Bliss!

"There's gold in them there hills."

Well there was once but not any more, although the kids liked to think that the odd gold rock might have been a lucky find.

A few weeks ago now; circa pp ('pre Paige') as this is how we tend to define time at the moment, we had a fantastic long weekend away in Cromwell. For the first time we explored Bannockburn; enjoying a long walk amongst the old gold mining tailings, caves, dams and water races. We had no idea how much wild thyme grew in the area and it was amazing to walk amongst the thyme and to have the scent of it so strong in the air. We also came across an amazing ruin of an old cottage where we stopped for lunch. The fruit trees dating from the 1800's still fruit. The brothers who owned the cottage and lived in the area were smart and ahead of their time. They did not chase wealth through gold, they secured the water supply and then sold the water from their reservoir to the miners. Smart boys!!









No trip to Cromwell would be complete without the chance to get back on the rail trail. Taking the bikes away now (all 5 of them) is just part of the standard packing routine. Here we are with the Campbells ready to depart from Thurlow to head off to Lauder and them to Omakau and eventually for Alana and me to Chatto Creek 28km from where we set off. A great ride!

Alana and Danielle with Paige

We have been so proud of how all our kids have welcomed Paige into our family. Here is a great shot of Alana enjoying a cuddle!

Here, Danielle enjoys the opportunity to feed Paige.

"Maid Marion" of the new millenium

She shoots!
She scores!
10 points for Alana =)

Yay!!!

Year 6 camp ! =-)

These are some photos of me and my friends at Bannockburn camp.

Josie, Rebekah and Alana

Newest Addition to the Family

Just to let you know that we have welcomed another member to the family for a short time. Her name is Paige and she is 3 months old (although her adjusted age is 6weeks as she was actually 6-7 wks premature). CYF rang us on Friday asking us to take her short term and we agreed. She arrived on Saturday. She is staying with us until mid/late January while they assess extended family for the role of caring for her long term. She is adorable and is winning our hearts already. She hasn't attached well to her Mum so we are working hard at helping her feel secure and loved. Life is never dull in the Donkin Family. Here is a photo of Samuel feeding her.