Young  Family  Website

A Summary of  2007

2007 has been a particularly busy year for us, hence the reason we have not been updating our website.  We hope this letter will update you on the years happenings.

Caitlyn turned five in May and she took to school like a duck to water.  She also started ballet lessons, however, much to Belinda’s disappointment, she quit after only one term.  Classical dance is not quite suited to her outgoing personality.  Perhaps she will give modern dance a try in 2008.  

Jamie turned eight in August.  He enjoys school and has recently advanced in reading.  He has almost finished the entire Secret Seven series in only a few months.  He has become confident riding his bike and loves to ride on the go-kart that he and Gary built together.  He would like to learn to play the guitar in 2008.

Melissa turned 26 in March.  She is still living in Auckland, working as an Executive Assistant for an investment company and has recently moved in to an apartment on her own in the city.

Belinda made a big change this year, deciding to give up work to go to university full time.  She is doing a Bachelor of Education, specialising in early childhood teaching.  She has already completed year one of the three year degree, passing all eight papers with top marks.  In doing so, she has become eligible to apply for a merit scholarship which will give her financial assistance in her final two years.  As she is now on summer holiday she decided to redecorate Jamie’s bedroom – out with the nursery design and in with a young man style.  Looks cool, but now she has the painting bug and all the interior walls are the summer project.

Gary is still enjoying his role as CEO of IBANZ.  He has been quite the traveller this year with overseas trips to Singapore, Sydney, Brisbane/Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Hamilton Island as well as travel within New Zealand to the main centres and Queenstown.  

In July, we took a family holiday in Vanuatu.  We had a blast swimming, canoeing, sailing, snorkelling and lazing about drinking cocktails.  We also visited tropical gardens where we saw lots of local wide life, including a very fierce looking coconut crab.  Belinda was even brave enough to hold a Pacific Boa snake!  Caitlyn really enjoyed the activities run by the kids club and often mentions that she would like to return.  Jamie wants to go back so he can have pancakes for breakfast every morning.

That is it, in a nutshell.  Wishing you all health and happiness in 2008!

Gary, Belinda and family