Enjoying the Garden

Mya seems to love her new swing that we've put up in the garden.


And with the weather topping 21 degrees today, it's still plenty warm enough for some roll-around time on the grass!

Playground Fun

We finished the weekend off with fun in the park.

Family Walk

The perfect way to end the day, family walk around Hamurana Spring.

Some Fresh Air

A number of us mums and babes met up this morning to do a beautiful (uphill) walk, on Mountain Road.  We were helped along by the stunning views down over Rotorua and the Lake.

We then recovered over lunchtime tea at friend Natalie's house, where Mya had her first experience of a swing.  She loved it, will have to get one for our garden.

First Day Back at Play Group

Life's getting back to normal, and today was our first day back at playgroup.  As well as seeing how all Mya's little friends had grown, she also had fun playing with Goop (ie. corn

flour and water). 

A messy business but great fun!

We're Home!

Well actually we've been home a week now, where's the time gone.  I think I've finally managed to unpack and Mya has now realised that she doesn't need to get up and play at 1am! Infact she's now sleeping better than ever, 12 hours last night.

We were greeted at the airport by my wonderful husband with a bouquet of flowers and headed home via Hamilton, picking up a groovey new car seat for Mya on the way.

Missing all my UK friends and family, but it's fabulous to be home.

Shops shops and more shops!!

We've had a busy last day in Dubai.

In the morning we headed out to the equestrian stables to see tiegan's horse Duha.


In the afternoon Lue, Mya and I went to the Burj Khalifa Mall (the largest shopping mall in the world, over 1,200 shops). Not only is there shops and cafes but also an ice rink, aquarium and cinema.


They have one floor completely dedicated to children. I managed to stay away from the baby Ralph Lauren and Junior Dior and Gucci shops. There was even a store where you could go with your baby for a pamper treatment. The stroller was covered in shopping bags by the end of the afternoon.

My favourite shop was Victoria Secret, couldn't resist taking some photos of it!


Mya's favourite was Candylicious, so colourful!


At 6pm we headed outside to watch the fountain display at the base of the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world).

Bedtime Cuddles

There's nothing better than cuddles before bed.

A bit of Pampering

I had a bit of 'me-time' today. Lue looked after Mya and I had a blissful hour of head and neck massage and pedicure. Complete heaven!

Saturday in Dubai

We've had a lovely day relaxing after the flight and enjoying some warmth. We also popped down to a friends to see some gorgeous puppies, just 3 weeks old.






We then had a chance to do a bit of shopping in one of the many shopping malls.

Travelling to Dubai

My little angel was a superstar on the flight back to Dubai. Falling asleep on take off and having another 2 1/2 hours sleeping in the middle of the flight.

Memories of Oak Cottage

Just had to take some photos of the family home were I grew up.











Amazing that some of these photos were taken with the sun shine, about the only day we had whilst here. In the others it's snowing and it's our last day (4th April!!!!!).

Last Farewell

We were lucky to be able to catch up with Louise and the girls before we head home. They came down to My Dad's in Petersfield and had fun playing in the garden and keeping Mya amused.

Marilyn Blake

I managed to squeeze one last visit in to Brenda's at Emsworth were we got chance to see Marilyn Blake. It was a flying visit as we had to get back to pack!

Family

It's my last day tomorrow, where has the time gone?

Managed to capture a couple of photos which will be important memories for Mya.

A Visit from Marilyn

After 3 weeks of visiting New Zealand, Marilyn Hackman has arrived home and managed to drop in and see us before we return.



It was lovely to catch up. The last time i saw her was when I was doing Prince Phillip Cup with the Ponies, probably 25 years ago!

Ditcham Reunion

We met up today with Katherine (Pratt), Louise (Smith) and Lianne (Cambell-Lendrum) at Coralie (Glew's) house. A real Ditcham Park reunion!










The house was full of children, all helping to entertain Mya whilst I had chance to catch up with the girls. A fabulous day.

Lunch at the Budden's

Granny Rose, Dad, Mya and I all went to lunch at Will and Liz's today. The whole family were also there, 14 around the table having yummy roast pork then lemon meringue and bread and butter pudding.


Gus and Anna 's youngest boy Josh was so wonderful with Mya, reading her stories and feeding her lunch. Such a lovely relaxing family day and so wonderful to catch up with them all.