Alex and Caity............

Alex started at the British School Manila on Sept 3rd. A great school that has almost 800 students ranging from age 3 up to 18. A big move from his Montessori school where he spent the past year. We were all pleasantly surprised at how easily he made the transition. So much so that he refuses to set foot in his old school or talk to his old teacher.....he has definately moved on. Picture from Sept 2006 Alex and Caity 1st Day at Montessori School. Sept 2007 Last day at Montessori School together!! First Day at BSM(British School Manila)

Favourite after school treat! Grandma came to visit in September just in time for Alex moving schools. We all had great fun, Alex and Caity loved having Grandma around. Caity took grandma to an open day at her school.... Caity and her teacher showing grandma how she uses the letter box to make words! We all went for a weekend to Subic, this area used to be a US naval base. After a very long and hairy drive ( Caity get's car sick!!!) and plently of thunderstorms we managed to have some fun. The best part for the kids was at Subic Safari park ...... The pig that tried to eat grandma's shoe!

Jumped into a Jeepney and had a drive around the tiger enclosure.....feeding time!

They all seem pretty relaxed but I was the one holding the camera!!!!

Feeding time for the Aligators, they were all standing on their tales...spectacular site

A fun weekend had by all. Alex enjoyed it so much that he has named one of his gold fish Subic and keeps asking to go back!

Birthday Video

Going to try this again as video did not load! Bear with me.....this is all new to me!

Happy Birthday Alex

Hard to believe that Alex has just turned 5! Back in 2002 in Wellington going into labour in Monsoon Poon ( Restaurant in Wellington NZ!!), seems like yesterday!!!!

Alex celebrated for two days. The day started with present opening and much laughter. Alex received his first gold fish from our helper Amay....a very lucky boy!

Caity gave Alex a drum kit!!!!

We left for school armed with cup cakes, Kiwi Fondant Icing lollies and Kiwi Flag cookies for all his class mates. They all sang Happy Birthday to him and according to Miss Emms ( teacher) he really enjoyed himself.

As we arrived back home the staff from the building we live in had a Birthday cake for Alex and of course another session of Happy Birthday!

Calls to grandma and grandad followed by chats with Jody completed day one of celebrations and dad arrived home from the office with the much sought after Chevron Tanker to finish the day off in true boy style.

Full of excitement on Saturday morning we all jumped out of bed to prepare for the much awaited "pool party" that Alex has been planning for the past few weeks ( or should I say has been delegating to his personal event planner!!)

Granny Margaret and Avo Fernando sorted out the pool toys with huge butterfly and 6 legged octopus, which were a huge hit. 13 of Alex's friends joined him for treasure hunts and swim pool pass the parcel ...all great fun.

Lots of yummy foood, opening of fabulous gifts from friends, an extra dose of playing and to finish off the final rendition of Happy Birthday for this year.

We all had a fabulous time, thanks to all those who helped us celebrate in person, all those who were not here we missed you!

Hope you like the photos and small video that we have added to the Blog.

First Blog

Hi All, Well here we are in the land of Blog. Our first attempt at blogging so we will keep it short to start with. If we are successful then we will get a bit more adventurous and start adding photos etc. We are al well, cruising along in Manila. More news tomorrow if this works. Cheers Sam