the email war and was complaining about the 70+ emails he received yesterday. What happened to... "the computer will make life easier"!!!

Ant chatting to a friendly kaka on Kapiti

Charli at Ruapehu all snuggled up

Cousins meeting cousin

Uncle Sam and Uncle Quint having a great time meeting Charli.