It was a fabulous afternoon at Shona McFarlane for one of the first of our Ryman village’s 2021 family fun days.
Whether it was watching the fun from the side-lines or having a go at the cup-cake decorating everyone enjoyed themselves at this sunny Lower Hutt event.
Every summer Ryman villages throughout the country and Australia turn on the fun and invite residents and their families to a special day for children at the village.
Shona McFarlane village, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, decided a ‘Bob the Builder’ theme would be appropriate this year!
Under the careful eye of real builders, residents and the young ones hammered nails into a specially built stand for the ‘Built’ team who are working on the village and received a prize for their efforts.
For those a little younger or who needed a break from the heat, a ‘Bob the Builder’ video was playing on the lounge television, face-painting was popular and some interesting artistic exploits using shaving foam and food colouring were also on offer.
Outside, mini electric cars were a big hit with those who don’t usually get behind the wheel, and for anyone feeling a little peckish, the village gardeners were like a smoothly oiled machine turning out their famous ‘Shona McMuffins’ for the hungry mouths.
Slip, slop, slap was encouraged, hats were worn and lots of water was available to keep everyone well hydrated.
Most of all it was heart-warming to hear the laughter and see the smiles of the residents delighted to see their grandchildren and great-grandchildren and extended families enjoying the party day.