Tuesday 25 November 2014

The start of sports



The End of the year approaches and school is nearly out. I New Zealand this marks the start of the spring/summer transition. With our daughter about to embark on her schooling next year, we felt it was time to introduce her, and our younger boy to what will hopefully become an important fixture in their lives: sports. 

Athletics seemed like a good start and the nearby town runs a great little group on a Wednesday night. Our son loves the running and he always sleeps well afterwards. 


Friday 10 October 2014

Monday 25 August 2014

Building a hen-house on a shoestring budget

"Look! They laid an egg!" 
When we were told that we were being given six laying hens, we imagined it would be an easy task getting a henhouse and all of a sudden we'd be getting eggs each morning. No worries.

First of all, the henhouses and runs on trade me and other websites were in the range of $300 and more, plus they were tinny and barely fit three hens. We were going to need to build our own.

The early stages: Still in two parts
After looking a few examples off various blogs we follow, we decided on a simple run and a basic hutch with a door; big enough to fit an old shelf unit which would serve as the nesting area. Using materials we scavenged of the farm and corrugated steel left over from the shed, we were only left with the purchase of some wood and mesh.

The actual construction took a few hours over a couple of afternoons. Transporting it on the back of the trailer down to it's current position was probably the biggest challenge.

It still has a lot to be done; most notably more wood for the door and walls, but we'll get around to that in time. For now it serves it's purpose as a super-budget henhouse and the eggs are rolling in :)

Thursday 14 August 2014

Monday 28 July 2014

Farmstead Workhorse

The red land-train
Our farmstead workhorse; transportation, towing and man-toy for the lads.

It's a Suzuki 250 quad-rider that we picked up cheap to be able to tow our little red trailer around the farm. Even though it's only 2-wheel drive, it's proved the perfect little ATV for our purposes.

Sunday 6 July 2014

Lucas starts swimming

 Lucas has finally started his swimming lessons.

Evie is more than happy to watch for the sidelines after her swim.



Evies last day at Kindy

Due to us moving house Evie is having to leave George Street Kindy and move to Tuakau Kindy.
 Kathy, Helen, Janene, Lisa and Annette have all looked after Evie so well and given her such a great start. She can write her own name, count to 20 and has learnt lots of social skills there.
The benefit of Tuakau Kindy is that I get to bring her to school and steal kisses from her at lunchtime.
The staff at Tuakau seem lovely too so I know she will be in good hands.
The move also means saying goodbye to Evies best friend Charlotte. Luckily I am friends with her Mum and we have planned some play dates in Pukekohe at the local McDonalds.

Evie with Kathy and Helen


Evie and Charlotte 

Sunday 18 May 2014

Day out at Devonport


It was a beautiful Autumn Day today and Paul was helping out on a film set so we decided to get out in the sunshine.
We caught the ferry from Half Moon Bay to Auckland Harbour. We then changed ferries and arrived in Devonport. 

The Kids on the Ferry

Once in Devonport we walked up the top of Mount Victoria and enjoyed the beautiful views. 


Then we walked down the hill and had lunch is a pub garden and the kids enjoyed the playground. It was so much fun watching Evie and Lucas play together and Evie help him up to the top tunnel so they could go down together. He adores her and will follow her anywhere.
At 3.00pm we caught the Ferry back to Half Moon Bay. A fantastic day. Thanks Becks, Henry, Anita and Diarra for joining us today. 

Saturday 26 April 2014

Easter Holiday Fun


Paul went away for Easter walking the Tongiriro Crossing so I decided to take the kids on a road trip to Rotorua. We invited Aunty Becks, Henry and Anita and Diarra (her international students)
While down there we went up the Gondola, had a Luge ride down the mountain and caught the chairlift back up. We also went to Rainbow Springs and saw a kiwi up close and we lived the log flume splash ride. We also went to Whakawerawera village and saw a cultural show. The highlight was watching Evie and Lucas have a try with the poi. Evie was actually quite good.
Evie on the Gondola 

Us on the chair lift


Poi practice 

Friday 21 March 2014

The outdoors


As much as we are a techno family we also like getting outdoors.
We have a family hobby called Geocaching basically it's using satellite co-ordinates to find hidden treasures. Well 2 dollar shop presents but the kids love looking for treasure. We also like bike riding at Botanic gardens with the kids. 
Both our kids love tree climbing and do it at every opportunity.

Friday 14 March 2014

Sunday 2 March 2014

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Cousin Love



Emma and Abby came up at Christmas time and spent some time with the kids. Lucas and Evie love them so much and it is so special seeing how close they are.
They actually are a real help for us parents as they do lots if the running around after the kids.

Friday 17 January 2014

Thursday 16 January 2014

Thursday 9 January 2014

Lucas Turns two

On January 6th it was Lucas Birthday. We all went to Rainbows End and had a fun day with "Nana and Poppa" and "Nana and Grandpa".
Lucas was a bit short to go in the roller coaster at Kids Kingdom and he was most upset. 
All the kids 
Lucas driving
Lucas packing a sad when he realized he was too short.

Here is a video of the day.




Sunday 5 January 2014

Lucas' 2nd Birthday

Camping holiday 2013

First time campers. We decided to take the plunge with the kids. Lucas was nearly 2 and Evie 3.5 years. We bought a 3 room tent and all that we thought we needed and headed to a Top10 campsite in Hot Water Beach for New Years. Becks and Craig were staying in a cabin plus friends of theirs Kelly and Jason. 
It was an amazing time. The kids got used to staying up a bit later, and we had some awesome family time creating new memories as well as spending time with good friends. 
Excited to make this an annual event.
Our car packed to the rafters. We had the gazebo and suitcases on the roof rack too. After this trip we will be better at knowing what we do and don't need.
Our set up

The boys