We had arranged to arrive in Arrowtown at 12:00 to meet the Dixon family and to see their new home. We were delayed a little by lots of roadworks on the Gibbston Valley road and the weather was mixed but we still arrived only 15 mins late. Dave, Jess, Isla and Oli have a lovely new house on the outskirts of Arrowtown which is very convenient for both Dave and Jess at their respective work places. There was a snap decision for 4 of us, Dave, Isla and R&R to cycle into town to give Oli some rest and to allow Jess some time off. Isla lead the way and she was hurtling along the track, her little legs absolutely whirring. We dodged any rain but as soon as we arrived at the restaurant, it threw it down but luckily we were at an outside but under cover table so perfectly dry.
Isla wanted the fish and chips for three reasons, she likes fish and chips, there is a free ice lolly for all children finishing their lunch, and she knows that if she can’t finish them there will be others to help her clear the plate.
We had a lovely lunch and Isla successfully won her ice lolly prize. We peered at the clouds and since the rain had stopped decided to make a dash back to the house. This was timed to perfection as the rain held off until about 10 minutes after we arrived. The new Dixon abode is incredibly well insulated and we were oblivious to the gale force wind and torrential rain that followed in the next couple of hours. Oli was well and truly awake when we returned and toy after toy was uncovered for our pleasure. He was particularly taken with a new toy tool set and loved wearing the safety helmet, although in the vogue with baseball caps, preferred it back to front.
Isla occupied Rosemary for a good two hours playing doctors and patients and the two of them were inseparable.
Supper time for the children went well and adults were allowed a glass of Rose whilst keeping up with the kids. However, once bedtime was mentioned Oli had a bit of a tantrum; OK a lot of a tantrum. Eventually, the earth stopped shaking and he did go off to bed. Isla's turn next and this involved innumerable stories being read and all of the adults were required to take their turns. Eventually enough was enough and Isla reluctantly agreed to go to bed but did appear at the door for a few more times before going to sleep.
We had a lovely dinner with Dave & Jess, enjoyed excellent food, solved most of the worlds problems and drank rather too much Pinot Noir. Driving back to Cromwell was out of the question so the Jackson's slept in the camper van parked on the Dixon's drive. It was a really cold night, dropping to 4C, but we were very warm and snug in our cosy bed.
Isla wanted the fish and chips for three reasons, she likes fish and chips, there is a free ice lolly for all children finishing their lunch, and she knows that if she can’t finish them there will be others to help her clear the plate.
We had a lovely lunch and Isla successfully won her ice lolly prize. We peered at the clouds and since the rain had stopped decided to make a dash back to the house. This was timed to perfection as the rain held off until about 10 minutes after we arrived. The new Dixon abode is incredibly well insulated and we were oblivious to the gale force wind and torrential rain that followed in the next couple of hours. Oli was well and truly awake when we returned and toy after toy was uncovered for our pleasure. He was particularly taken with a new toy tool set and loved wearing the safety helmet, although in the vogue with baseball caps, preferred it back to front.
Isla occupied Rosemary for a good two hours playing doctors and patients and the two of them were inseparable.
Supper time for the children went well and adults were allowed a glass of Rose whilst keeping up with the kids. However, once bedtime was mentioned Oli had a bit of a tantrum; OK a lot of a tantrum. Eventually, the earth stopped shaking and he did go off to bed. Isla's turn next and this involved innumerable stories being read and all of the adults were required to take their turns. Eventually enough was enough and Isla reluctantly agreed to go to bed but did appear at the door for a few more times before going to sleep.
We had a lovely dinner with Dave & Jess, enjoyed excellent food, solved most of the worlds problems and drank rather too much Pinot Noir. Driving back to Cromwell was out of the question so the Jackson's slept in the camper van parked on the Dixon's drive. It was a really cold night, dropping to 4C, but we were very warm and snug in our cosy bed.
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