Frank and Lola Bacarella

Hi again everyone and Happy New year. We wanted to introduce you to the new additions to the Bacarella family...Frank and Lola (all Parrotheads are smiling at the moment). We got them this morning and they have fit right in to the family. They are 8 weeks old and, in stride, have taken quite a beating from the kids so far. I'm sure you'll be hearing more about these two rascals in 2009. Take care and be safe!

Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Hi again everyone,

Here are the latest pictures from Christmas day and Boxing Day. The weather was beautiful BOTH days! We had a BBQ breakfast on Christmas morning and then went to a picnic on Boxing Day. Santa was great to the kids and everyone had a good time. It's New Years Eve here at the moment and we have nothing planned really. We may go to the beach for fish n' chips, but that's about it. I may even be able to make it until midnight...we'll see.

Anyway, Happy New Year to everyone and look for more updates in 2009.

Merry Christmas 2008

Hi everyone,

Well, if you are reading this from the states then it probably sounds kind of silly, but too bad...it's Christmas here! Actually, I am writing this on Christmas Eve but that's okay. We had a great day today, waiting for Santa. We ended up going strawberry picking and had family over for pizza dinner. We have also been tracking where Santa has been...he was having cocoa in the north pole when Talor and Layla went to bed.

Anyway, Santa came early tonight due to the fact that the kids went to bed and are sleeping well. He came and had a beer with me (dad) and shot the breeze while putting the presents out. I took some photos to show everyone...this is what Talor and Layla will be waking up to in a couple of hours...pretty cool really.

Anyway, Merry Christmas to everyone and have a great holiday. More updates to come soon.

Love,

The Bacarellas

A New Zealand Christmas

Hi again everyone,

Below are a few photos of our Kiwi Christmas happening at the moment. We went to the Blockhouse Bay Santa Parade where we ate ice cream and watched for Santa. We also put up our Christmas tree, which Talor loved to decorate and Layla loved to take apart. Overall, the weather has been pretty good and we are looking forward to Santa's arrival. Merry Christmas everyone!

Last week Friday was the last day of school for the year...what a relief. It was also the day that we drove to Lake Taupo to spend the weekend. A fellow English teacher wasn't able to use it until the following Monday, so she gave it to us for the weekend. It was right on the lake, it had a pool and two hot tubs, and the weather was fantastic the whole weekend! The kids absolutely loved the water and it was hard to get Talor out EVERYDAY!

There were also kayaks and other toys to use, so Talor and I took a bit of a paddle out to check out the boats that were anchored just off shore. Overall, we had a wonderful weekend and got lots and lots of sun. Now it's just time to enjoy the summer break!

Take care everyone and stay in touch when you can. Also, if you haven't already, dowload Skype in order to stay in touch, free of charge, online. It's great, and definitely worth it. Happy holidays...check this space as the holidays come closer...I'll try to update it a bit more often.

Talor Jonathon's 3rd Birthday

Hi everyone,

On November 25, 2008 Talor turned three years old. We celebrated his birthday a few days earlier (a shared party with Layla too) with friends and family and then had Nana, Grumpy, Aunt Amanda and Uncle Rowan over for dinner on the actual day. Talor got very spoiled and had a very good time. Thanks to everyone for their generosity towards both kids.

A few days after the kids' birthdays we spent an evening at the zoo. Every year they throw a big party and have Santa come in. There is live music and lots of games and treats. This year was the third year that we have attneded and we had a blast once again. The zoo continues to be one of Talor and Layla's most favorite places. Here are some highlights from the night.