Schools out for summer

Barneys now finished school. The lead up was filled with activity. Wednesday night saw the school prizegiving at the big hall in Longbeach for a 2 hour - yes we kid you not 2 hour long - prizegiving. We think they thanked everybody right down to the pet rabbit brought in on pet day in October. At 9pm the ceremony was over and then the supper began. We have learnt that in NZ no function is complete without a plate and food. Might explain why there are so many amply proportioned people in the community. We had had enough by then and ducked out quickly after saying our hellos.

Last day of school decamped to Lake Hood for a day of water sports. The usual parents and families to provide all the transport, supervision, equipment, such as boats, jetskis, kayaks, donuts, biscuits and hot dogs (everything here is about food it seems). Barney, being 13 now and so much a grown up didn't need any adult supervision so that let Jenn off the hook. She and Jack cycled up after lunch to show willing and supportively making the right noises. Jenn also got to say thank you and goodby to Barneys awesome teacher, Mrs Jackie Quinlan. She is the best teacher in the world. ever says Barney. We wish her luck with the baby in 2011.

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