More photos from the proud parents

Satisfied little boy


Granddad and David


Oma and Grandson. Asleep after first outing in the car.


Holding Mum's thumb

David's first days at home

Tired David going to sleep

Wide awake at playtime:

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Beautiful feet!

First walk around the neighbourhood - great way to go to sleep

First bath -very relaxing

...and then there were three

The lastest little Bouman is out! David Willem Bouman arrived on 11 November at 8:33pm weighing 3.9 kg (or 8lb 9oz). And what we all want to see ... the photos:

Queenstown get-away

We recently spent a very relaxing long weekend in Queenstown - had a great view from our hotel room looking out over the lake and on to the Remarkables. The flight down was spectacular - looking out over the mountains and lakes of the central South Island and certainly a lot quicker than the 7 hour drive! We managed to spend a lot of time doing not very much, apart from eating at regular intervals throughout the day and enjoying the stunning scenery.

It was still very cold in Queenstown, so we were delighted to return to spring in full bloom in Christchurch - truly the Garden City at this time of year...

30 weeks photo

30 weeks pregnant today! Here's a photo of the ever-expanding bump for those who are interested... we're slowly collecting everything for the 'nursery' and have survived our first antenatal class (but have THE video next week to look forward to!). It feels like this baby has been coming for a while now, but still 10 more weeks or so to go.

Bebe bump

We recently went to a charity ball (through Reuben's work)... Thought some of you might like to see the bebe bump! And what a handsome father-to-be! :)

Bun in the Oven

Hi everyone, just in case Katie's rapidly expanding belly hasn't already given it away, we are very excited to announce that we are having a baby! Baby Bouman is due in early November, and is already making it's presence known with boisterous kicking and elbowing-action...

Below is the most recent pictorial evidence of our wee one (for those who are scan-novices, baby is lying on its back - look for the (oh-so-cute) button nose on the right for a 'landmark'!). Feet and other crucial bits and pieces are not in the picture - despite some suggestions otherwise - and we're resisting the urge to find out if baby is a boy or girl, so will wait patiently (or otherwise) for all to be revealed in November :)

Weekend in Akaroa with homegroup

We spent a great weekend recently with homegroup in Akaroa.
Lots of relaxing and eating done!


Us with Anne, Matt, Drew, Vania, Rose, and Blase.

And for the record: Vegemite wins over marmite every time... :)

Easter at the Sounds

We joined Reuben's parents for a very relaxing sun-soaked Easter break at Duncan Bay, Tennyson Inlet in the Marlborough Sounds. We sense this was our last fling with summer before the cold sets in... Plenty of bush walks and compulsory holiday-feasting (including a celebratory gorge of chocolate easter eggs for Reuben after giving up chocolate for lent this year).

Reuben's dragonboating

Reuben enjoyed a dragonboating season this year, with the Beca "Crew-saders" team impressing the regulars with their beginners skill...

Akaroa

With Marisa and Nick over from England for Mike and Carley's Wedding, we decided to enjoy a long weekend together in lovely Akaroa.

A good time was had by all with some of the highlights being:
-The beauty of the Eastern Bays with seals and all (Hickory Bay below)
-Swiming with the Dolphins
-General relaxing

Michael and Carley's Wedding

Reuben's Brother (Michael) married Carley on Waitangi Day (6th of Feb).
We didn't get many photo's but here's before and after shots:





Congratulations Mr and Mrs Bouman the 4th!

Christmas break

We had the Wilson family all together for Christmas. Unfortunately it was not the greatest weather, but we still had fun relaxing in Akaroa.

Here is a family photo outside the French Farm winery:



Zara found many willing admirers and friends to play with...

A two-year-old's birthday party

Back in NZ and travelling again already!
We spent the weekend in Auckland celebrating Zara's 2nd birthday with family...


The Birthday girl with Aunty Lizzy.


With cousin Claudia gorging on birthday cupcakes. The family at North Head.


The latest addition to the Wilson household (Monty).

We have been settling in to our new flat in Christchurch and getting used to working again.

Portugal

We are currently recovering from the 'traumas of travel' with Janet in Lisbon, enjoying homely comforts such as home-cooked meals, lots of fruit and vegetables, freshly laundered clothes, and luxurious sleeping and bathroom arrangements!

We were very excited to have Cherry join us in Lisbon for a long weekend, and enjoyed having someone else sight-seeing with us after being on our own for so long. One day we went to Sintra - a lovely town with a Moorish castle crowning the hillside and several royal palaces. This is apparently where the royalty took their vacations and is particularly pleasant because of the lush foliage. We also went on a day trip to Óbidos - a walled village with charming white-washed walls accented with azure blue and golden yellow. After exploring the streets we sampled a local cherry flavoured liquor presented in a chocolate 'cup'.

In Lisbon itself we have explored the Castelo de São Jorge on the hill, the monastery and Torre (tower) of Belém, and the Commerce Square where royalty and ambassadors used to arrive at the city from the river. Reuben and Cherry also sampled a Portugese meal called a Francesinha. This, as Janet accurately described it, is a 'heartattack on a plate': steak, ham, and sausage sandwiched in a big bun with melted cheese poured over the top and topped by a fried egg. mm mmmmm.

It is a strange feeling to be nearing the end of our trip: we are both so looking forward to returning home, but feel sad that our much anticipated travels have nearly come to an end. Travelling is so exciting and gains you access to the most amazing places and experiences, but also comes at a cost to your personal comfort which can become quite hard after weeks on end. It will be with mixed emotions therefore that we start our journey homeward soon.


View of one of the royal palaces at Sintra - note the cool oversized chimneys for the kitchens!


Óbidos.