White Sands Holiday Retreat

After boxing day we snuck away with the Walton-Frances for four nights at White Sands Resort to simply have a few days of relaxation. This place is quickly becoming one of Jodie's favourite relaxation places. Made easier by the fact that the kids have a ball with so many outdoor things to do and places to explore. Not sure that everyone would call it relaxing with shore line exploration, cruising the ponds of the inner reef, snorkeling, surfing, swimming in both the ocean and pool, then there was the ball games and obstacle course Dom set up just to name a few things. We took turns in cooking dinner on the first two nights and then we snuck off to another resort for their show and dinner on our third night. Also as dedicated Hashers we made the trip back into town for Hash on Thursday followed by dinner out before returning for our usual night activities like crab hunting and drinks on the beach. Ahh...... bubbles, sand and stars, is there any better way to finish your day off?

The crew with the view from our Fale.

We explored the coast line at high tides and the reef at low tides. Not that Jodie could get lost in these shorts!

Jodie and Dyl relaxing at the waters edge in a natural rock seat.

One day Dyl found his own special little cave along the coast.

Thanks to Nation Geographic channel Dyl was all over this Spanish Dancer.

The sunset view at low tide was just magical.

Drinks and music on the beach was the best way to finish each and every day.

Em putting a few dollars on the dancer at the dinner show! Now that she knows some moves she (and mum) appreciate it so much more.

A funky shot of the Poi's with a time lapse.

Lyndon mucking around in the inside surf. He spent most of the day (high tide) pushing the kids onto the waves on their boogie boards.

On our last morning, the 31st we celebrated Nessy's actual birthday. Hannah knocked these up while the rest of us did Hash, what a treat.

Boxing Day Adventure

After missing out on our Christmas day sailing adventure we were lucky enough to get the call from Marcus and Deb, jobs on! We loaded up the boat in the sunshine but by the time we left the dock it was black clouds on the horizon. The decision was made to sail to Pangi and ride out the weather. Once anchored everyone swam ashore and then the sun came out. The call went out and a few more friends came over for the day. By late arvo the seas had dropped off enough that the boys bonded and took the boat out for a sail. At the end of the day and as part of Hash tradition a group of us walked home from the Island at low tide. The kids had a ball finding little critters every step of the way.

Jodie, Deb and the kids enjoying the storm clouds over Fafa Is, out front.

All ashore who's swimming ashore!

Lyndon relaxing aft rowing the kids out to the wreck for a jump and swim around.

Some of the crowd leaving Pangi for the walk home.

Lyndon ensuring he was hydrated before they left. He figured there was enough water so he thought a beer was a good idea.

Just a sample of the kids finds! Which also included 3 & 4 legged versions, blue and black ones.

Sea slugs where a treat too. Just ask Nessy.

Dyl found this strange little sea cucumber and Em thought she found a clam which turned out to be a cool crab much to her surprise when she tried to pick him up.

Our 1st Christmas in TONGA

Merry Christmas to one and all!!! This year we started off the night before Christmas and all was quiet (we wish) No really, Jodie cooked up a magnificent feast (a different meal for each child and then ours, how spoilt) then we all moved out into the compound. Lyndon had set up the projector in the shed and everyone gathered to watch "Polar Express" & "The Grinch" a big treat seeing we have no cinema's in Tonga. Sam and Dave supplied the interval entertainment with fireworks. We finished around midnight so it was straight off to bed. Xmas day came late as we were lucky parents and got a sleep in for the first time. Possibly due to the fact the kids were up so late and simply flogged? The kids ripped through all their pressies from over the waters. Thanks again for the pressies and the kids where so shocked to see so many goodies under the tree.

Jodie knocked up a cracker of a meal. Air con was required it was that hot in the house though.

The heavens opened half way through the first movie so we reversed the screen and sat inside.

Tim thought the first one was a dud. Try again Dad................

Much improved Dave.

Sam with his safety pluggers and squint. Not to mention going off with a big bang. Fireworks bring out the kid in everyone and even more so when you can let them off yourself.

The tree the night before the kids.

The next morning though and after the BBQ breakfast - Ozzy style, it was time to kick back and relax as our planned sailing trip around the harbour was delayed for 24hrs due to bad weather. Lunch consisted of left overs and drop ins from friends through out the afternoon with heaps of time spent in and around the pool just cooling down.

The kids were all smiles! As all kids are on Christmas day and the more they smiled the more we did!

The compulsory family shot.

Jodie and Rochelle kicking back with some bubbles to celebrate Christmas, Jodie style.

Lyndon thought he might build some little human pyramids, with Em and Moo. Jodie, where's my Xmas shoulder massage!!

Another Hectic Month

During the month we had a few other smaller incidents and outings. We had our first loss in the chook house poor DYEM passed due to a growth. But the kids took it in their stride and made her a tomb stone in the garden.

DYEM's resting place.

Jodie was very excited to have her kitchen back and celebrated by baking for three days straight.

Dylan receiving his end of year certificate from the principle.

Em's turn to receive her certificate.

A quick photo shoot with Miss Hailala for the 2011 Jason's Tourist Magazine.

Jodie and Annie went and supported John at his Christmas Auction. Jodie also came home very happy as the proud owner in part shares of a 9kg $390 smoked ham on the bone.

Lyndon returning in from his surf (esky lid riding) out the back as Jodie and the kids played inside the reef.

Yvanne came along for the day but we suspect he wasn't quite ready for the worldly advice from Dylan "The Slater" Quirke.

Christmas sees the numbers drop off at Hash but Em and Georgia came up with the goods for the die hard Hashers.

Another night hanging out at the Fishing club, this time to see and support our friend Eva (second on the left) as she took out the title as the TIGFA Best female fisherman. Tony must have been a good skipper??

Em's OTS Stage Fright Performance

It was time for the girls end of year performance and as usual they were all very excited. With costumes on and faces painted they were ready to rip up the dance floor and so they did. The challenge is an open invitation for whoever wishes to perform. In true Tongan style though they started a little late and ran over but it was another great night with heaps of entertainment. The girls opened the music challenge followed by a few individual efforts, a two man guitar show and a few lip sinks which had everyone in stitches. In conclusion they finished the night off with an all in dance fest.

As usual the Judo hall comes in handy as the stage with the girls taking centre stage.

Our little princess all spruced up.

The entire OTS dance troop including instructors.

Yvanne improvising as the mic stand!

This performance was amazing with these two guys playing the one song.

To finish the night off the crowd joined in for a free for all dance. Another great night of home grown entertainment.

End of Year Farewells

It's that time of the year and everyone was leaving this week, we saw off Bruce (Aust High Commissioner), The Simpsons (our neighbours) and on a shorter term the Mekee's (Rugby John, DD and kids) and the Cvetko's (John, Annie and Clancy). Apparently it is a normal thing for people to get off the Island for the festive season. During the weeks functions though we had a few high profile visitors for the AFL people - the U/17 Boomerang's here for the South West Pacific games along with a few ring in's visiting family and friends - being Willy Mason and Israel Falau. Sal and Lincoln were very excited not so much Lyndon.

Jodie put on a great spread for the big people and the kids ate in the other room.

Santa even visited at the High Comm Xmas party. The kids aren't too old, just yet but Santa did have a bung leg.

Our Tongan 007 - Bruce the High Commissioner, heading straight out after his farewell speech.

The Boss said a few words for Joe before he headed off too.

The Boomerang boys showed off their Aboriginal Haka, they did very well during the weeks competition with some scores in the hundred's.

The big men at another Navy base Christmas function.