[leslie]

while scrubbing the kitchen counter it suddenly occurred to me that it would be a very nice thing to fill our house with other nz wannabees, even if only for an evening/ afternoon. we could order in pizza/ indian etc, i could supply the nibb's and we could chat viva new zealand (i could show doubters my life-in-nz photo album, which even with my bad photography may put paid to a doubt or two). likely by then i will know shipping details etc. we could pass info around and laugh at/ vent our impatience. there is a respectable £65/ pn hotel across the bridge for anyone interested in coming from afar (christmas shopping in london...).

anyone interested? when would be a good time? (sat/ sun, day/ eve, nov/ dec)

our house is by river in putney sw15, between city centre and A3 - easy to get to AND you can park!!!.

[mcec]

Kidz included?

Only have to come from Streatham, other 1/2 is a Kiwi native.

[kiwidebs]

We'd come from Bromley. I'm Kiwi, hubby is English. Def up for it if it was a weekend day time thing so we could bring the kids.

Debs

[leslie]

kids are good (incidently - 5 excellent toy stores in sw15 - could be v timely). we have grumpy soon2b 14 yr old girl and 17 month old boy. max has trashed both vcr's and the tv in past 3 weeks so there is not much that can go wrong.

[kiwidebs]

Ah, then Max and Cameron (17 months!!) will get along just fine. Gemma (3 going on 33) will prob just sit on my knee (hiding her face) the whole time! Will talk to Hubby when he gets home and see if we can suggest some weekends.

Debs

[mcec]

A weekend would be great, just need good advance notice due to work commitments, working until the end.
1 boy 4yrs + 1 baby 3 months.
I have my residency visa, via wife, and children already have Brit/Kiwi passports. I have done all the research on removal companies / pet transport, just awaiting sale of house. Previous buyer pulled out after 8 weeks having paid for survey.
We are looking to settle in the Wellington area, as Lesley is from that area originally.

[leslie]

with young kiddies in mind suggest pref - lunch on a sat/ sun, or late aft on same?

[kiwidebs]

Hi Leslie, sorry haven't been around much this week. Yup, Sat/Sun lunch or afternoon tea would be a great idea. We're busy the next couple of weekends but should be free after that.

Debs

[sarahw]

Sounds good - if we can make the date you decide on we'll be along.

[mcec]

Yes, just set the date and time.

[leslie]

if it works for you sunday december 12 is good for us. say 2pm onward. we'll have drinks, nibbles at hand and when we get hungry we can order in. with a little luck babes can sleep upstairs as and when necessary. smalls can play in garden/ park or feed the ducks at the river. will sequester 14 year old and friend just in case. on-street parking easy. looking forward to it...

[mcec]

Will consult the 'oracle' to confirm this is good.

[kiwidebs]

Sounds great - will run it past my other 'alf just to be on the safe side and get back to you.

Debs

[leslie]

looks like the date will be december 12, 2-ish. pls email for directions/ further details. look forward to meeting everyone and to those who cannot come this time we'll do it same time next year - on the beach!!!

[kiwidebs]

Hi Leslie

Sorry to take so long to get back to you - we've had bugs in our house, of the tummy kind (me, hubby and 3 year old - somehow the 1 year old dodged it!!), so not been on the PC much.
Um, Mark is unfortunately busy that day - his local squash club Xmas thing, but if you don't mind a Kiwi and two little half kiwis coming without the Englishman we'd still love to take you up on your invitation!

Debs

[leslie]

nice. maybe we should lose the hubs to park with a few cigars and kiddies for an hour or two. there might be a message in this. long live squash...

[mcec]

Leslie & Stas,

A big thanks for letting us use your home for the small gathering yesterday. :nice1 I'm just sorry we didn't get around to all the food on offer!

I know we learnt new stuff for the big move and you never know our paths may cross again even if we plan to be at opposite ends of the island.

Have a good Xmas,

Marco, Lesley, Nicolas & baby Alexander

[leslie]

the afternoon went too quickly... the children were better than could have been hoped for - absolutely brilliant. we still can't get over the baby and cannot believe i forgot the french tart! thank you for coming, bringing info etc. hope we all meet up again - great if it could be under the nz sun sometime this decade (hi nzis - get your skates on). i will post anything useful that comes this way. meanwhile, happy holidays everyone.

stas, leslie (lindsay) and max

[kiwidebs]

Leslie, Stas, Lindsay and Max

Thank you so much for the hospitality. It was lovely to meet up with you and hopefully we'll meet up again. If not before the big move then when we get to Auckland.

Leslie, Marco, Nicholas and Alexander

It was lovely meeting you guys too. And so nice to hear a Kiwi accent Leslie. Have PM'ed you my e-mail. Coffee in the Glades after Xmas?

Debs, Gemma and Cameron