Baptism by very warm day

We thought while we were in Ashburton we would have Jack baptised. I think it's nice that we were able to do it in the same church we were married in and with all the Wood family around us. I didn't wanted to keep it low key so we didn't really invite anyone (sorry to those who missed out).

Jack's godparents are Vanessa's brother Harvey and my sister Karen.


Jack takes Baptism in his stride

After the ceremony we went back to Ted and Pearl's for a few drinks and nibbles. It was a lovely warm day and so we got to sit outside and chat for quite a while. Ted and Pearl are great hosts and looked after us all well.


Proud grandparents

Christmas in Ashburton

We spent Christmas in Ashburton with Vanessa's parents. Most of her family had flown in too, so it was a very full, and often quite noisy, house.

Christmas day started with the usual early morning wakeup call from the children. Then after a hearty breakfast we went off to Church. After Church we exchanged presents. Jack got lots of lovely clothes, toys and a few books for us to read to him.


Future All Blacks (plus V and Damian)




Christmas Lunch

Family gathering

While in Ashburton and Christchurch we got the chance to catch up with friends and show Jack off to everyone. It was also a time for Jack to meet the Wood family.

Jack got to meet his Wood cousins. Jed (the little blondie) loved holding Jack and was very careful with him. If Jack remembers Patrick it will be as the loud one of the two.


Grandad and grandsons


Damian gets to grips with his new nephew

Vanessa's parents have kept the original pram they used for Vanessa and her siblings so Jack was walked around town in a family heirloom. It was surprisingly light but not as maneuverable as a three wheeler. We took it with us to Caroline Bay in Timaru. The boys went swimming and then we saw Patsy Rigger singing. Yee-hah.


Relaxing at Caroline Bay

Lunch at Landcare

While in NZ we stopped in at my old work to catch up with a few people. We gatecrashed the Xmas lunch but all was forgiven because we brought a baby.