2024
March
Olive
Iris
Juniper
Lyon
Zorro
Tag
Date
16 March 2024

School fair was great, kids all got $10 and off they went! They had a blast. Our plant stall sold out apart from spider plants and it was cracker of a day! Juni helped with the vege pebbles the night before, olive baked a cake and Iris made ginger crunch.
12 March 2024

Dinosaur exhibit free for Wellingtonians today. Amazing.
10 March 2024

Odettes breakfast, shopping in the open air mall, buying lipsticks and donuts, finishing the weekend with an amazing pink show.
10 March 2024

A weekend away for the pink ladies. A crazy, yet funky hostel with pod bunks and mums everywhere our age. Great dinner at Odettes.
04 March 2024

Got some fun face painting at Childspace’s 30th birthday. Followed by M&M chopstick practice for dessert!
28 February 2024

Family gathering, walk around and up the mount, with lots of pool time.
26 February 2024

Aunty Jenny’s 70th birthday party at Mount Maunganui.
18 February 2024

All five in caraban. Made for an easy packup in the morning!
18 February 2024

Battlehill for the night. Love this place. Olives request for her birthday.
17 February 2024

Sausages and bread cooked over the fire for dinner with marshmallows and honey, chocolate bread for dessert.
06 February 2024

A day trip to the sea. Chip butties, a swim, crab, sea snail and ice cream at Waikanae beach. I thought I had found a beautiful shell for our collection but discovered a little friend instead.
30 January 2024

Finally got to the zoo before the holidays finished! The snow leopards was amazing up close.
27 January 2024

And so the painting begins again… not much left but have to start with the cleaning…
26 January 2024

More blueberry picking for the coffers. Also had a surprise fledging visit which olive grabbed zorro just in time! A nest outside Olive’s window has 4 fledging!
23 January 2024

Enjoying taupo.
23 January 2024

Back to taupo for pizza and a dip.
20 January 2024

Shelly bay with stingray and a paddle.
20 January 2024

Sand play
20 January 2024

We checked out the caves around Anzac bay at low tide and met some crabbies.
20 January 2024

Katikati bird gardens, feather hunting.
20 January 2024

Morning shell hunting. Morning camp rituals.
20 January 2024

Dirty camp children
17 January 2024

A small section of the hauraki rail trail - Waihi to waikino via train and then to the karangahake gorge and 1km tunnel. 14km return. All the girls did super well. I left them and did the last section to Waihi which was a bit more hilly with rough and smooth trails but stunning scenery.
17 January 2024

A wander over to Anzac Bay
16 January 2024

Lovely walk up to the lockout and then down to Anzac cove for a gentle dip in the morning, followed by another surf swim in the afternoon.
16 January 2024

First full day of camping at Waihi beach (bowentown) got a swim in the morning, lovely and warm, rain came around midday and the kids wanted another swim in the rain, buckets down over the evening.
13 January 2024

A lake bike ride, picnic and dip.
13 January 2024

Botanical walk with z dog.
11 January 2024

Scorching bay swim and ice cream. Bliss
11 January 2024

Narnia walk with the ladies
11 January 2024

Botanical gardens concert and nature hunt
10 January 2024

Christmas Day! Potatoes in the stockings, Misty walk to the swing, bacon for breakfast and then lunch at James and Hannah.
10 January 2024

Finally got around to using my jigsaw and making some lovely shelves and desk top.
10 January 2024

Tom’s new pizza oven gets a new home
10 January 2024

Makara dun with milli
10 January 2024

New Year’s Eve pizza gathering
10 January 2024

New year day walk to the swing along the up and over walk.
10 January 2024

Backyard cricket and swing
10 January 2024

Enjoying the taupo rituals
10 January 2024

Bike ride around to 4 mile bay to our water swing and a dip. Lake was lovely, finished with a foot spa at one of the thermal streams running into the lake.
10 January 2024

Blueberry picking! Got a kilo but it was quickly all picked out! Heaps unripe ones just waiting for another week!
05 January 2024

Narnia walk
05 January 2024

Finally got to the swing bridge and to the top of Mākara peak with MJ.
05 January 2024

The great chop. Juni and iris wanted their hair cut for ages, we donated Juni’s to a wig company it was that long! She is loving the short cut.
05 January 2024

It’s nutty time. Iris helped with the traditional nuts
05 January 2024

White Christmas? Random hail and zorro and I got caught without a car for pickup.
05 January 2024

Dance show, iris and Juni both performed and it was great. Super proud getting up in front of everyone.
22 December 2023

Loopy bush walk
22 December 2023

Christmas tree decorating! Having missed last years, it was nice to get it out early.
22 December 2023

Gardening bliss for my birthday
22 December 2023

Tinakori reserve explore this morning with my two men. Lovely view at the top.
22 December 2023

Wreath making
22 December 2023

Flower and dog
22 December 2023

All hallows Eve on friend st. First year we have done it and it was by far the busiest. Very fun.
22 December 2023

Petone beach walk and dinner
22 December 2023

Zobie one
22 December 2023

Finding our garden again… nice to have some flowers again
22 December 2023

Grandads beautiful rock box for olive is finally on a wall! Looks stunning.
26 November 2023

A dog park walk with Oli.
26 November 2023

zobie and his puddles
26 November 2023

All hallows Eve Witches at jazz
26 November 2023

A walk up wrights hill
16 November 2023

Zorro with the crazies
08 October 2023

Taupo fun
08 October 2023

Last botanical walk, followed by a wet but nice bike around the lake and a final goodbye.
08 October 2023

Mt Tauhara! 3km up 600m. Ended up being around 7km to the top and back. Kids all did amazingly. Loved the giant boulder, stream, root steps, tree elbows sticking up, hairy trees, baby canyons, an octopus’s garden, kooky spooky trees, gorillas in the mist to the top. Took about 3 hr.
04 October 2023

Botanical gardens walk in Taupo.
04 October 2023

First week of the school holidays it rained and rained but we were happy to play inside and check out the Barbie exhibition with nandad.
27 September 2023

Great silver ferns game! They got all the signatures too!
26 September 2023

Day two skiing on Cardrona.
26 September 2023

First day skiing Cardrona. Juni was awesome! Got the hang of the magic carpet and by the end of the day was skiing the chairlift.
26 September 2023

A slight detour to Mt Cook. So many walks in the area.
26 September 2023

Stayed in hanmer Springs with an outside bath in the morning surrounded by forest. Lunch at new Brighton beach in Christchurch and lake Tekapo and the old stone church for a stretch before we arrived at Twizel.
19 September 2023

We drove to Kaikōura for a spot of hot chips on the beach and some seal spotting around the peninsula. Lots of baby pups!
12 September 2023

Off on the ferry to the South Island!
12 September 2023

Half the kitchen goes to make way for the new pantry!
12 September 2023

Dress up from your favourite book… iris and I sewed how wings of fire outfit in just under 2 hours.
30 August 2023

Watercolour home day for juniper.
26 August 2023

Wicked was wicked!
20 August 2023

After a week of having shells over the breakfast bar, the kids finally came to the party and made a start of our shell collection for the bathroom wall. They went down memory lane of where the collected some of the shells too which was lovely.
20 August 2023

The mega window seat cushion is done! Maybe now some matching cushions?
18 August 2023

Started the girls mega window cushion…
18 August 2023

Super proud of my stain glass window. Started it 18months ago and finally got back to class to finish it. Now for the next one!
18 August 2023

Ruru! At 10am! Go to bed
18 August 2023

A rare moment of all three dressed up and an experiment hand model.
18 August 2023

A quick trip up to the kune. Always a quiet retreat. Kids loved the outside space and we managed the river walk to brunch.
23 July 2023

Family up and over walk. Kids getting too used to hot choc on these outings.
13 July 2023

We braved the nearly zero temperature for a wander up to Wright’s Hill look out for a spot of star gazing, sun rising and hot chocolate drinking. Managed to catch Matariki before it disappeared for another day.
10 July 2023

A fun night on the town with Turkish for dinner, a waterfront wander and kaffee eis to finish.
06 July 2023

Iris’s birthday sleepover with fondant models and a movie in the morning.
06 July 2023

Juniper’s disco party with rainbow gizmo kid decorated cake
05 July 2023

Zorro turns 2 and gets a new bone for his birthday.
25 June 2023

Cupcake making for family birthday gathering
25 June 2023

New chair!
25 June 2023

The double desk! Is complete! Really pleased with how it turned out. It was a heavy piece to move so it ain’t going anywhere now.
25 June 2023

New guitar for her birthday
22 June 2023

80s school disco. The crimper was a hit. They all had fun, Olive escaped to a friends before the disco.
20 May 2023

Juni’s art. A delight. Love the top hat and money flying around…
20 May 2023

Lounge window seat is coming along nicely!
20 May 2023

Olive’s is taking shape!
13 May 2023

Iris’ first running race, the 6k Xterra night run in Wainui with Daddy. She did really well, and enjoyed herself.
11 May 2023

3d prints are popping up all over the house including this dog lead holder for Zorro.
24 April 2023

Holiday sleepover and tie dye!
18 April 2023

We have a double bunk! No stairs but a bunk! Girls colour choices with old rimu framing repurposed (the old state lady may not haunt us) painted the floor to clean it up a bit. Now all the finishing stuff which takes 80% of the time.
16 April 2023

Makara beach foraging for driftwood handrails and shells, beautiful day for it. Zorro found a flounder and some cool snails
08 April 2023

Foxy lady neon light workshop class.
08 April 2023

Hodor. The new old door gets a new home.
08 April 2023

Hop lights… Tom saw them at a pub and just had to have them. Thanks ali.
25 March 2023

Olive’s summer netball team
25 March 2023

We used old paint (nandads rejected paint) to seal the plywood floor to make it nicer to walk on until carpet time.
25 March 2023

Weetbix tryathlon! Iris did so well!
11 March 2023

Our first night home…
11 March 2023

Matt and Amy’s wedding at Sudbury farm! Just stunning all round. Dancing, views, food and company.
11 March 2023

Electricians and beautiful skirts this week
11 March 2023

Bathroom gets waterproofed and Ravi does the tiling. Such a skill!
26 February 2023

Oh sweet gib…. You have been sitting in our garage for months and survived the wet months…
26 February 2023

We have made it to the top coat on the upper level!
26 February 2023

Dulux grandad) and Resene (poppa) joined us on the scaffold today, with Granny and Nan bring food for lunch. White windows nearly done on the upper level.
26 February 2023

Turere lodge, 4th time!
26 February 2023

More painting continues… soffit…
26 February 2023

Installation!
26 February 2023

Juni came to work day
26 February 2023

Finished the front entrance framing, Tom put the old door in for a temporary door until the old new one arrives
26 February 2023

With new carpet a while away… we decided to brighten up the stairs… with all those extra test pots
04 February 2023

First night glamping in our house!
04 February 2023

Windows! Are all in within a day!
04 February 2023

School starts!
04 February 2023

Last day before school starts!
04 February 2023

Ed Sheeran concert was epic!
01 February 2023

Bus, cable car and then botanicals for a picnic with the cousins.
01 February 2023

Kids had a day at te papa and beach with Aunty Lauren, nandad and cousins, I met them after and caught a train home with zobie… apparently dogs have to be in a cage?! First and last train trip for zobie.
27 January 2023

We have stairs!!! And reused our old doors.
08 January 2023

Korokoro dam walk was nice and easy and zobie loved the water
01 January 2023

Grandad came to the rescue and helped get the first coat of primer on the cladding. At times the job feel overwhelming but one side at a time…
01 January 2023

Carols at Ben burn park.
01 January 2023

The annual Christmas gingerbread people for the girls friends. Nan kindly baked them for the kids, extra special looking gingers this time.
01 January 2023

Roof is happening! Maybe we will get one in time for Christmas?
17 December 2022

Danish hearts were harder with the kids than first imagined… but we got there!
10 December 2022

Zobie walk up behind Ngaio playcentre up to the crows nest (meets the skyline) amazing views!
10 December 2022

Zobie walk from Karori cemetery to Wilton bush and back past the rimu tree and ended up in another part of the cemetery, got lost for a bit and then found our car! Flowers are lovely, such a nice place to walk.
04 December 2022

My little pumpkin in her first Irish Christmas show. She did so well! And her bestie Lucy.
21 November 2022

My door frame! Dave and the team got it in and off I sand it! Wood has turned out great.
21 November 2022

Never been so excited about trusses in all my life. A 6 week wait for these bad boys. Welcome to your new home. Now all I want for Christmas is a roof.
21 November 2022

T park. Zobies favorite walk
21 November 2022

Kate’s 40th a year later… who knew a Blanca party was a thing… lovely night of food, wine and laughs (and hours of dancing)
21 November 2022

Returned to toast after nearly 20 years! Marties weather didn’t disappoint even with thunder predicted… delish people, wine and food. Saturday brackenridge which was delightful to boot.

Beautiful day for filling holes and painting toilets

27 October 2022
27 October 2022

Had Rach and Andy to stay with the kiddos before the race.
27 October 2022

Tom completed another Taupo ultra trail run, so we came along for the ride.
21 October 2022

We did the skyline! 14km from nandads house to Karori park. Took just over 4 hours. Very proud of the girls, longest walk of their lives (so far)
15 October 2022

House reno continues!
14 October 2022

A walk in botanical gardens
09 October 2022

We did a horse trek in the river! Tom, olive and juni’s first time on a horse too. They smell so lovely.
09 October 2022

Hanging at the taupo house
09 October 2022

Picnic lunch and a zobie swim in the lake.
09 October 2022

We walked into town, rescued a crayfish and played chess. Beautiful day, even got some colour from the sun!
03 October 2022

Spirited woman race, the most mud I have seen in my life! Good fun, lots of cackling and fine dining, great weekend away.
28 September 2022

First disco for Juni, and olive and I had a chip date.
28 September 2022

Sara and Luke’s 40th, 80s style. So much laughing.
26 September 2022

We explored trelissick park with zobie, one day and then the next with kiddos too. Lovely walk. Zobie went crazy over the stream.
26 September 2022

Iris our little Irish dancer. So proud of our puppet getting up on stage for the first time. It was amazing!
16 September 2022

Second level joists!
16 September 2022

Framing going up quickly!
08 August 2022

Finally after weeks of rain! Our concrete slab could go in.
08 August 2022

A quick trip to get some of the snow. Only high noon open!
08 August 2022

Framing!!!
07 August 2022

Zorro and Alfie go for a swim.
23 July 2022

Because
23 July 2022

You can start to see the floor plan now! And a beautiful block wall!
23 July 2022

Our last baby starts school!
23 July 2022

Iris’s belated clip and climb pizza party. An hour of crazy climbing followed with pizza and cake. A lovely wee group of friends.
17 July 2022

Brooklyn turbine walk with the zobie.
14 July 2022

Lunch in town with daddy, lolly trading and botanical playground with roller blades…
09 July 2022

Tea party with Ivy and last gymnastics session
27 June 2022

Iris’s birthday now! Loves the kiddypow game console with a few Harry Potter things, Sushi for dinner
27 June 2022

Juniper’s fifth birthday party at Kindy. 19 kids and more adults! Juni had a blast, rainbow surprise cake, painting molds, pin the horn on the unicorn (her favourite) and pass the parcel… It may have also been a super spreader of COVID since we all got sick after.
27 June 2022

Ivy’s party! Juni’s birth buddy.
27 June 2022

Juni’s birthday. Cupcake decorating and pizza dinner.
25 June 2022

Juni’s happy last day at Kindy. She was so excited about sitting in the big chair. End of an era.
10 June 2022

Boxing out the shape of the house! Starting to take shape!!
05 June 2022

Took a morning out to knock the Northern Circuit off. Pretty epic this time of year with the snow covered alpine crossing. Tick off the old bucket list.
05 June 2022

Zorro on holiday. Settled into the swing of things.

Zorro: 11 months
Tags:  Zorro  
05 June 2022

Managed to pickup a flattie on the way to Ohakune. $30 later and all fixed up and back on the road.
04 June 2022

Ohakune old coach road to Horopito and back alone! 22km in two and a half hours. It was great but hard coming back with jelly arms and legs!
04 June 2022

A beautiful day with a river ride.
04 June 2022

A fun day at the bike park, followed by a walk into town for a milkshake and a zobie water dip.
04 June 2022

A very very rainy day in the kune. Kids got introduced to Sega.
04 June 2022

Day 5: it’s a bit of a clay mess with all the rain…
04 June 2022

Second school visit!
23 May 2022

Reno day 3: gutting the two rooms, finding 2 mummified rats and bird nests to boot. Carport roof is no more.
22 May 2022

Reno day 1: bricks up, marked out building floor levels.
19 May 2022

Girls bike weekend in the kune. Old coach road one way. Horopito to Ohakune. 22km. Lovely ride, not too hard lots of downhill through the lovely forest. Espresso martinis to celebrate.
18 May 2022

Designing our new tower office… the reno design is strong with this one…
14 April 2022

Zorro had a fun play date with Nero and managed to find a swamp at the dog park. First bath and he seemed to enjoy it.

Zorro: 9 months and 9 days
Tags:  Zorro  
08 April 2022

Waffles for breakfast followed by bead necklaces and earrings. I’m tired.
08 April 2022

Buni days

Juniper: 4 years and 9 months
Tags:  Juniper  
25 March 2022

Iris continues to love audio book Harry Potter… from her self made swing chair.

Iris: 7 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  
25 March 2022

Zobie.

Zorro: 8 months and 20 days
Tags:  Zorro  
22 March 2022

Summer netball season has come to an end. Fridays wouldn’t be so crazy for a while! Pizza at the pickle.
25 February 2022

Sunday rainy leaving day. It wasn’t too bad walking out in the rain, Juni did super well both ways and we didn’t even see our older girls. Zorro was a pulley nightmare.
25 February 2022

A sunny Saturday with swimming in the morning and then fire with marshmallows and more swimming in the afternoon.
25 February 2022

We demolished our front planters… a bit sad. Managed to save most of the plants and are reusing the soil.
25 February 2022

Our freaky frog
18 February 2022

Turere 2022 trip. Year 3.
17 February 2022

Caravan gets a shelf… and a plant.

Tags:  Rocket  
12 February 2022

Loz ziggy has turned green and absorbing his tail!
11 February 2022

Junis’ flowers keep coming

Juniper: 4 years and 7 months
Tags:  Juniper  
08 February 2022

Loz ziggy has got four legs!
08 February 2022

Two new drawers for the caravan!

Tags:  Rocket  
29 January 2022

Juni’s flowers from her garden
26 January 2022

A romantic date night at botanicals followed by a flamingo scooter ride home. So much fun!
23 January 2022

Guinea pigs come for a long visit.
21 January 2022

Poor yellowie died late today… not sure why!! He had beautiful back legs and the front ones were forming.
20 January 2022

Garden glory
18 January 2022

Scorching bay for the afternoon. So warm!
16 January 2022

Zealandia for granny’s birthday
15 January 2022

A ferry trip to days bay! Beach and pizza in the warm sun.
14 January 2022

Central Park is a beauty!
11 January 2022

Flowers
08 January 2022

Guess who grew some legs while we were away!
08 January 2022

Blueberry fields forever picking! 4kg! $22kg!
07 January 2022

Last day in Taupo. Climbed Mt Tauhara with poppa, chip buttie at the park with the cuzzies and a late drive home to Wellington.
06 January 2022

Paddle boat fun with two overboard on purpose and fun at home.
05 January 2022

Kayaking and water pillow with a delicious bacon buttie at the sails cafe.
05 January 2022

Zorro just couldn’t help himself on our short walk to the cafe, he needed a swim…

Zorro: 6 months
Tags:  Zorro  
04 January 2022

Zorro adored having Alfie around.

Zorro: 5 months and 30 days
Tags:  Zorro  
04 January 2022

More cousins join us at Taupo for sneaky f&c for dinner.
04 January 2022

Gaming it at Taupo
03 January 2022

First few days in Taupo were hot! We went to the lake everyday.
02 January 2022

Evening swim with the dogs. Zorro loved it. Furry crocodiles

Zorro: 5 months and 28 days
Tags:  Zorro  
01 January 2022

Camping fun with marshmallows
31 December 2021

Dishes before we left.
30 December 2021

Morning swim in the river
29 December 2021

Setting up camping at Kaitoke
26 December 2021

Boxing Day bbq. Great Uncle Peter and Great Aunty Pat’s famous UK pjs… we always love receiving them!
26 December 2021

Family photo mission
25 December 2021

Christmas walk before brunch
25 December 2021

Santa sacks
24 December 2021

Christmas Eve dinner…
24 December 2021

The bird dress series…
24 December 2021

The lead up to Christmas…
18 December 2021

F&c dinner on the Petone beach

“I’ll bid you good day, fine sir” Juni say goodnight, 4.

13 December 2021

Juniper: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Juniper  
09 December 2021

Gingerbread people decorating for little friends…
06 December 2021

Helped on Olive’s field trip to city gallery’ Hilma klint exhibition. Really fantastic. It’s bee. So been so long since I have been to one!

Olive: 9 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
05 December 2021

We may have bought a hodor…. To nowhere
05 December 2021

I’m 40… relaxed day with breakfast out, dog walk and cake at granny & poppa’s place. Lots of lovely messages.
01 December 2021

A lovely catch-up with school mates
27 November 2021

Rices for breakfast, beach fun followed by the aquarium. Got to see the octopus have his crab breakfast, explore the touch pool and feed the big fish. Even saw some shark eggs with brownies.

Iris: 7 years and 5 months
Tags:  Iris  
26 November 2021

Island bay aquarium sleepover! Windy but sunny. Funny exploring the rock pools, playing on the beach and pizza for dinner. I think iris and Lucia finally went to sleep about midnight…

Iris: 7 years and 5 months
Tags:  Iris  
24 November 2021

Our baby tadpoles are still alive! With 3 water snails as bonus! Now when do the legs come…
19 November 2021

Iris has got into Harry Potter! With special lantern ambiance.

Iris: 7 years and 4 months
Tags:  Iris  
19 November 2021

Train ride to j’ville and even the mall with Leo and Emma.

Juniper: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Juniper  
18 November 2021

First rogaining night with team Parka. It was really fun! Especially since it was in Ngaio! We came 24/38 teams, 90min running… came home to the boys hanging…
13 November 2021

Lead training with my side kick. Zobe also got cuddles on the bed.

Zorro: 4 months and 8 days
Tags:  Zorro  
01 November 2021

Witching hour

Zorro: 3 months and 27 days
Tags:  Zorro  
30 October 2021

Exciting spring action
30 October 2021

Major breakthrough with Zorro and Juni.

Juniper: 4 years and 4 months
Zorro: 3 months and 25 days
Tags:  Zorro  Juniper  
28 October 2021

Rock climbing with brownies!
24 October 2021

A 24 hour Kaitoke camping trip. Solar all worked really well! Zorro had a ball meeting lots of people and a few dogs.
15 October 2021

A stunning blue day at makara. Driftwood central. Kids loved finding treasure
13 October 2021

King Louis
13 October 2021

Blading fun on a rainy day. Juni have it her first go! Did really well!
12 October 2021

Botanical explore
10 October 2021

We took a day trip to check out riversdale on Sunday… a bit cold but that didn’t stop Zorro and the kids enjoying the beach.
09 October 2021

Finally made my poppies planter all by myself and with the help of Zorro
09 October 2021

Trying to escape

Zorro: 3 months and 4 days
Tags:  Zorro  
07 October 2021

Zo bo… fun

Zorro: 3 months and 2 days
Tags:  Zorro  
05 October 2021

Iris’s netball pizza prize giving

Iris: 7 years and 3 months
Tags:  Iris  
04 October 2021

Kids drew a map of all the hideouts in the village to show the Aussie cousins, when they are next here, they also released the ladybugs. Bye Ohakune.
03 October 2021

Day 3 skiing. Left at 7.15am and got into the top car park. Crazy early!
02 October 2021

Day 2. No kids.
01 October 2021

Skiing in October!!!
30 September 2021

Zo zo

Zorro: 2 months and 25 days
Tags:  Zorro  
25 September 2021

Olive’s netball team

Olive: 9 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
22 September 2021

This week Zorro is definitely biting less… Juni expresses through her drawings and continues to hang in her behind the couch hideout and gate, pats when he is lying calmly.

Zorro: 2 months and 17 days
Tags:  Zorro  
20 September 2021

Zorro has a name!

Zorro: 2 months and 15 days
Tags:  Zorro  
16 September 2021

Piranha with 4 legs… settled to his crate after a few nights… lots of biting

Zorro: 2 months and 11 days
Tags:  Zorro  
10 September 2021

He is delightful….

Zorro: 2 months and 5 days
Tags:  Zorro  
09 September 2021

Meeting our new family member Zorro!

Zorro: 2 months and 4 days
Tags:  Zorro  
09 September 2021

Puppy day! Arrives by pet transport at 5pm

Zorro: 2 months and 4 days
Tags:  Zorro  
05 September 2021

baD day! Breakfast in bed with lovely cards and a day of running alone. While we tackled Wrights hill.
03 September 2021

Sleepover…
03 September 2021

The peck’s place high tea restaurant! Served to us by iris.

Iris: 7 years and 2 months
Tags:  Iris  
03 September 2021

Zorro’s first jab!

Zorro: 1 month and 29 days
Tags:  Zorro  
02 September 2021

Someone’s learning the guitar… and has some groupies…
31 August 2021

Lockdown maths continues….
31 August 2021

My findings on my daily wright’s hill walk
29 August 2021

We are coming for you buddy…

Zorro: 1 month and 24 days
Tags:  Zorro  
29 August 2021

My first embroidery bee!
29 August 2021

Lockdown walk day ??
28 August 2021

Special card player
27 August 2021

And so the jacket begins..
27 August 2021

A little rain won’t stop this lot!
26 August 2021

Olive’s cooking again! Toad in the hole and dog turd cupcakes!

Olive: 9 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 August 2021

A cheeky fella on my evening walk
23 August 2021

Lockdown ll day 6: Juni joins in with home learning
22 August 2021

Olive has really taken to enjoying baking completely solo! Muffins, slice and now a cake!

Olive: 9 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
21 August 2021

Finally making masks… 18months later
19 August 2021

Juni’s name is coming along nicely! Calls them numbers, and is very interested in letters. Her drawings are a joy. So much colour and patterns.

Juniper: 4 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  
18 August 2021

Finally got around to finishing ivy’s birthday dress! Got something sparkly!
16 August 2021

Crate fun while we work out Zorro’s new pad. Kids can’t get enough of the crate…

Zorro: 1 month and 11 days
Tags:  Zorro  
15 August 2021

Zorro! Must be 5 weeks old

Zorro: 1 month and 10 days
Tags:  Zorro  
12 August 2021

A spot of cutting at home so I’m ready for grinding next week!
11 August 2021

Stain glass window here I come!
09 August 2021

Stain glass window designing! And visit to pukerua bay to choose glass.
06 August 2021

Farewell at playcentre for Juni and the Peck family. Mixed emotions. 8 years is a long time. Learnt a lot of parenting there and had a lot of fun and meet some amazing people.

Juniper: 4 years and 1 month
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
01 August 2021

Zorro is growing!

Zorro: 27 days and 19 hours
Tags:  Zorro  
31 July 2021

Milla’s 8th SPCA party… everyone wants a kitten now.
30 July 2021

Celebrating our four year olds.
26 July 2021

Lunch at Nat’s house, kids played elastics the whole time. Lovely catch-up.
26 July 2021

Meet Zorro… 2 weeks old.

Zorro: 21 days and 7 hours
Tags:  Zorro  
25 July 2021

And so the blue kitchen is no more… well 3 drawers down…. A million blue cupboards to go…
24 July 2021

Makara Peak to scatter some of Lyon’s ashes with the family. Juni walked the whole way.

Lyon: 10 years and 2 months
Tags:  Lyon  
19 July 2021

Juni did 3 laps on her own around the park. Brakes are hit and miss but she had a fab time. Both older girls have the blades a go around twice.

Olive: 9 years and 5 months
Iris: 7 years
Juniper: 4 years and 1 month
Tags:  Juniper  Olive  Iris  
18 July 2021

Iris’s roller party. She had a blast. 18 kids and a donut cake.

Iris: 7 years
Tags:  Iris  
17 July 2021

Varnish goes on and bracelets. Now which bar stools?
17 July 2021

Lots of swimming these holidays
14 July 2021

School class photo. They played schools for 4 days running in the first week of holiday… did they miss it that much?
14 July 2021

A $60 bargain piece of oak ply wood and boom we have a breakfast bar! Life changing!
09 July 2021

Campbell st camping experience. Tent making, pikelet cooking, drawing, hot chocolates and a mini bush walk.

Juniper: 4 years
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
07 July 2021

Moving up a level!
07 July 2021

Shops and foot swing painting with leap frogs to finish. Last playcentre session. Not sure how I feel about it.
04 July 2021

High tea with my playcentre ladies to celebrate baby Jesus’s soon arrival…
03 July 2021

Karori west netball hoodies are here!
02 July 2021

Tamariki nui session at the botanical gardens! Feeding the ducks, walk and leaf rubbing craft in the treehouse.

Juniper: 4 years
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
30 June 2021

Iris is moving up to Whales! Well done!

Iris: 7 years
Tags:  Iris  
30 June 2021

Karori west science fair! Olive’s on tsunami and Iris’s on the moon and sun.

Olive: 9 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
30 June 2021

Kpc Wednesday. Building a house and fairy bread!

Juniper: 4 years
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
27 June 2021

My trusty DIYer crew helped with the photo posters before we had a spot of breakfast before hitting the road. Floods on state highway 1!
26 June 2021

Ohakune getaway… old coach road walk to the viaduct followed by high tea.
19 June 2021

Juni’s party. Best friend Maisie, birthday buddy Ivy and cuzzies for a spot of tea and cake. Drawing on plates, followed by pass the parcel, music cushions and pin the horn on the unicorn. Her first party and she loved it.

Juniper: 4 years
Tags:  Juniper  
18 June 2021

An Olive date in town at a piano concert of Disney classics.

Olive: 9 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
18 June 2021

Cake and Fondant making Plus a disco!

Juniper: 4 years
Tags:  Juniper  
17 June 2021

Juni’s birthday! Got a lovely lego castle set from mummy & daddy, beautiful cards and regifting presents from her sisters, a day of lego building, drawing and afternoon cake and edamame beans !

Juniper: 4 years
Tags:  Juniper  
16 June 2021

Swimming because she just couldn’t do real swimming because she was soooo tired…

Iris: 6 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
16 June 2021

KPC painting, cleaning and sand castles

Juniper: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  

"Too trifficult!" - Juni

15 June 2021

Juniper: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Juniper  
13 June 2021

Archie’s 5th birthday party!
13 June 2021

Waiting for daddy to finish… hang on a minute…
12 June 2021

Iris’s second game of netball.
11 June 2021

TN Petone beach this week, loved writing her name and finding & buried treasure.

Juniper: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
09 June 2021

Juni discovering bubbles stick to sand!

Juniper: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
06 June 2021

#LoveTaupo
05 June 2021

Up above the clouds on Mt Tauhara. Taupō
02 June 2021

Iris joined us at playcentre today and we had lots of fun at the carpentry table!

Iris: 6 years and 11 months
Juniper: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  Iris  
29 May 2021

Baking scones for morning tea
28 May 2021

An adventure on johnsonville train for tamariki nui. Visited the playground and library.

Juniper: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
22 May 2021

Iris’s first netball game! She played a full game C & D!

Iris: 6 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
21 May 2021

Tamariki nui at Zealandia. The tussuck was the best hit.

Juniper: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
20 May 2021

Grandad out of hospital.
20 May 2021

Cross country! A lot of tears this morning due to not wanting to do it. But Olive did it and there was even a smile at the end. Iris came 8th place and ran her heart out. Cream donuts were used as motivation.

Olive: 9 years and 3 months
Iris: 6 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
19 May 2021

Kpc glop and mud kitchen fun

Juniper: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
17 May 2021

Pulse netball game! We took iris to her first game. Poor Olive was too sick to come this time so we will have to go again!
15 May 2021

I was in the process of making Lyon a new bed cushion. Had to finish it. Miss you buddy.
14 May 2021

Juni’s art is a joy

Juniper: 3 years and 10 months
Tags:  Juniper  
08 May 2021

Olive’s first netball game of the season! Really excited about it too!

Olive: 9 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 May 2021

Battlehill overnight stay in the freezing cold! Got our solar panel, new fridge and tap pump! So we are off the grid now. Kids loved the open fire as per usual. Now how to get heating...
30 April 2021

Kite action on Wrights hill.
28 April 2021

Tea party
26 April 2021

Bougainvillea gets an archway!
25 April 2021

Butterfly creek walk in eastbourne. Juni managed it all the way! A happy walk for all.
23 April 2021

A yellow pop in.
22 April 2021

Child labour... kids did a great job and we got the wood moved within and hour and a half.
22 April 2021

Morning play with cousins
20 April 2021

The zoo!
16 April 2021

Mt Vic nature trail with tamariki nui

Juniper: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
14 April 2021

Gloop

Juniper: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
11 April 2021

Xrace as a family followed with a nice lunch with Nige, Lana & Anthony. Hutt city has some cute areas.
09 April 2021

Cable car and museum for tamariki nui!

Juniper: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
08 April 2021

Tamariki nui at Petone beach

Juniper: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
06 April 2021

Peck art. Juniper, 3yr and iris, 6yr

Iris: 6 years and 9 months
Juniper: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
06 April 2021

Makara beach explore
04 April 2021

Easter egg hunt and walk in Wilton bush with the Turners.
29 March 2021

How good is Stewart Island (Rakiura). A “boys” trip, where the five of us completed the Rakiura Track over 3 days, then I ran it the following morning before breakfast. Saw 2 kiwi in the wild, blue mushrooms, stunning views, incredible birdlife and undisturbed flora. A super special place.
27 March 2021

Grandad helps finish off the pavers! It only took a year to get to this point! And finally found more pavers that fit. Thanks grandad!
23 March 2021

More new plants
19 March 2021

Tamariki nui kpc: Wright’s hill kite flying on parade grounds.

Juniper: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
17 March 2021

Kpc: enjoyed painting people, glop and watering everything today

Juniper: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
12 March 2021

KPC Tamariki Nui: at Ben burn park, painting boxes and sliding down the hills, ball and parachute play.

Juniper: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
10 March 2021

Kpc: painting, playing with Maisie followed with a play date at home.

Juniper: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Playcenter  Juniper  
03 March 2021

Today we had the difficult time of saying our goodbyes to Lyon, our beloved fur child of almost 10 years. Lyon - 27/04/2011 to 03/03/2021. RIP buddy, we miss you so much.

Lyon: 9 years and 10 months
Tags:  Lyon  
03 March 2021

Trying to soak up Lyon cuddles.

Lyon: 9 years and 10 months
Tags:  Lyon  
22 February 2021

Walk down to the river and a much needed swim!
22 February 2021

Last morning at Turere lodge. Walk out took 2 hours, the kids did amazing!
21 February 2021

Orongoronga walk to the Turere lodge. Five families, 9 kids and a dog. We only had one pack for 5 sleeping bags, food and clothes... girls carried their snacks and clothes and we did 6km within 3 hours with many stops.
14 February 2021

Battlehill morning tea with the eels and grandparents. All managed to sleep in the caravan together.
13 February 2021

Olive’s birthday battlehill sleepover, lovely trees to climb, cooked marshmallows over the fire and 5 in the caravan for bed.
12 February 2021

Tamariki nui at Te papa! Kai, fire drill and Pacifica pattern rubbings

Tags:  Playcenter  
09 February 2021

3 sides done! Nice weekend, kids had a ball playing boats and mixing potions. They loved the open space that the village has with 4 hideouts!
07 February 2021

Ohakune painting bee... kids were happy playing in the village grounds while we painted and painted...
05 February 2021

First tamariki nui session! Lots of fun baking, painting and playing.

Juniper: 3 years and 7 months
Tags:  Juniper  Playcenter  
03 February 2021

Last day of the holidays and it was stunning at days bay. Pizza lunch, swim, playing in the stream and finished with an ice cream. Bliss.
02 February 2021

Summer in the backyard
31 January 2021

Just about ready for our one nighters with 5 in the bed! Squab done.

Tags:  Rocket  
29 January 2021

Indoor plant obsession continues with turtle joining the family. So tiny!
29 January 2021

The last mega squab. Double that folds to single... why didn't I just do two?!

Tags:  Rocket  
28 January 2021

Daddy dumplings lunch with Olive.

Olive: 8 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
28 January 2021

Mama lunch date with iris. Sushi train!

Iris: 6 years and 7 months
Tags:  Iris  

While walking up Wright’s hill today... “can we do an ant walk tomorrow mummy?” asked Iris “what’s an ant walk?” I asked It’s one step. said Iris. Cheers Gini

26 January 2021
25 January 2021

Bbq with the MacDonalds.
23 January 2021

A day trip to visit the Barbers & Turners for lunch at queens Elizabeth park.
22 January 2021

My joys in the garden at the moment
16 January 2021

Blueberries forever picking in white mans valley. Delicious. Got 3kg for $44
15 January 2021

Dinner at oriental bay with the Turners. Stunningly warm! Summer at last!
15 January 2021

Mountain challenge 4: skyline walk. They played for over an hour at the playground. Very hot!
11 January 2021

Biked to fish bridge with Oli, another beach run, climbed Paritutu rock in the evening.
10 January 2021

Pukekura park by night light show
10 January 2021

Walk on Mt Taranaki to the falls with the Thompsons.
09 January 2021

Pukekura park by day, chess and wine by afternoon.
08 January 2021

Afternoon swim, followed by new tent for daddy and Oli.
08 January 2021

After our first night of pouring rain and one wet tent, Tom slept in the awning in the wet tent while we made the caravan one giant bed and olive shared my duvet as her sleeping bag was wet. We had a wee bike ride, and swim at the local free pool
07 January 2021

Off we go! Very wet when we arrived! Needed Andy to pull us up to our site by worth it for the view.
06 January 2021

Last push to get a few things done before our New Plymouth trip.

Tags:  Rocket  
30 December 2020

Dave’s 40th birthday drink at the waterfront cafe. Followed by pork belly.
29 December 2020

Coffee walk followed by backyard cricket. Oli got right into it.
28 December 2020

LEGO city mega play day in pjs...
27 December 2020

Relaxing at Taupō
26 December 2020

King of the mount run with Tons biggest support team ever! A lovely beach day before we said goodbye
25 December 2020

Santa arrived! 2 potatoes each, Oli’s favorite gift was world drawing globe (nandad) wings of fire (Turner) Iris’s was the terrarium and juni’s the potato.
24 December 2020

My climb no. 3! Then Christmas Eve dinner!
23 December 2020

Mt climb number 2! More pool action...
22 December 2020

Up the Mount! Followed by the beginning of the week of gifts...
20 December 2020

First day at the Mt. 100m beach walk before juni asked to be carried. Not sure about sand and her toenail yet! Making a tree from shells.
18 December 2020

Last day of school! Holiday tomorrow!
18 December 2020

Pre Christmas gifting to each other. Oli had been planning her gifts for months, sleeping with them under her pillow, while juni and iris made gifts the day the tree went up.
14 December 2020

Thank you drawings and cookies for friends
12 December 2020

Summer is that you? Carols at Ben burn park
11 December 2020

Yea party for two. Fair China is working quite well.

Juniper: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Juniper  
10 December 2020

Christmas cookie decorating...
06 December 2020

Nandad let the kids loose on their tree, followed with a yummy birthday dinner.
05 December 2020

Birthday fun day! Breakfast in bed, Nails, walk with hubby followed by dinner and finished with Mj’s 40th.
05 December 2020

And so the second squab is finished!!! The double bed works!

Tags:  Rocket  
04 December 2020

Juni has been enjoying Gym jam with Leo, and this week we had Ivy join in too. They are so cute together.

Juniper: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Juniper  
03 December 2020

The first squab! It was a wrestle to get the foam in and I am never taking the cover off but it looks pretty good. Now onto the next one!

Tags:  Rocket  
02 December 2020

Kpc: dinosaur egg creations followed by sand castles with shells on a cold day.

Tags:  Playcenter  
01 December 2020

An early Christmas treat for the big kids, pizza out, followed by Cinderella pantomime with Nan & grandad.
30 November 2020

3 cushions done! And now to cut the squabs out! Not easy with little June bug biker

Tags:  Rocket  
29 November 2020

Early Christmas with the pecks.
28 November 2020

And so 2020 Christmas season has begun...
28 November 2020

Christmas in town. First time for candy foss
28 November 2020

Juni’s drawing is such a delight to have.

Juniper: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Juniper  
27 November 2020

Happy belated celebration for our 3 year olds! Champagne on a Friday is always a good start.

Juniper: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Juniper  
24 November 2020

And so the cushion journey begins... One cushion down 5 to go...

Tags:  Rocket  
21 November 2020

Tastings and Bike riding while the boys drank beer before tasty pizza and lots and lots of rosé at Colombo.
20 November 2020

Josh’s epic Weekend away! We squeezed in a nice pinnacles walk on Friday before the festivities began...
18 November 2020

Kpc: salt dough creations! Potions, tyre swing and parachute singing.

Juniper: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Playcentre  Juniper  
17 November 2020

Enjoyed working in rocket with Juni today.

Juniper: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Rocket  Juniper  
17 November 2020

Practice run on the squabs fabric, think it will work! One new foam! Expensive at $150! Outdoor cushions worked perfectly as a trial run and have decided with normal back cushions.

Tags:  Rocket  
14 November 2020

Pantry has a new knob! And towels

Tags:  Rocket  
13 November 2020

Blinds all complete and working! Who knew normal blockout fabric would work! Fringe looks perfectly retro.

Tags:  Rocket  
13 November 2020

Baby fledgling Tui. Have spent a lot of time on our feeder this last week. Never knew they had orange becks - look more like black birds!
12 November 2020

The fridge goes black until we can afford a flash 2 way one.

Tags:  Rocket  
11 November 2020

Kpc: frozen dinosaurs with salt, swing and potions.

Tags:  Playcentre  
10 November 2020

Sticky date cake with butterscotch icing for grandads birthday
09 November 2020

We have a working roller blind! With fringe!

Tags:  Rocket  
07 November 2020

A fairy walk in the rain.
06 November 2020

Date with Leo & Archie and Iris’s disco date later on.
04 November 2020

Juni’s people are really taking off.

Juniper: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Juniper  
31 October 2020

Halloween at the Prosser’s house. Kids didn’t even need to leave the house for some treats!
28 October 2020

Water colours, dinosaur smoothie, twing and fabric painting.

Tags:  Kpc  
26 October 2020

Pantry got some shelves! While the kids played outside and inside wasn’t messy!

Tags:  Rocket  
25 October 2020

Succulent wreath begins!

Tags:  DIY  
24 October 2020

Parents to the rescue! We were starting to look like trailer trash...

Tags:  Garden  
23 October 2020

Sneaky drink at my old favourite cafe.
23 October 2020

Great teachers only day at the beach with the McGills, Smiths and Turners
22 October 2020

New kickboard! And repurposed the old drawers with new fronts. Loving whitewash and plywood.

Tags:  Rocket  
21 October 2020

Water colours, dinosaur riding, shopkeepers and toast. What a day.

Juniper: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Juniper  
19 October 2020

Extra framing for the drawers

Tags:  Rocket  
17 October 2020

Finally planting my native Iris’s along the driveway... 3 years late!

Tags:  Garden  
15 October 2020

The vinyl flooring has gone down! Next time I will just leave the old vinyl in place! Asbestos is not fun removing!

Tags:  Rocket  
14 October 2020

Scone mixing at playcentre

Juniper: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Juniper  
13 October 2020

My nature child. At peace in the garden.

Juniper: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Juniper  
11 October 2020

Daddy completes the Taupo Ultra 100k race and comes second in 9hrs 16mins!
09 October 2020

Mummy Climbed Mt Tauhara alone this morning. 1.15hr up, 45min down. Amazing track of canal paths, root banisters, mossy tree rooftops and the. A stunning 360 view of Taupo. Tom and poppa planning for race tomorrow...
08 October 2020

Mini golf was great fun. Juni was kept amused, so nice to do these family things now! We finished with lunch at L’arté cafe.
07 October 2020

It was meant to rain... but turned out to be lovely. Kids biked 4km into town for a train ride, playground and milk shake. Beautiful new walkway.
06 October 2020

Biked around to 3 mile bay for a picnic, daddy joined us via foot. Stunning day, kids loved the swing over the water.
05 October 2020

Lovely botanical gardens walk, kids just loved playing around home and Tom worked downstairs in the office...
04 October 2020

We arrived in sunny Taupo! Tom set time work with swings and rings for the kids. I started the wreaths...
03 October 2020

Epic tree hideout! Just across from our house! Kids loved it. We even go a wine and beer outside with the mountain as a backdrop.
03 October 2020

Waterfall walk with 17kg juni on my back...
02 October 2020

Second bluebird day up at Turoa! Olive and Milla went up with G dog, Mama Lisa and Grandad, while iris and mummy had a go on the chairlift and pomer
01 October 2020

Needs to be noted it’s pretty awesome having grandparents still keen on skiing and being part of the ski support team. Thanks Nan & Grandad! Marshmallows!!!
01 October 2020

Woke up at 5am and made the drive up to Ohakune, unpacked and missioned it up to Turoa ski field and skiing with the cousins and grandad!
29 September 2020

Holiday crafting, 3d casting with clay.
27 September 2020

Pickle jar for a metre long pizza for daddy’s birthday. Weather is crazy windy this weekend!
26 September 2020

The floor is done! So pleased.
26 September 2020

New lights! And the pantry is getting new panels.

Tags:  Rocket  
26 September 2020

Our first xrace on Tom’s birthday! Oli a bit unsure but loved it after. Iris pumped for next year and so is juni. It may have to be a team effort! Lots of fun.

Olive: 8 years and 7 months
Iris: 6 years and 3 months
Juniper: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
23 September 2020

Flower arrangements with play doh and pj cereal day for last day of kpc!

Juniper: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Juniper  
16 September 2020

Cheeky kaka on a Polhill lunch run today.
16 September 2020

Kpc painting everything today! Juni and maisie’s friendship has taken off

Juniper: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  

Talking about fruit leftovers in lunches and how all sweet food isn’t going to make it into lunches until I see improvement... olive stated “we all need some sweetness in our lives mum” age 8

14 September 2020

Olive: 8 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
11 September 2020

Cousin fun

Juniper: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  
10 September 2020

The pull out beds get some paint and I suit up...

Tags:  Rocket  
09 September 2020

Kpc ball adventure at the park.

Juniper: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  

“Iris, you aren’t stupid. You are a girl!” Juni, aged 3

06 September 2020

Juniper: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  
05 September 2020

Dinner on the deck
04 September 2020

Iris had a great full day skiing In happy valley. Got the hang of skiing! Juni didn’t want to be left behind and skied too! (With daddy)

Iris: 6 years and 2 months
Juniper: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
03 September 2020

Oli and Milla skied today. High winds so only Waka was open and we took the kids down... it took a long time but Oli did it! Rangateria chair was more fun for them though.

Olive: 8 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
03 September 2020

Excitement builds... iris walked around in ski boots all morning as prep work for tomorrow’s first ski. Just took Olive up the mountain today to get her going again.
02 September 2020

Kpc: a bit cold and wet, but we could play outside and got into hammering and cleaning.

Juniper: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  
30 August 2020

Vinyl pattern turns into a floor drawing masterpiece!

Tags:  Rocket  
30 August 2020

Buni bike practice while daddy was running 50km.

Juniper: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  
23 August 2020

Party weekend! Iris went to 4 in one weekend. First zoom party too for cousin Ali. Attempted Swiss buttercream for Lisa’s cake.

Iris: 6 years and 2 months
Tags:  Iris  
22 August 2020

Maraka walk and searching for a driftwood door handle, Iris’s bag was so heavy on the walk back... she decided next time not to collect so many rocks
21 August 2020

Big bed! Juni has the side off the cot for a few weeks now and all going well.

Juniper: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  
19 August 2020

Kpc boats and bubble fun with a spot of flower picking for Kai.

Juniper: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  
18 August 2020

Treehouse gets an airing! With a new blackboard and ladder... afternoon tea by basket.

Juniper: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  DIY  Garden  
12 August 2020

Kpc painting pine cones... which of course leads to house painting

Juniper: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Juniper  
11 August 2020

Lasted obsession: cake decorating

Tags:  DIY  
08 August 2020

Circus school open day. We checked it out.
07 August 2020

Merino top for olive

Tags:  DIY  
06 August 2020

Caravan interior redo continues...

Tags:  Rocket  
05 August 2020

Pulley is up and running!

Tags:  DIY  
01 August 2020

Fairy lane, Karori park. Kids loves it and we had to go around twice!
31 July 2020

Short land park play followed with lunch with Jo, Dave & Ivy and a sneaky cake for their belated birthdays. An afternoon story with lachie which was lovely.

Juniper: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Juniper  
31 July 2020

A late happy birthday get together for juni and ivy.

Juniper: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Juniper  
29 July 2020

Making pizza at kpc.

Juniper: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Juniper  
20 July 2020

First day at Kindy

Juniper: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Juniper  
18 July 2020

Macrame is a big hit with the kids as I start the caravan curtain...

Tags:  Rocket  DIY  
17 July 2020

A trip into town on last day of school holidays. Bonus visit to daddy’s work for a hot chocolate!

Juniper: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Juniper  
15 July 2020

Onslow friends catchup with 10 kids!
13 July 2020

Cousin daycare in k town. Kids had fun in the sun.
12 July 2020

Eclairs and a drive home
10 July 2020

A bonus ohakune holiday with the first of the snow!
10 July 2020

The mountain with fresh snow
09 July 2020

Paradise valley springs for our last day in Rotorua. Piglets were a highlight for the kids... beautiful walkways.
09 July 2020

We tried out kayaking on lake Rotoiti. Kids loved it and juni didn’t try and stand! First sunny day all week but very cold.
08 July 2020

A 4.5km wall around lake Tikitapu(blue lake) in the rain. It was a lovely walk, best we come back in the summer and have a swim too.
06 July 2020

Okere falls walk, nice small walk for little legs and great coffee at the store after...
02 July 2020

Iris’s birthday coat finished! Bae the button holes...

Tags:  DIY  
27 June 2020

It has only taken 2 years to get the door up!

Tags:  DIY  
27 June 2020

Fun with new piping tips...

Tags:  DIY  
25 June 2020

First Kindy day (mummy stayed) loved hanging with Mazie and ran around trying everything. Even enjoyed mat time.

Juniper: 3 years
Tags:  Juniper  
24 June 2020

Kindy visit, and iris is still on the wall!

Iris: 6 years
Juniper: 3 years
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
24 June 2020

Iris has been struggling with going to school this week so she join us at playcentre. Juni lives having her there.

Iris: 6 years
Juniper: 3 years
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
23 June 2020

Cross country race!

Olive: 8 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
20 June 2020

Iris’s sixth disco party

Iris: 6 years
Tags:  Iris  
17 June 2020

Happy birthday buni! It’s the first birthday she has really understood what it is. Loved her dolls, thoughtful creations from the sisters and sushi train for lunch in town with daddy.

Juniper: 3 years
Tags:  Juniper  
16 June 2020

It just keeps raining so we baked muffins and delivered them to daddy downstairs

Juniper: 2 years and 11 months
Tags:  Juniper  
14 June 2020

White painting, tile choosing and we now have 2 double beds!

Tags:  Rocket  
05 June 2020

Lovely day long play date with cuzzie Archie and Ivy. They all played so well together.

Juniper: 2 years and 11 months
Tags:  Juniper  
03 June 2020

Twinning

Iris: 5 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
31 May 2020

Work has begun on Rocket or basil or minty?...

Tags:  Rocket  
30 May 2020

Lovely catching up with Ant, Lana & Nige
24 May 2020

Oli’s isolation succulent garden is ready to be planted! Into her drift wood find which she call a pig trough...

Olive: 8 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 May 2020

Five sardines in a canovan... the second double works!

Tags:  Rocket  
23 May 2020

Mad cats of K town...
19 May 2020

Back to school...

Olive: 8 years and 3 months
Iris: 5 years and 10 months
Juniper: 2 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
18 May 2020

Even the shopkins have to lineup 2 meters apart...

Juniper: 2 years and 11 months
Tags:  Juniper  
14 May 2020

Not more Lockdown day forty nine! Girls started an epic game, lasted all day very intense. Jun bug helped make lavosh.
13 May 2020

Lockdown day forty eight: misty morning with a fabulous web!
12 May 2020

Lockdown day forty seven: Scorching bay autumn beach fun, rock pools and milk shakes with the cuzzies.
12 May 2020

Lockdown day forty six: treehouse painting! And play.

Tags:  DIY  
10 May 2020

Lockdown day forty five: Mother’s Day, my driftwood gate of dreams! Only taken a few years to get it made! A yummy bacon muffin for brunch and dinner with the Turners.

Tags:  DIY  
09 May 2020

Lockdown day forty four: Makara beach. So warm and lovely to have a wander. Got some more driftwood for the gate!
08 May 2020

Lockdown day forty three: we mopped the floor! Who knew kids loved it. Met the cuzzies for a kick around and scoot.
07 May 2020

Lockdown day forty two: rolling fun and biking around the park. Lots of family play and juni is in love with princesses. Watched the classic Disney movies. Trying to do an hour of school work a day.
06 May 2020

Lockdown day thirty eight: Finished Oli’s ombrè tunic! Very pleased!

Tags:  DIY  
06 May 2020

Lockdown day forty one: yay more sunshine! We had a few visits from kakas! So special. Got out for a bike ride. It’s definitely Autumn!
05 May 2020

Lockdown day thirty nine: Iris did senses, so we had blind tastings! Juni can draw people!
02 May 2020

Lockdown day thirty seven: we went for a windy wander through Karori cemetery. It’s huge! Why has it taken this long to explore our suburb? Quiz zoom night with the Hutt crew, we were Covid Corpse Collectors.
01 May 2020

Lockdown day thirty six: double bubble! Home made pasta for all! Feels a bit more normal now we can see others...
30 April 2020

Lockdown day thirty five: joined bubbles with the Turners! Kids had a lovely play.
29 April 2020

Lockdown thirty four: made a cake and joined bubbles with nan and grandad. Enjoyed having lunch at their place.
28 April 2020

Lockdown day thirty three: stop motion is awesome! The girls spent hours doing it! They quickly got how it all works, just needed help with storylines.
27 April 2020

Lockdown day thirty two: caravan breakfast! Bought to us by juni and daddy.

Tags:  Rocket  
26 April 2020

Lockdown day thirty one: rainbow hair complete. Started our painted planets and had a sleepover in the caravan... got a bit awkward when juni asked where her cot was... need to improve the bed shortage! Loved playing shadow puppets before bed.

Tags:  Rocket  
25 April 2020

Lockdown day thirty! A month? Juni bakes Anzac cookies with puppets, family walk up the koru mountain bike track and fresh pasta was delish! Why don’t we usually do all these things?
24 April 2020

Lockdown day twenty nine: not sure where today went... my seat was taken...
23 April 2020

Lockdown day twenty eight: a lovely walk with the big girls on Wrights hill and came home to a surprise cake and knitted top for Juni and bula. Thanks Nan!
22 April 2020

Lockdown day twenty seven: a morning of muffins, Maths and making orange soda!
21 April 2020

Lockdown day twenty six: another lovely walk up wrights hill, olive had a zoom meeting with 30 kids from her class. Iris got her school books!
19 April 2020

Donut day! Girls all helped to get to our wonderful donuts!
18 April 2020

Lockdown day twenty four: Tom places dog poo bucket and tidied under carport with iris. Pizza and family movie night.
17 April 2020

Lockdown day twenty three: Olive woke wanting to make a recycled castle for juni and her frozen characters. Afternoon walk up wrights hill and out at Woodhouse rd. Disco night which ended in emotional teary children...
16 April 2020

Lockdown day twenty two: Kids did some baking, covid19 time capsule, bula got a bath and play doh animal kingdoms again.
15 April 2020

Lockdown day twenty one: college self portraits
14 April 2020

Magazine strip Animals
14 April 2020

Lockdown day twenty: they found me! My readers...
13 April 2020

Lockdown day nineteen: we made a family movie starring the girls and later made marshmallows and we toasted them outside in our onesies.
12 April 2020

Lockdown day eighteen: Easter egg hunt!
11 April 2020

Lockdown day seventeen: Tom makes outdoor obstacle course, cleaning more retaining timber.
10 April 2020

Lockdown day sixteen: Good Friday with a mini skyline walk, followed by hot crossed buns. Concreting steps and experimenting with shells.
09 April 2020

Lockdown day fifteen: Sewing fabric pants for all the bunnies... drawing pattern, choosing fabric, sewing and then playing with the box of fabric...
08 April 2020

Lockdown day fourteen: making string eggs for Easter hunt. Lots of letter writing to friends, scootering around the busy park and a visit from a kereru.

Lockdown day eight: they played all day... made a few home videos!

06 April 2020
06 April 2020

Lockdown day twelve: blowing eggs and making chive eggheads and playing with mats outside
05 April 2020

Lockdown day eleven: diy central. Concreting steps and weeding everywhere! Disco and apple strudel to finish.

Tags:  DIY  Garden  
04 April 2020

Lockdown day ten: Johnson hill walk to the view. We live in a great place to be isolated...
03 April 2020

Lockdown day nine: trains and puzzles. Still happily playing
01 April 2020

Lockdown day seven: family games, duplo creations, sewed some of Oli’s puppet and stick fighting.
31 March 2020

Lockdown day six: girls played mums & dads all morning, Oli read until 10.30! Played four square for PE and biking out the front. Painted some more of the deck while they all painted with water. Which led to face painting. Oli started her sock puppets.
30 March 2020

Lockdown day five: morning walk (Gini) & run (Tom) collected more succulents for Oli’s garden, moves our ideas chalk list to our window kanban board (thanks Lauren) played zoom Pictionary, mummy cut the hedges and started pebbling around cherry tree, finished with beading and playing outside. No rain!
29 March 2020

Lockdown day four: finished the puzzle! Started a mega one only to give up! Gave iris a haircut and plaits today keep, started knitting Oli’s ombré tunic.
28 March 2020

Lockdown day three: winding wool!, making Greek yoghurt and cinnamon scrolls which were delish! And starting a 300piece puzzle. It rained and it rained...
27 March 2020

Lockdown day two: maths with m&ms, fresh bread morning tea in tent, coffee delivery!, seed planting
26 March 2020

Lockdown day one: Wrights hill walk, yoghurt making, PE exercise, paper houses and fort making.
16 March 2020

Juni got into the low obstacle course today with pippa and Edith

Juniper: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Juniper  
15 March 2020

Oli’s party! Tea party. String game and flour cake were a hit. Glad the mirror glaze worked. Oli had a fab morning. My big 8 year old.

Olive: 8 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
14 March 2020

Enjoyed decorating birthday Oli’s teapot with her.

Olive: 8 years
Tags:  Olive  
06 March 2020

Play date with Ivy & Jo. Juni kept saying after ‘we go camping with ivy’

Juniper: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Juniper  
01 March 2020

Staglands!
24 February 2020

Loves hanging off the monkey bars... got into the planting and watering...
19 February 2020

Cool

Olive: 8 years
Juniper: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  Juniper  
19 February 2020

Kpc painting fun, splash painting

Juniper: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Juniper  
15 February 2020

Oli’s birthday! Pancakes for brunch followed by dumplings and street food for dinner on the waterfront for the lantern’s festival. shared with the NZ cousins and even second cousin Elsie from the UK!

Olive: 8 years
Tags:  Olive  
07 February 2020

My near eight year old. Over the summer you have turned a corner, you are a delight. Curious, thoughtful and full of creative ideas, can’t wait to see more!

Olive: 7 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
06 February 2020

While we had a night at battlehill in the caravan... the kids had a sleepover followed by blueberry picking! Apparently juni ate more than she picked... they were delish!
06 February 2020

A night in rocket at battlehill followed by the escarpment walk. Felt like we were in Smurfy ll. Got the coffee down pat too. Lots of great walks in the area for the kids... we will return.

Tags:  Rocket  
02 February 2020

We had the grandparents visit for dinner and marshmallows on the river bed. Kids loved cooking them.
02 February 2020

Second night was super windy. I ended up in the caravan with the kids, Tom and Lyon looked after the awning. A lovely 2 night escape and Basil’s debut outing!

Tags:  Rocket  
01 February 2020

While the kids ate dinner we set up camp in Kaitoke with the Turners and Atkins
30 January 2020

The mega game of the summer continues...
29 January 2020

Holiday sleepover! 4 girls! They played so wonderfully.
26 January 2020

Kids playing well this summer
23 January 2020

Summer moments

“I want the jam book” which sounds more like damn book. Juni, 2yr

20 January 2020

Juniper: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Juniper  
20 January 2020

First hot day of summer! A lovely morning at the beach.
18 January 2020

More guinea cuddles...
17 January 2020

Holiday craft: marbling eggs

Tags:  DIY  
16 January 2020

Guinea pig sitting, they are all thrilled to bits to be looking after these little cuties! Snow and Meme.
16 January 2020

Holiday craft begins... driftwood gate art!
10 January 2020

Splash planet was a hit with Olive spending most of the day on the hydro slides. Iris also went down a couple of times. Train and the jeeps were fun for all.
09 January 2020

The annual camping expedition. This year we ventured to Napier’s Kennedy Park. The kids had a ball, we managed to relax and made sure we ventured out to see something each day. Olive and Iris were loving being on dishes duty!
09 January 2020

The camping kids have grown in numbers. Missing Iris (hiding behind a tree) and Eddie (sleeping).
09 January 2020

Juni went to bed really well during camping, usually coming into our bed around 5am. One morning after a night of rain and the sun was shining Juni said ‘look Mummy, shining stars! No no no! Its not stars, it’s just water on the tent!’ They were glorious to look at.

Juniper: 2 years and 6 months
Tags:  Juniper  
08 January 2020

We did a day trip to Waimarama beach. Icy wind meant not a lot of swimming happened but the kids had fun splashing about.
06 January 2020

Bird rescue sisters, Olive found some baby birds who had fallen out of their nest after a windy night, we left one pair and watched from a distance as the mama bird was still feeding them, the other pair we took to the SPCA. I was so proud of our caring girls. It turns out they were wax eye birds.
30 December 2019

Tramp fun
28 December 2019

Enjoying the sun in Taupo
25 December 2019

Christmas Day walk with the kids new bags.
25 December 2019

Christmas 2019! Olive for 2 potatoes, Iris 1 and juni 1 from Santa along with lots of lovely little gifts.
23 December 2019

Chalk friends
22 December 2019

First time Mountain biking on the koru track and it was fun!
20 December 2019

Happy last day of school. Which consisted of gingerbread cookie eating, sunny playground fun and then Hail!
19 December 2019

We made gingerbread men for the girls school friends, I was impressed with olive’s dedication for plastic free and juni’s ability to decorate and then eat it all off again. Bombe Alaska was achieved for our Christmas dinner with Nan & Grandad.
17 December 2019

Swim school safety. Both girls are doing well at swimming, Iris moves up to seahorse
14 December 2019

Oli’s garden cafe, all day she played cafe while we tidied the garden.

Olive: 7 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
05 December 2019

Well my birthday was an eventful one! Tom & I with Lyon set off on a skyline walk after distributing our kids elsewhere. It was super windy and misty, Lyon and I nearly got trampled by a charging cow and then Lyon behaving like a younger dog jumped and hurt his ankle... so Tom ran back for the car and wheelbarrow and we met him at Crofton Downs track. We still managed lunch and bubbles before pickup and dinner out at the pub. Life is never dull! Lyon has no broken bones!

Lyon: 8 years and 7 months
Tags:  Lyon  
02 December 2019

Kpc: pine cone glitter decorations, tyre swing and ‘hangi’ baked Kumara

Juniper: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Juniper  
25 November 2019

Kpc: bike day. Baby paint & wash and loved the tyre swing.

Juniper: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Juniper  
23 November 2019

Sprinkler is out - must be summer time!
20 November 2019

Kpc: play doh tea party outside, teapots led to water play

Juniper: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Juniper  
18 November 2019

Kpc: Iris came to Monday session and the two had a lot of fun with bikes, feeding babies, dress ups and snails.

Iris: 5 years and 4 months
Juniper: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
16 November 2019

Must be library day - I’m in my library gears!

Juniper: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Juniper  
13 November 2019

KPC: gloop fun, followed by a tea party with babies invited and finished with the lovely Lycra and singing.

Juniper: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Juniper  
11 November 2019

KPC: we had some lovely music on session today which juni joined in by playing her musical food.

Juniper: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Juniper  
07 November 2019

Cousin fun in Hawke’s Bay
07 November 2019

Cooking pizza on holiday - got to build ourselves one of these!

Last week there was great excitement in our bathroom, with 4 girls (I count as a girl don’t I?) crowded around Juni’s first wee wee in the potty! She was so excited to come and tell me and the big girls were super excited for her, nice weeee could all share it. Gosh our bathroom is small.

24 October 2019

Juniper: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Juniper  
24 October 2019

In between work we managed a spot of swimming and the park with Juni’s favourite dude.

Juniper: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Juniper  
23 October 2019

I’m sick of the ‘bum book’ but juni is not... every night... she is finishing the sentences, that is still cute.

Juniper: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Juniper  
23 October 2019

Kpc: dressups, playing shops in the freezing weather and rolling play doh! Great fine motor skill Miss Buni!

Juniper: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Juniper  
21 October 2019

Kpc: juni got into the paint and loved it. Mystery box with music was a hit too.

Juniper: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Juniper  
20 October 2019

Woke up half way through sleep with a nug nug. Then fell back to sleep on me. It was nice to have a snuggle. Look at those fishie lips!

Juniper: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Juniper  
17 October 2019

While daddy has been recovering, reading in bed with us has become a routine,...
15 October 2019

Juni walks a lot these days

Juniper: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Juniper  
12 October 2019

Crocodile biking along oriental parade finished with the most indulgent milkshakes ever!
07 October 2019

School holidays: te papa trip

A big day. Oli bikes home on her own! So proud and scared at the same time.

28 September 2019

Olive: 7 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
22 September 2019

Chip Friday with the boys
22 September 2019

We took the cousins on a walk up and over followed by brunch.
16 September 2019

Artsplash on Monday night for Olive! I remember doing it and it’s been running over 30 years now! It was very cool and issues enjoyed being in town at night.

Olive: 7 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
13 September 2019

Juni was very stubborn about scootering this morning... she made it all the way to school with a tree stop on the way home too.

Juniper: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  
06 September 2019

Day 7: The last day in Queenstown on the Luge. Olive managed it on her own, juni squealed with delight and iris said Daddy went faster! It was freezing but fun!
05 September 2019

Day 6: puzzling world maze followed by a grueling 2 hour walk up Roy’s peak. Amazing views.
04 September 2019

Day 5: Burgers and a whole lot of chips for dinner by the lake.
04 September 2019

Roy’s Peak climb with G-dog. Incredible views well worth the 7k uphill slog.
04 September 2019

Day 4: Morning family walk up Mt Iron, followed by delicious scones
03 September 2019

Day 4: with five kids we checked out the snow farm for snow fun for the littlies and tubing for all. Lots of fun. Olive enjoyed another day of skiiing with Ali and daddy.
02 September 2019

Day 3: Treble cone with my brothers. Stunning views, cheeky keas and great skiing company.
01 September 2019

Wanaka Day 2: lavender farm, feeding the animals and madly running around while the four big kids ski.
01 September 2019

Cardrona full day ski lesson with the cuzzies with the lovely Ben. Oli and I skied down from the chairlift twice at the end of the day. Amazing! Oli loved it!

Olive: 7 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 August 2019

We are off to zealandia for a brownies sleepover!!! Hope we see some kiwi!

Olive: 7 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
20 August 2019

Kpc weds: some wet bubble action followed by baby play and mystery box.

Juniper: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  
19 August 2019

Kpc: juni is loving playcentre at the moment. Keen to give anything a go!

Juniper: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  
19 August 2019

Kpc: juni is loving playcentre, even messy play, continues to get physical any chance she gets. Loved Lycra music too

Juniper: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Juniper  
17 August 2019

Carrot park action followed by cousin action...
16 August 2019

The great ski begins... first lesson for Iris and Olive! Mills’s second and Juni the lobster and Archie has snow action
16 August 2019

First skiing lesson for Olive and Iris! Milla’s second! Juni and Archie got some snow action.
09 August 2019

Juni is a hoot.

Juniper: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Juniper  
28 July 2019

After lots of saving, Olive finally had enough to buy her doll a horse! She was very proud to hand over her purse full of coins (including some US and AU coins that were given in change).

Olive: 7 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
13 July 2019

Olive got to go on the Hogwarts steam train adventure with her mate Anthony.

Olive: 7 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
13 July 2019

WUU2k 2! Second time running the amazing WUU2k 62k Wellington Urban Ultra. Another fantastic day in the hills surrounding Wellington, on a good day. This year I beat my previous time by over 30 minutes and came 8th overall in 6hrs 44mins.
12 July 2019

Weekly dinner at Nandads.
09 July 2019

School holidays: cousins morning
08 July 2019

School holiday sleepovers, Iris went to Milla & Archie’s for her first sleepover and Violet came to ours. Juni got to join in too.

Olive: 7 years and 4 months
Iris: 5 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
08 July 2019

Dress up morning... school holidays

Iris: 5 years
Juniper: 2 years
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
07 July 2019

Andy’s murder mystery 40th 1920s gangster party was a hoot.
05 July 2019

We celebrated Iris & Scarlett’s maanaki at playcentre this afternoon. It wa such a different farewell to kindy. More about Whanau and adults getting a chance to speak. It was lovely to see lots of old faces and the past playcentre kids. It really is a small village. Olive and freya welcomed them to their schools with a chocolate necklace and Connie and Tessa farewelled them with a book each. We sung some songs chosen by the girls in te reo and then enjoyed Kai and play.

Olive: 7 years and 4 months
Iris: 5 years
Juniper: 2 years
Tags:  Iris  Olive  Juniper  
03 July 2019

Iris did an animal picture for the school science fair and Olive & friends did a save an endangered NZ bird poster.

Olive: 7 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
28 June 2019

Iris’s last Kindy disco until probably next year when Juni starts! Juni danced the most, Olive enjoyed playing outside and Iris was missing in action with her friend Olive.

Olive: 7 years and 4 months
Iris: 5 years
Juniper: 2 years
Tags:  Juniper  Olive  Iris  
27 June 2019

Play date with Ivy, our two big two years! The Green cafe was great for kids!

Juniper: 2 years
Tags:  Juniper  
27 June 2019

A bit mischievous this morning... very keen on walking everywhere and sometimes backwards. Very slowwwewwww

Juniper: 2 years
Tags:  Juniper  
20 June 2019

Juni helped with her cake by eating peanut butter off a whisk. We celebrated iris & juni’s birthdays with a family fish and chip night. Our house is getting smaller and smaller🤔

Olive: 7 years and 4 months
Iris: 5 years
Juniper: 2 years
Tags:  Iris  Olive  Juniper  
20 June 2019

Iris’s happy last day at Kindy. What a lovely time she has had at Kindy. Made some lovely friendships. End of an era. Juni enjoyed being part of the farewell too.

Iris: 5 years
Tags:  Iris  
19 June 2019

Fish & Chips after Archie’s birthday party fun. Jackie got a few winks from Juni under the table. Lovely to see cousin Zavin and wife Jackie in NZ. So lucky to have our cousins here to grow up with.
17 June 2019

Happy birthday buni! My big 2 year old! A lovely playcentre morning followed by afternoon tea party at Nandads. The girls helped put together her playmobil boat and then proceeded to try and take play control of her present.... but she stood her ground.

Juniper: 2 years
Tags:  Juniper  
17 June 2019

Iris’s happy last kpc day today. Marbling, face painting, candle decorating, volcanoes in the sandpit and finished with piklets. We went out with a bang! I will treasure my time and play with iris at playcentre, what a unique and special experience we have had. She has formed a lovely friendship with Scarlett who will be missed at school.

Iris: 4 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
14 June 2019

First ice cream, stunning winters day after school at the park.

Juniper: 1 year, 11 months and 28 days
Tags:  Juniper  
14 June 2019

Our last Tamariki Nui KPC session. Iris chose the cable car and botanical gardens. Such fun! But she loved the old cable car the most. Sad it has come to an end but what a lovely & special experience we have had going out and exploring our great city with unique group of tamariki.

Iris: 4 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
09 June 2019

Mummy’s vintage boot parade.

Olive: 7 years and 3 months
Iris: 4 years and 11 months
Juniper: 1 year, 11 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
03 June 2019

A lovely winter morning at the beach.

Olive: 7 years and 3 months
Iris: 4 years and 11 months
Juniper: 1 year, 11 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
01 June 2019

Our kids go a little crazy in the rain...
28 May 2019

In our annual Tough Guy Challenge expedition with work, I managed to come out on top in 1st place (by 5 minutes)! I am now the toughest guy in Wellington (at least for this year). I plan on retiring next year.
27 May 2019

Playcentre Carpenter!

Iris: 4 years and 11 months
Juniper: 1 year, 11 months and 10 days
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
24 May 2019

Another rope play Tamariki nui session at Karori Park. With camping style hot chocolate at the end!

Iris: 4 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
21 May 2019

Last month at Kindy, juni wanted to stay with iris. Then it took an hour to get home...

Iris: 4 years and 11 months
Juniper: 1 year, 11 months and 4 days
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
20 May 2019

Juni trying to keep up with the big girls, loves her monkey bar at Kpc.

Juniper: 1 year, 11 months and 3 days
Tags:  Juniper  
19 May 2019

Iris got to fill in for Milla’s team and she loved it.

Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Tags:  Iris  
18 May 2019

The sister sleepover...

Olive: 7 years and 3 months
Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Juniper: 1 year, 11 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
17 May 2019

Juni had a play date at gym jam with Archie, nan and aunty Lisa.

Juniper: 1 year and 11 months
Tags:  Juniper  
17 May 2019

Tamariki nui week 3 and Karori Park rope and bubble action, I was impressed with iris and her focus and strength! It was no easy climb!

Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Tags:  Iris  
14 May 2019

For someone who “hates running” she sure looked like she loved every minute of her years cross country run around Karori Park.

Olive: 7 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
13 May 2019

All three at Playcentre, so lovely.

Olive: 7 years and 2 months
Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
12 May 2019

Juni is a big kid too

Olive: 7 years and 2 months
Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
10 May 2019

These two crazy cats are having a fab time playing with each other. It’s sad iris will be off to school in a month!

Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 23 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
10 May 2019

Tamariki nui Wright’s hill walk and kite fun

Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Tags:  Iris  
08 May 2019

Not so happy hanging in the buggy anymore!

Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 21 days
Tags:  Juniper  
08 May 2019

Waiting for Oli at the park

Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 21 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
08 May 2019

Juni’s hero: Archie

Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 21 days
Tags:  Juniper  
07 May 2019

My farewells when I’m off to tennis
05 May 2019

Juni has her own style

Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 18 days
Tags:  Juniper  
03 May 2019

Tamariki nui, kite making and flying today

Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Tags:  Iris  

“I know the S, H & D word mum... *awkward silence* Shut up, Hate & Dumb” Olive, 7. That was a close one...

02 May 2019

Olive: 7 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 May 2019

Broc broc munchkin

Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 14 days
Tags:  Juniper  
28 April 2019

Chocolate and banana pizza...

Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 11 days
Tags:  Juniper  
28 April 2019

Goggle man, we cleared a lot of bushes today. Juni just enjoyed the sun.

Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 11 days
Tags:  Juniper  
26 April 2019

Grandies

Olive: 7 years and 2 months
Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
25 April 2019

A family walk up Wright’s hill and an explore of the tunnels.
24 April 2019

Olive joins me for a Daddy day at work with Asian food market lunch and reading books for the afternoon.

Olive: 7 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
24 April 2019

Bikers drive
23 April 2019

8 years, enough said. “Happy anniversity” Olive, 7yr (yes it’s spelt right) we may have to go back... didn’t get our marriage degree

Olive: 7 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 April 2019

Double the trouble, pebble dot painting was a hit.

Olive: 7 years and 2 months
Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Juniper: 1 year, 10 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  

“Mummy picked up daddy and then they went around and around the world until they found a house and I was born” - Iris

22 April 2019

Iris: 4 years and 10 months
Tags:  Iris  
21 April 2019

Two Families Easter Sunday! Yummy morning tea with the Prosser’s, no photos as they were off having fun! Followed by early roast dinner at the Grandies. Juni’s first hunt!
20 April 2019

Thompson’s delicious pizza evening. Kids all played well together and Buni wanted to be a big kid. Lovely house and setting.
19 April 2019

Hutt river ride to the playground and hot cross buns!
15 April 2019

Cape kidnappers walk closed, hopefully in November!
14 April 2019

Black barn for fancy lunch followed by a great walk up Te Mata peak.
13 April 2019

Craggy range night continues... stunning setting...
13 April 2019

Craggy range 40th birthday fun for Nige. Great friends, food and wine.
10 April 2019

The great Karori west fair! I’ve been sewing for weeks (well it felt like it) and was just blown away with the creative wonders handed to me leading up to the big day. Bike bags were a hit, Wands, clips, knitted cactus, fluffy hearts...

Olive: 7 years and 1 month
Iris: 4 years and 9 months
Juniper: 1 year, 9 months and 24 days
Tags:  Juniper  Olive  Iris  
10 April 2019

Juni and iris going off and hiding from me at Kindy, her chuckle is the best.

Iris: 4 years and 9 months
Juniper: 1 year, 9 months and 24 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
03 April 2019

Helicopter excitement at Kindy and park

Iris: 4 years and 9 months
Juniper: 1 year, 9 months and 17 days
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
31 March 2019

Such a warm day, cool off at the beach

Olive: 7 years and 1 month
Iris: 4 years and 9 months
Juniper: 1 year, 9 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
29 March 2019

I finally had a party for Olive. F&C in the treehouse after school with 6 besties. Madness but fun.

Olive: 7 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
29 March 2019

Tamariki nui was horse riding today! Iris hopped on and loved it!

Iris: 4 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  
27 March 2019

Baby in a bag, wet walk home from school drop off.

Juniper: 1 year, 9 months and 9 days
Tags:  Juniper  
26 March 2019

A lovely Friendship

Iris: 4 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  
25 March 2019

Found Juni in a basket

Juniper: 1 year, 9 months and 8 days
Tags:  Juniper  
23 March 2019

A short walk to finish off a relaxing weekend with lovely ladies.
22 March 2019

The first year I’m wasn’t feeding or pregnant so I could go on the house Hutt girls trip! Lovely homes, came away with unrealized ideas for our home. Great food, wine and company.
19 March 2019

“My birthday” a poem by Olive

Olive: 7 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
18 March 2019

My full time buddy, never to far from me.

Juniper: 1 year, 9 months and 1 day
Tags:  Juniper  

“Mummy, what do you want to be when you grow up?” Hmmmm not there yet. Olive then stated “I want to be a midwife” “do you know what they do?” “Nope” “they deliver babies” “To the front door!” If only sweetie pea if only...

17 March 2019

Olive: 7 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  

“I 100% don’t like tidying, I, 0% like tidying” Olive

17 March 2019

Olive: 7 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
16 March 2019

I got to see Olive doing the 3 rope bridge at Brownies pickup. Wow wee! Her confidence these days is fantastic.

Olive: 7 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
15 March 2019

Chip butty in the treehouse for afternoon tea. Really warm!
15 March 2019

Tamariki nui: botanical gardens! Garden bingo, smelling things, planting flowers and picking vegetables with a take home rocket!
14 March 2019

Buni date with the birds

Juniper: 1 year, 8 months and 25 days
Tags:  Juniper  

Dinner is served. Iris hops up late and states “I didn’t order this!”

13 March 2019

Iris: 4 years and 8 months
Tags:  Iris  
12 March 2019

We are meeting olive at the tree, half way between home and school, so we have developed a new routine playing at the park!
09 March 2019

Something we should have done years ago ... lowering the breakfast bar and pulling out our old stools from the attic!
09 March 2019

Giddy up horsey!

Juniper: 1 year, 8 months and 20 days
Tags:  Juniper  
08 March 2019

Disco year 3

Olive: 7 years
Tags:  Olive  
03 March 2019

A weekend away to celebrate the Peck 70ths! Kids had two sleepovers in the one room. The house was a mansion!
01 March 2019

Kindy Wheel a thon with no wheels, Iris last seen on the other side of the park
01 March 2019

Tamariki Nui: Makara Beach building and cooking fire fun

Iris: 4 years and 8 months
Tags:  Iris  
28 February 2019

Summer dancing

Tags:  Movie  
26 February 2019

Cherry little berry has both her sisters wrapped around her little hands

Olive: 7 years
Iris: 4 years and 8 months
Juniper: 1 year, 8 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
25 February 2019

Kpc big play at Otari bush, bubbles and ice.
24 February 2019

The annual birthday dinner out for Olive and Anthony. Every year is different - Juni being the challenge this year! Still, lots of fun and tasty burgers.

Olive: 7 years
Tags:  Olive  
18 February 2019

Treehouse project: the second window is in! Pretty pleased with it, now for the door!

Tags:  DIY  
18 February 2019

Juni climbing on everything today at Kpc.

Juniper: 1 year, 8 months and 1 day
Tags:  Juniper  
17 February 2019

A fun day at Otaki with the wider family enjoying the kites and beach. They all got wet!
15 February 2019

Fish and chips and cake with the cousins for Olives birthday treat.

Olive: 7 years
Tags:  Olive  
12 February 2019

Walking home
11 February 2019

A successful bike to and from Kpc, juni fell asleep on route home!

Iris: 4 years and 7 months
Juniper: 1 year, 7 months and 25 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
09 February 2019

I went to the SaaStr conference in San Jose with workmates for 3 days. Fun times on lime scooters, slow smoked beef, bunk beds, sponsored parties and a lovely family welcome back in Wellington!
07 February 2019

Peck girls

Olive: 6 years and 11 months
Iris: 4 years and 7 months
Juniper: 1 year, 7 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
05 February 2019

Finally we caught up nat, and properly meet molly! Just a gorgeous English rose. So tiny compared to juni.

Juniper: 1 year, 7 months and 19 days
Tags:  Juniper  
04 February 2019

A big day for Kpc! Mummy bought a lot of furniture for playcentre! Girls enjoyed setting it up and getting the first few plays in.
03 February 2019

I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days in San Fran before a work conference. Sour dough chowder, running over the golden gate bridge, tasty IPA's.
02 February 2019

Huge day daddy off on overseas trip without me!!!! Iris was all packed and ready to go too. Glad we are on the other side of vomiting bug.
25 January 2019

Nan took the girls on a Double decker bus trip and lunch with grandad

Olive: 6 years and 11 months
Iris: 4 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
25 January 2019

New bed! Bigger all round, attempted to get a photo of all three...
24 January 2019

Sushi train lunch then book reading at the office while I worked for the afternoon. A lovely Daddy afternoon spent with Olive.

Olive: 6 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 January 2019

A very windy visit to scorching bay, so no swimming but rock pool exploring and ice cream.
20 January 2019

And so the 40th year begins... lovely Italian dinner for Lana’s birthday. Italy for the next big one?
15 January 2019

Treehouse update: Finally getting around to the ‘stain glass Perspex’ windows! Tom nailed down the roof! Nearly weather proof for painting...

Tags:  DIY  
15 January 2019

Solo biking with these crazy kids to the library. Getting a bit excited about the possibilities!

Olive: 6 years and 11 months
Iris: 4 years and 6 months
Juniper: 1 year, 6 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
14 January 2019

Looks like an album cover, ‘when the bus goes bad’ cousin fun today.
11 January 2019

As part of the camping cleanse, the girls got the chop with a special request to keep their plaits!

Olive: 6 years and 10 months
Iris: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
09 January 2019

Last night of camp Nelson 2019. Cardboard hill action with pizza. A great trip.
08 January 2019

Early morning juni rise 5.30am, walked across to the sandbar. Magic. Followed with a raglan coffee.

Juniper: 1 year, 6 months and 21 days
Tags:  Juniper  
07 January 2019

Berry picking at berry land. Raspberries were a Peck favourite. Juni even got good at pick ‘n eat.
29 December 2018

Redwood forest treetop walk! Juni has her very own carriage.
28 December 2018

The great bbq with friends and family. Ice cream time even for Buni.

Juniper: 1 year, 6 months and 11 days
Tags:  Juniper  
28 December 2018

The Mount climb in the morning.
27 December 2018

Adult dinner while the kids run riot.
27 December 2018

Lovely sweet sweet beach. Juni loved you.

Juniper: 1 year, 6 months and 10 days
Tags:  Juniper  
24 December 2018

Eve of Christmas cousin fun
22 December 2018

Relaxing at the mount
18 December 2018

Auzzie cousins come for pickups! The girls were so thrilled!

Olive: 6 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  
17 December 2018

Christmas treehouse tea party for Iris and friends. So cute!

Iris: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Iris  
17 December 2018

Juni is getting right into play now, loved being part of everything that is going on. Right into sand and water just in time for summer! Last day of Kpc for the year.

Juniper: 1 year and 6 months
Tags:  Juniper  
14 December 2018

Juni has really come out of her shell, Aunty leece was in all evening. So lovely and warm and great to see the kiddies out the front in the treehouse and driveway!!!

Juniper: 1 year, 5 months and 27 days
Tags:  Juniper  
10 December 2018

This is pretty big news in the peck household!!! We finally have completed driveway!! It’s only taken oh 7 years!
09 December 2018

Some really hot days, outside fun
09 December 2018

Rimutaka Forest Park park picnic, so hot! Fun in the sun with gecko painting, 3 legged race and meeting a kiwi!
08 December 2018

‘Shooooo’ is definitely her first word a while back but she still loves them.

Juniper: 1 year, 5 months and 21 days
Tags:  Juniper  
08 December 2018

Far too many photos, Juni asleep in the car but so lovely to have more family around to share the cheer of Christmas antics.
07 December 2018

Buni’s new friend.

Juniper: 1 year, 5 months and 20 days
Tags:  Juniper  
07 December 2018

When Christmas wrapping goes bad. Within seconds of playing with the tubes they turned into weapons...
04 December 2018

2018 tree is up! Iris dressed as a star and olive an angel before decorating started.

Olive: 6 years and 9 months
Iris: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
03 December 2018

The drive is coming along! So is summer!
03 December 2018

Bunnies and frozen ice cream at Playcentre

Iris: 4 years and 5 months
Juniper: 1 year, 5 months and 16 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
02 December 2018

Turere Tramp 2018
01 December 2018

A day of rest exploring the river and forest, found a kiwi footprint!
30 November 2018

5 Turner/Peck girls on our first overnight tramp in the Rimutaka Forest Park. eek!
26 November 2018

Back to reality, great messy play today

Iris: 4 years and 5 months
Juniper: 1 year, 5 months and 9 days
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
25 November 2018

It’s only taken 4 years to get to Sydney when we all weren’t having babies! A lovely short stay escape for Sydney shopping, sun, sand (loved the swim at bronte bay) and amazing food and company.

I don’t think the tooth fairy is real. I think Santa Claus comes down and takes the tooth and leaves a coin. - Olive

20 November 2018

Olive: 6 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
19 November 2018

Bubble magic at playcentre. Juni was unsure and iris loved it.

Juniper: 1 year, 5 months and 2 days
Tags:  Juniper  
17 November 2018

Iris and I did a huge walk up Wright’s hill and she did amazingly well! It’s good training for the ‘big wal in a few weeks. Hoping she is going to be fine as I’ll be carrying a pack.

Iris: 4 years and 4 months
Tags:  Iris  
16 November 2018

Treehouse cost per play is coming down, cuzzie fun afternoon as school was out today!
15 November 2018

How is it when I’m trying to get a good photo of the kids, Lyon happens to position himself perfectly!

Juniper: 1 year, 4 months and 29 days
Lyon: 7 years and 6 months
Tags:  Juniper  Lyon  
14 November 2018

I left Juni for 2 seconds... getting right into using a fork!

Juniper: 1 year, 4 months and 28 days
Tags:  Juniper  
12 November 2018

I had all my babies at playcentre today, what a lovely morning!

Olive: 6 years and 8 months
Iris: 4 years and 4 months
Juniper: 1 year, 4 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  

Jun’s Plunket visit: 10.8kg (50th percentile) and 70cm (25th percentile) still tracking as a shorty but she's our short stuff.

10 November 2018

Juniper: 1 year, 4 months and 24 days
Tags:  Juniper  

Well it finally happened, I expected it to be my 16month old but it was my 4 and a half year old who swallowed a button. Freaked out and went straight to the toilet after!

10 November 2018

Iris: 4 years and 4 months
Tags:  Iris  
10 November 2018

Treehouse update: windows are cut out, now for the Perspex!

Tags:  DIY  
07 November 2018

My big girl! Pickup outside school! It’s a big deal

Olive: 6 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
05 November 2018

Dinner in the treehouse followed by fireworks with the Rogers. Good fun, a little hairy when one Roman candle fell over, felt like a battle field!!!

Tags:  DIY  
05 November 2018

Juni stoked to be sitting on a big chair at Kpc. Exploring and climbing everything now!

Juniper: 1 year, 4 months and 19 days
Tags:  Juniper  
04 November 2018

Early fireworks
04 November 2018

The ongoing treehouse masterpiece. Juni loved being amongst it all, especially the secret door. Not Juni proofed yet.

Tags:  DIY  
02 November 2018

Weather getting warmer, ice creams in the park after school with the boys

Juniper: 1 year, 4 months and 16 days
Tags:  Juniper  
01 November 2018

Quality time until Juni slapped Lyon with her slipper

Juniper: 1 year, 4 months and 15 days
Lyon: 7 years and 6 months
Tags:  Juniper  Lyon  
29 October 2018

So cute with a fringe.

Juniper: 1 year, 4 months and 12 days
Tags:  Juniper  
25 October 2018

Need I say more?

Iris: 4 years and 4 months
Juniper: 1 year, 4 months and 8 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
25 October 2018

Super sized Apple

Juniper: 1 year, 4 months and 8 days
Tags:  Juniper  
19 October 2018

So now we have two bikers for school drop offs. Iris’s first footpath bike to and from school with a fluffy and two laps of the park in between.

Iris: 4 years and 3 months
Tags:  Iris  
15 October 2018

Because she can. Life must look a lot more interesting upside down as Juni is doing it a lot!

Juniper: 1 year, 3 months and 28 days
Tags:  Juniper  
12 October 2018

Olives castle creation. She spent ages building and playing with it.

Olive: 6 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
11 October 2018

16 months: loving walking, stopped crawling straight away. Always seems to have a necklace on or something on her head. Very chatty too.

Juniper: 1 year, 3 months and 24 days
Tags:  Juniper  
07 October 2018

A very short steam train ride and a lovely picnic at Avalon Park. Iris really enjoyed biking on her pedal bike with Milla chasing her around.
01 October 2018

Graham and I were lucky enough to go skiing for a whole day! No crowds either...
01 October 2018

Did a mad drive up on Friday night, which went really well, with kids all sleeping, Juni however woke as we arrived at Ohakune and decided it wasn’t bed time for 2 hours... however it was good being there for the morning and we got a good. Morning in of sledding which they all enjoyed. Olive loved the snow, went snow crazy. Carpet ride was fun too.
19 September 2018

15months and we are walking! And now climbing on everything!

Juniper: 1 year, 3 months and 2 days
Tags:  Juniper  
10 September 2018

We are happily walking about 3 steps solo. She is so pleased with herself.

Juniper: 1 year, 2 months and 24 days
Tags:  Juniper  
03 September 2018

Maggie has put on a nice show while we try to get through this flu!

Tags:  Garden  
30 August 2018

Living the dream...
26 August 2018

We finally did red rocks! And saw lots of fur seals up close, 1 hour in, lunch, 1 hour back, the older kids did really well, 6km all up. Iris walked about half and then the throne was used. Beautiful bluebird day.
26 August 2018

Avalon Park with scones, coffee and cousins... sun occasionally too.
20 August 2018

Kpc excursion to story place. One minute Juni pulling the vege, the next in them! They both had fun, iris enjoyed playing with Chloe

Iris: 4 years and 2 months
Juniper: 1 year, 2 months and 3 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
18 August 2018

Cousin brunch at Graham and Lisa’s place. Nice to see them all getting along after such a long break!
15 August 2018

My first jersey! Definitely won’t fit her next winter but I’m pleased I finished!

Juniper: 1 year, 1 month and 29 days
Tags:  Juniper  
09 August 2018

We had a wee champagne morning tea party with Juni’s boyfriends, Arlo and Leo to celebrate them all turning one.

Juniper: 1 year, 1 month and 22 days
Tags:  Juniper  
06 August 2018

Juni booni

Juniper: 1 year, 1 month and 20 days
Tags:  Juniper  
06 August 2018

Playcentre brown they call it. Iris made it in the paint pit. First sink bath at Kpc after the very enjoyable event. Juni got exploring, ate paint, found the sandpit, we even managed to walk/ bike to Kpc until floppy leg syndrome set in and then just walked!

Iris: 4 years and 1 month
Juniper: 1 year, 1 month and 20 days
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
05 August 2018

Sisters

Olive: 6 years and 5 months
Iris: 4 years and 1 month
Juniper: 1 year, 1 month and 19 days
Tags:  Juniper  Olive  Iris  
05 August 2018

The $20 trike makes an appearance for the third time!

Juniper: 1 year, 1 month and 19 days
Tags:  Juniper  
04 August 2018

Kooky iris. Only iris would kid wear, togs and a swimming cap to gymnastics, and then bike to school pickup in togs in winter! She is super proud that she is doing swimming lessons and has totally stepped up and is suddenly turning into a big kid!

Iris: 4 years and 1 month
Tags:  Iris  
28 July 2018

A lovely day for a Zealandia visit for a boat ride with Poppa and a walk. We are members now! Thanks Granny and Poppa!
25 July 2018

Juni and her bffs Arlo & Leo at our second playgroup ever (third child and I managed to avoid them thus far!) it wasn’t too bad, less work than playcentre but not as fulfilling!

Juniper: 1 year, 1 month and 8 days
Tags:  Juniper  
23 July 2018

The knitting continues! First jersey! And the girls are still keen, Olive knitting with help after a stitch goes rogue and Iris generally making ‘interesting’ tangles.

Olive: 6 years and 5 months
Iris: 4 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
19 July 2018

We checked out a puppet show and toi art space at Te Papa with the cuzzies. Finished it off with Daddy and sushi (which they now love! Yay!) fun morning.
14 July 2018

An exciting outing for Olive and Iris into town for Matariki night fireworks. First real fireworks at a reasonable time of 6.30! The darkness made them hyper but lots of fun with cuzzies. Olives tantrum after is slowly receding....

Olive: 6 years and 4 months
Iris: 4 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
14 July 2018

Three years ago I was running my local Makara loop and bumped into a few people part way through a 62k trail race around Wellington. Holy crap! Mad people! Now here I am, three years later, having completed that same race and I am now one of those mad people. What an amazing day it was. So well organised with friendly faces at the aid stations, friendly runners always checking how things are if you’re looking a bit rough (which I did for a good portion of the race). It was so nice seeing Gini and the girls part way as well as Graham and Lisa and then Mum and Dad in the later stages as my pacer mate Andy was helping me battle on to the finish. 7hrs 15mins and 22nd overall after stomach problems slowly dropped me from 5th place from 30k onwards. Better race week nutrition for when I run it again next year! Which I will definitely be doing!
13 July 2018

A bus trip into town for red riding hood ballet at Te Papa followed by a visit to grandads work.
11 July 2018

Juni getting into drawing

Juniper: 1 year and 24 days
Tags:  Juniper  
09 July 2018

With blizzard conditions at the top we found a patch of road snow for the kids to play on. Which they loved!

Olive: 6 years and 4 months
Iris: 4 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
08 July 2018

Ohakune trip with 3! No skiing with blizzard conditions but was fun all the same with family games, exploring ohakune and catching up with the Thompson’s.
08 July 2018

The giant carrot! Always a win with the girls. The new playground next to it is great too.
07 July 2018

Pizza dinner at the Thompson’s Book a Bach.
04 July 2018

Juni is ready for snow action

Juniper: 1 year and 17 days
Tags:  Juniper  

"Daddy, I can’t find the ABCD from this book!” - Iris, wondering where the CD had gone from a Disney CD book

02 July 2018

Iris: 4 years
Tags:  Iris  
01 July 2018

Oh no standing in the cot and enjoying walking slowly with the trolley, my my it changes daily, I seem to notice it more third time around!

Juniper: 1 year and 13 days
Tags:  Juniper  
29 June 2018

Tried gym and we liked it!

Iris: 4 years
Tags:  Iris  
28 June 2018

1 year old!

Juniper: 1 year and 11 days
Tags:  Juniper  
27 June 2018

Cork and Canvas night out.
25 June 2018

I think it needs to be noted when we have a great day. It was.
25 June 2018

Bike day at Kpc. Juni napped while I walked. She later got into a spot of painting.

Iris: 4 years
Juniper: 1 year and 8 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
23 June 2018

Story time with daddy

Olive: 6 years and 4 months
Iris: 4 years
Juniper: 1 year and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
23 June 2018

Iris had nine friends to help celebrate her fourth birthday at playcentre. We had unicorn rainbow cupcake, face painter and making headbands. She stated ‘musical chairs was my favourite’ and the food! Olive was a great help and Juni slept most of it! 4 seems to be the right age to have fun doing games.

Iris: 4 years
Tags:  Iris  
22 June 2018

Strangely Juni didn’t eat this courgette like she did the pear. But later discovered a few random bites from a few apples...

Juniper: 1 year and 5 days
Tags:  Juniper  
21 June 2018

The marble run was a hit for Iris’ birthday present. Just have to keep it away from the destructor!

Olive: 6 years and 4 months
Iris: 4 years
Juniper: 1 year and 3 days
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  Olive  
20 June 2018

Iris’ ice cream cake!

Olive: 6 years and 4 months
Iris: 4 years
Tags:  Iris  Olive  

Recently Alexa started understanding Iris. Since then we’ve had a lot of “poo” on the shopping list and “what does the fox say” played over the speaker.

20 June 2018

Iris: 4 years
Tags:  Iris  
20 June 2018

Iris’s birthday. Her doll/ baby interest continues, with a dragon carrying her doll in a backpack to kindy. Stopped for sneaky fluffy with friends, even saw the special only white duck called Nigel on our way.

Iris: 4 years
Tags:  Iris  
20 June 2018

Olive taking Iris through the dozens of birthday cards she’d made for her at school in the weeks leading up to her birthday. Such a lovely big sister.

Olive: 6 years and 4 months
Iris: 4 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
18 June 2018

Birthday playdoh cake at Kpc.

Iris: 3 years and 11 months
Juniper: 1 year and 1 day
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
17 June 2018

Dragon balloon

Iris: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
17 June 2018

Skyline run with James and Graham
16 June 2018

Never have we had so many birthdays in the family in June! So Juni, Archie and iris celebrated together. With the wider family. Lots of kids, chaos and fun. Next time must have games!

Iris: 3 years and 11 months
Juniper: 11 months and 30 days
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
16 June 2018

Iris, Juniper and Archie family birthday! Yummy food, drinks and great company. Thanks Nan and Grandad for hosting!

Iris: 3 years and 11 months
Juniper: 11 months and 30 days
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
16 June 2018

New princess outfits! (And Lyon)

Olive: 6 years and 4 months
Iris: 3 years and 11 months
Lyon: 7 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Lyon  
15 June 2018

This is about as close to supermarket shopping our kids get, home delivery. While I was packing it away, Juni ate a good chunk of pear! Cheeky squirrel. Iris in on the action too.

Iris: 3 years and 11 months
Juniper: 11 months and 29 days
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
15 June 2018

Iris has discovered numbers and they are everywhere! It has been fun motivation to and from school. She has also become very interested in reading too. Thought it would never happen!

Iris: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
15 June 2018

Iris and her friend Olive helped make Juni & iris’s birthday cake for our family afternoon tea. Can’t wait to see how it turned out!

Iris: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
14 June 2018

Attack of the Juni.

Juniper: 11 months and 28 days
Tags:  Juniper  
11 June 2018

After a weekend of ikea building furniture, iris who is always up drill action, was quite independent and persevered with drilling in a screw. It worked. It worked.

Iris: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
01 June 2018

Juni gets her birthday present early (don’t tell daddy- there are rules) and it is perfect for her practicing standing! We just get stuck standing so usually a sister helps her down to sitting again.

Juniper: 11 months and 14 days
Tags:  Juniper  
29 May 2018

Another crochet hat made while in recovery mode after the gastro bug hit our household. Iris and mummy got the worst of it, amazingly olive and Juni dodged it and daddy a mild case.
29 May 2018

Two crochet hats both a little big but cute.
29 May 2018

Some workmates and I competed in the annual Tough Guy Challenge event on the weekend consisting of 6k or 12k of running, obstacles, mud, hills and electrified crawl throughs. This year I managed to one up last years placing my coming 2nd overall in the two lap, 12k course. The beard must be helping.
26 May 2018

While the big sisters are away, destructive Juni is finding her feet.

Juniper: 11 months and 9 days
Tags:  Juniper  
23 May 2018

Iris and Olive’s (friend) friendship is very unique. They just get on so well, both happy having play dates at each other’s houses with no parents.

Iris: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  

“Mummy, I want my ears peeled like yours” - Iris

22 May 2018

Iris: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
18 May 2018

11 months and we weight 9.2kg! And today we tried standing and we liked it. Enjoying exploring the house and loves shoes...

Juniper: 11 months and 1 day
Tags:  Juniper  
18 May 2018

Ivy and Juni at gym. Otis, Milla and Archie off burning energy!

Juniper: 11 months and 1 day
Tags:  Juniper  
16 May 2018

Double play date with Bethany and Elise.

Juniper: 10 months and 29 days
Tags:  Juniper  
15 May 2018

A pop in portrait of three generations of Smyth, Turner, Peck!
15 May 2018

I can knit! The endless possibilities...
08 May 2018

Tunnels are so much fun for Juni!

Juniper: 10 months and 21 days
Tags:  Juniper  
04 May 2018

Lyon

Lyon: 7 years
Tags:  Lyon  
03 May 2018

Well it’s happened during the holidays, we have a crawler. Now the fun begins! The girls are enjoying it so far, even when Juni breaks games so far.... Juni is loving exploring everywhere.

Juniper: 10 months and 16 days
Tags:  Juniper  
03 May 2018

My co worker has found me!

Juniper: 10 months and 16 days
Tags:  Juniper  
29 April 2018

Nothing is safe from the crawling destructo Juni.

Juniper: 10 months and 12 days
Tags:  Juniper  
27 April 2018

Story time with Aunty Lisa
27 April 2018

Since the drive up was sooo much better, Taupo is back on the cards! It nice with all the autumn leaves and spending time with the turners. The 3 older girls all slept in the big king bed with only the first night taking a while to go to sleep, a few sleeping bag slip outs and iris even slept one night without a visit!
26 April 2018

Taupo bush walk, it was good to get out, iris wasn’t really into walking but Tom worked really hard to keep jollying her along, there were a few tears and birdlife didn’t stick around for long! The training begins for the orongorongas in December. Iris has a long way to go... olive and Milla were great. Archie was a trooper and Juni slept. 4/5 ain’t bad!
25 April 2018

A shot trip to Taupo. The road trip went pretty well, one mini stop in levin for a nappy change and then only waiouru for lunch. Woolshed on the return, perfectly half way.
24 April 2018

Went for a visit to doro’s house in Otaki, great seeing Isabelle and Bec too.
24 April 2018

The joy of three, watching this relationship grow, with over 5 years between them, Olive has taken on a motherly, carer role. Reading Juni books.

Olive: 6 years and 2 months
Iris: 3 years and 10 months
Juniper: 10 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
23 April 2018

Snow White pantaloon with the cuzzies.
21 April 2018

Night noodle market! Yum! The kids loved being out at night and tried most of the food. Juni was a champ too.
21 April 2018

We managed 300 meters into the Trelissick Park bush walk before Iris gave up the ghost (a Stone was in her shoe).
19 April 2018

Giant flowers and face painting with Olive’s friend Milli.

Olive: 6 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
17 April 2018

Jumping with circling shark sisters

Juniper: 10 months
Tags:  Juniper  
17 April 2018

10 months! Holy moley. And comando crawling, trying hard to wave sometimes too.

Juniper: 9 months and 30 days
Tags:  Juniper  
16 April 2018

Bath time with Juni

Juniper: 9 months and 30 days
Tags:  Juniper  
15 April 2018

A Sunday night roast, regular?
13 April 2018

Fush n chups with four families up the road. 11 kids and mostly all boys, it was good for the girls to mingle. Juni ending up biting her little mate Leo. Poor little chap.
10 April 2018

Who knew drawing on wood was so much fun! This is the most drawing iris has ever done and detailed too. Our family 2018. Now how am I meant to replace this fire guard! First of the season.

Olive: 6 years and 1 month
Iris: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
10 April 2018

Kpc messy play at its best. Iris had slippery fun with her feet. Getting into rolling too.

Iris: 3 years and 9 months
Juniper: 9 months and 24 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
08 April 2018

Cuddling babies when baby cousin Daniel comes to visit. Olive enjoyed it - Daniel wasn’t so sure!

Olive: 6 years and 1 month
Juniper: 9 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  Juniper  
08 April 2018

My daughters like to hide in cabinets.

Olive: 6 years and 1 month
Iris: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
07 April 2018

The good old girl guiding biscuits, sold by these two crazy kids!

Olive: 6 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
03 April 2018

We enjoyed a swim (all 3 at the pool is enjoyable now!) Juni especially loves splashing. Bath is also a lot of fun.

Juniper: 9 months and 17 days
Tags:  Juniper  
01 April 2018

So we got around to camping in the final weeks of the fading summer at kaitoke. Some nice cuzzie action and we fitted 4 adults and 7 kids in our tent. Juni and Archie took turns at waking but the girls were champions! Managed a egg hunt 8km walk in a beautiful day. It didn’t get as cold as we thought but windy over night!
30 March 2018

Good Friday: Titahi beach with our newly welcomed cuzzies, need a name for them as they aren’t Auzzie cuzzies anymore!
29 March 2018

Olive’s school sleep over! A lot of anticipation and excitement for this night where Olive got to bunk down with the rest of her class mates for a night at school! Daddy was a volunteered helper and got to stay too, but didn’t need to do much as the kids were all so well behaved. There was Milo and jump jam and hundreds and thousands cookies and only one incident involving a poor kid who exploded out multiple ends.... Fond memories of school and scout camps come back to me.

Olive: 6 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
27 March 2018

First time on a swing! Olive loved pushing too.

Olive: 6 years and 1 month
Juniper: 9 months and 10 days
Tags:  Juniper  Olive  
25 March 2018

Uncle Paul finally paid us a visit and met Juni.

Juniper: 9 months and 8 days
Tags:  Juniper  
25 March 2018

One day a year they open up the West Wind Farm near Makara for a running race. I competed in the 18k XTERRA West Wind Farm long race this year and came 7th overall. Such a great venue for a run and the weather fined up nicely!
25 March 2018

Welcome Uncle G dog, Aunty Lisa, Milla & Archie to NZ!
24 March 2018

We finally hosted a belated Olives 6th birthday party. A jungle themed occasion where the 10 girls (including Iris and her fiend Olive) decorated hats then went on a clue finding adventure followed by a picnic inside the exhibition tent!

Olive: 6 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
20 March 2018

Easter theme of new beginnings butterflies. Painted and flown by iris.

Iris: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  
18 March 2018

Dinner at the Pickle Jar with the Wohlers. Another belated birthday celebration for Olive and Anthony. Another successful dinner out!
17 March 2018

Last filter fun I promise. They crack me up?
17 March 2018

Filter fun, the kids loved it, so funny.
17 March 2018

Juni really loves the bath again. Splish splash!

Juniper: 9 months
Tags:  Juniper  
17 March 2018

A busy day of peter & the wolf theatre show for the girls and fair in the afternoon. Mummy did a long day at school fair cafe. But it was good fun.
16 March 2018

Nine months. Moving around a lot but mostly backwards and ends up under most things (chairs/ tables) still really enjoying eating. Pasta and prawns was a hit tonight! Talking oh lots of that and wriggler on the changing mat. Bath time is fun with h splashing.

Juniper: 8 months and 27 days
Tags:  Juniper  
16 March 2018

“Daddy the clouds have turned pink!” And had they what!
13 March 2018

Bikers day at KPC. They loved the stop and go sign and around and around they went!

Iris: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Iris  
12 March 2018

Juniper was so excited to see Ivy. She really was, squealing and lots of talking and grabbing. I think having her older sisters off at kindy and school she really misses them, so another little face was very welcome! Ivy was showing Juni how crawling and standing is done too.

Juniper: 8 months and 23 days
Tags:  Juniper  
10 March 2018

Juniper is finally enjoying bath time! Even got into some splashing tonight.

Juniper: 8 months and 21 days
Tags:  Juniper  
10 March 2018

Pool party for Freya’s birthday. First time I didn’t have to get in! Iris had her ring and Olive is super confident. So they had a lovely time.

Olive: 6 years
Iris: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
07 March 2018

Self portrait 2018

Olive: 6 years
Tags:  Olive  
21 February 2018

We tried the popin photos for $20 since we didn’t have one of Juni.

Iris: 3 years and 8 months
Juniper: 8 months and 4 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
20 February 2018

The exciting novelty of an umbrella on a morning walk to school.

Olive: 6 years
Tags:  Olive  
18 February 2018

Eight months old. Our cheeky berry. Sitting quite well now, still loves her food. We seem to be doing circle movements on the floor and lifting her bottom up a bit so crawling soon?

Juniper: 8 months and 1 day
Tags:  Juniper  
17 February 2018

We had a fun family picnic to watch a Beauty and the Beast play and celebrate Olives birthday.

Olive: 6 years
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2018

Olive turns 6! We managed a dinner out with Nan and Grandad at our local, the pickle jar where the kids all ate well, followed by cake at home (made by Nan and Iris).

Olive: 6 years
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2018

School started after Waitangi Day - 7 weeks off and what a great summer we had. Olive is in Ako 15 with her closest friends and Hannah the teacher who seems nice.

Olive: 6 years
Tags:  Olive  
14 February 2018

At pippins tonight we made clothes out of newspaper!

Olive: 5 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
10 February 2018

We ventured out to Otaki for their annual kite festival. Amazing array of kites. Definitely worth a visit.
06 February 2018

Took a trip out to our “local” beach - Makara - so mummy could collect driftwood and Daddy could run home again. We really need to go for a good walk along there one day.
05 February 2018

Jooboo! (As Iris likes to call her)

Juniper: 7 months and 18 days
Tags:  Juniper  
04 February 2018

Iris’ balance biking has taken off. Happily gliding around. She’s managed to bike too and from kindy/school drop offs too.

Iris: 3 years and 7 months
Tags:  Iris  
04 February 2018

We finally made it round to meet cousin/nephew Daniel! Cute little guy who makes Juni seem like a giant baby.
03 February 2018

Daddy got to take the girls to the local circus. They loved it, Olive asking every 5 seconds “how do they do that!?!” and Iris asking “when are the girls coming back out?!”
03 February 2018

iPad time. Going to need a third one soon!

Olive: 5 years and 11 months
Iris: 3 years and 7 months
Juniper: 7 months and 16 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  Juniper  
01 February 2018

Juni is loving sitting and eating.

Juniper: 7 months and 15 days
Tags:  Juniper  
31 January 2018

My work colleagues. Work has landed and school hasn’t started yet! The girls every second word is bubba in they game of being mums.
29 January 2018

A cracker of a day. It reached 35 degrees in our deck. We hit Khandallah pool (so warm even Juni got in) and then Oriental Bay for a dinner & dip. It’s meant to reach a low of 19 tonight!
27 January 2018

I did the Mt Holdsworth Loop run for the second time (Andy came too!). Great run, followed by food and a swim in the river. Managed 18th place with a 3:08 time - 8 minutes quicker than last year.
26 January 2018

Loving the cup, generally loving food, egg was a success.

Juniper: 7 months and 9 days
Tags:  Juniper  
22 January 2018

Stage one of the much talked about “tree” house complete! He girls loved the platform and spent all afternoon up there. Now we got to start on stage two - the actual house!

Tags:  DIY  Garden  
21 January 2018

Ahhh, LEGO. The best invention from plastic. Fantastic exhibition. Olive had lots of questions and Iris got bored within 10nano minutes. Tom and I counted how many ‘wonders’ are still left to see in the world. Kids loved undersea creation, Tom the space whatsit and me? All of them!
20 January 2018

This monkey now has eight teeth!

Juniper: 7 months and 3 days
Tags:  Juniper  
20 January 2018

It needs to be said. These two have been nonstop playing with each other these holidays which has been amazing. We have made it! (For the time being) so much so Olive was a bit lost today when iris went back to kindy. Mummy has even managed a few to sew a few skirts!

Olive: 5 years and 11 months
Iris: 3 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
19 January 2018

Nan day! The girls and Nan met Grandad for lunch on the waterfront. While mummy and Juni hung at home, mostly picking stuff out of her basket sitting! I even managed to sew a skirt with fabric I bought two years ago! New Years resolution : sew more skirts!

Olive: 5 years and 11 months
Iris: 3 years and 6 months
Juniper: 7 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
18 January 2018

We went to see wizard of oz pantaloon with iris’s friend Olive and family which was quite funny and both girls go involved, finished the outing off at the chocolate factory. Thanks nan for Juni sitting!

Olive: 5 years and 11 months
Iris: 3 years and 6 months
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
17 January 2018

7 months today. In our pjs! And couldn’t find the right card! Loving food, hangs on her tummy, interested in everything, thinks her sisters are hilarious, enjoying baths now we can sit (kind of), cut 4 teeth on the top, 2-3naps. Juni is quick to smile or laugh and generally a very cherry little berry.

Juniper: 7 months
Tags:  Juniper  
17 January 2018

Dinner in our household.

Olive: 5 years and 11 months
Iris: 3 years and 6 months
Juniper: 7 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
17 January 2018

Waiting for ice cream, only $1.50! How it should be!
17 January 2018

We arrived early (before 10am) at scorching bay and it was stunningly quiet and still. We caught up with Iris’s best friend Olive (not her sister) and Emma, Paul & Henry for a swim and ice cream. The wind was warm. So it was good when the sun disappeared behind the clouds.
15 January 2018

Dinner alfresco. Outdoor couch is been awesome for our little Juni. Most nights Iris is overtired and very hard to get off to bed, attempting to slowly move out of room.
15 January 2018

Another cracker day, home day with the girls playing so well lately (barbies). They loved the sprinkler and even Juni got in on the paddling action in the super warm pool.

Olive: 5 years and 11 months
Iris: 3 years and 6 months
Juniper: 6 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
15 January 2018

Juni’s sitting is slowly coming along still needs a support but enjoying the basket of stuff! She is loving the juicy fruit! Sucking all the juices from them.

Juniper: 6 months and 29 days
Tags:  Juniper  
14 January 2018

We took to Avalon Park on the hottest day of the year for Granny’s birthday picnic. A fun day out for all - but we really need to up our portable bbq game!
12 January 2018

I now understand the feeling of being that parent who brings all three kids. Oh well it was fun. Juni and Ivy took turns in the high chair and Ivy showed Juni how to crawl!

Juniper: 6 months and 26 days
Tags:  Juniper  
07 January 2018

Thanks to this years secret Santa we have ourselves a flash new letterbox!
06 January 2018

Junie Bunie is getting a bit more mobile these days. She’s also really taken to food eating only a week or two in, joining us at the table for dinner time.

Juniper: 6 months and 19 days
Tags:  Juniper  
02 January 2018

Jimmy’s third birthday! Fun to be there to help him celebrate turning three. No longer the baby in the Peck extended troupe!
01 January 2018

Prawn fishing (or prawning) (or pawns as the iris would say) which was a lot of fun. Alex managed to catch 2 and mummy 1 with lots of bites by all. We must return!
31 December 2017

The cheeky cuzzies at Taupo. Every year the dynamics change with Olive and Violet inseparable this year. Iris drifted between following he big girls, hanging with Jimmy and also had loads of fun with Alex at the pool and afterwards.
31 December 2017

Dave produces his first loaf! We had sourdough lessons every day with a fresh loaf at breakfast all but one morning.
30 December 2017

Uncle Dave’s birthday! He showed a little interest in bread making so we jumped on that and gave him a baneton bowl and sourdough starter (John Wayne, or Willy?).
30 December 2017

Spent a few hours at the beach on a beaut day in Taupo. Water was lovely and we all had a swim.
30 December 2017

Just hanging.

Juniper: 6 months and 13 days
Tags:  Juniper  
30 December 2017

Fairies collecting berries. Lovely Taupo cuzzie play.
26 December 2017

Juniper has turned a corner and is enjoying bath time! Generally into everything a lot more, rolling, talking, grabbing for everything even lamb and turkey over past few days.

Juniper: 6 months and 9 days
Tags:  Juniper  
25 December 2017

This year both girls were super excited about Christmas and Olive was good at going to bed, Iris wasn’t as per usual but she slept in past 7.30, much to Olives dismay! A successful Xmas.
24 December 2017

Christmas Eve at Granny and Poppas. The clan has grown since last photo and another one only a few weeks away!
24 December 2017

Chilling with Poppa

Juniper: 6 months and 7 days
Tags:  Juniper  
23 December 2017

Junipers first taste of lamb thanks to the Wohlers! She loved it so much she sucked it right into her mouth.

Juniper: 6 months and 6 days
Tags:  Juniper  
23 December 2017

First full family up and over the back of Karori. Olive went the distance with barely a whine, Iris lasted a short while in before requesting the throne - where she happily stayed for the rest of the walk.

Olive: 5 years and 10 months
Iris: 3 years and 6 months
Juniper: 6 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
22 December 2017

Picnic on the new lodge furniture with Freya.
22 December 2017

We have rolled before but we have been doing it all afternoon and morning the next day. A lot more mobile.

Juniper: 6 months and 5 days
Tags:  Juniper  
21 December 2017

The Turner Christmas was a small affair this year. Since it is our off year, but the girls enjoyed their toilet bags even slept with them. Sad we aren’t hitting the Mt Maunganui beach this year.
21 December 2017

The girls went candy crazy over the gingerbread house, next year I think we could attempt our own one me thinks!

Olive: 5 years and 10 months
Iris: 3 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
19 December 2017

The jun boon is 6 months old! Two teeth, rolled both ways (only a few times) generally cherry little berry. Sleeping has gone down hill but it only improve! Right?! Not really sitting and haven’t tired food yet, this week once we are over this cold and she can breath through her nose again.

Juniper: 6 months and 1 day
Tags:  Juniper  
18 December 2017

Jolly jumpering Juniper! More of a slight bounce than a jump.

Juniper: 6 months and 1 day
Tags:  Juniper  
16 December 2017

While the big girls had a sleep over at Nan and Grandads (amazing!), the three of us hit the beach then a quick dinner at our old classic - Leuvin.

Juniper: 5 months and 29 days
Tags:  Juniper  
15 December 2017

They have arrived! Mummy is more excited about these than the girls will be!
12 December 2017

This weather has been amazing so we headed to oriential bay for a dip after school. Met daddy after work too. Girls are just loving the water! I put Juno’s foot in and got a cry, just testing...

Juniper: 5 months and 25 days
Tags:  Juniper  
08 December 2017

We had a lovely early afternoon hanging with two of Junos boyfriends who are younger but bigger, while mums got to bring in summer with pimms. First "Mum Christmas party" followed by play date after school with Freya & Scarlett and bubbles. God it's good to be a stay at home Mum!

Juniper: 5 months and 21 days
Tags:  Juniper  
07 December 2017

Just a nappy it is so super hot, even tried to convert heat pump to air con!

Juniper: 5 months and 20 days
Tags:  Juniper  
07 December 2017

The weather has been just amazing. So off to oriental beach we went today. Caught up with a few friends a long the way. Juni even had a snooze in the tent and I got to take a swim with the kids, as no one else bought their togs! After 3 hours we were toast.
06 December 2017

Super hot which means no wind! So picked Olive up from school and met Nan and Iris at Khandallah pool to cool down.
05 December 2017

A relaxing morning at Kpc on my bday. Just hung under the parachute with Juni and iris with her baby Rosie.

Iris: 3 years and 5 months
Juniper: 5 months and 18 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
01 December 2017

Our paihia holiday has come to an end. A much needed great holiday. Better get this munchkin out before the capsule gets checked in.

Juniper: 5 months and 14 days
Tags:  Juniper  
30 November 2017

We took in some culture at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds while the girls hung with Nan and Grandad.
30 November 2017

Hanging on the mat with Jun bug.

Olive: 5 years and 9 months
Iris: 3 years and 5 months
Juniper: 5 months and 13 days
Tags:  Juniper  Olive  Iris  
30 November 2017

Making the most of a beautiful morning at Paihia Beach.
28 November 2017

Eating babies.

Juniper: 5 months and 11 days
Tags:  Juniper  
28 November 2017

"Olive Peck also Iris and Juniper"

Olive: 5 years and 9 months
Iris: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
27 November 2017

Ferry ride and a lovely stroll in Russell. Very pretty town and the beer at the Duke of Marlborough was well deserved.
27 November 2017

Ferry ride and a lovely stroll in Russell. Very pretty town and the beer at the Duke of Marlborough was well deserved.
26 November 2017

Parrot Place in Kerikeri was well worth the visit. Iris got right in there feeding and holding all the birds she could. Olive was much more reserved - fed a few tentative peanuts and nearly got up the courage to hold one.

Olive: 5 years and 9 months
Iris: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
26 November 2017

Everybody wanted to hold the baby at the picturesque Haruru Falls.
25 November 2017

We enjoyed giant strawberries and giant sausages at the old pack house Kerikeri market. Puts Wellington markets to shame! Lots of great foodie options.
25 November 2017

Testing the waters at the timeshare. The girls were happy to jump in the pool despite the cool water. Olives confidence in the pool has reached new levels due to the swimming lessons she’s been having. Really great to see.
24 November 2017

Really good fish and chips on the beach shortly after arriving in Paihia in our rental.
24 November 2017

On holiday at last! The long anticipated trip to Piahia and our first holiday of the year. First we had to fly to Auckland!
23 November 2017

This has been happening for a few weeks where iris insists on bring her baby to school, Kindy or anywhere walking. She seems to be mimicking me while feeding, talking and generally looking after baby. Very cute and very very slow to get anywhere!

Iris: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Iris  
19 November 2017

Look who joined us for dinner!

Juniper: 5 months and 2 days
Tags:  Juniper  
18 November 2017

Dinner for two (and a half) with the girls staying the night at Nan and Grandads!

Juniper: 5 months and 1 day
Tags:  Juniper  
18 November 2017

Our big five month old. Managed a roll earlier in the week, hates bath time, starting doing longer morning naps sometimes! Loves watching big sisters playing, generally a happy smilie wee ju ju.

Juniper: 5 months and 1 day
Tags:  Juniper  
12 November 2017

So after 5 years of attempting to spray and walk away we decided to call in the professionals. It is so great to see the color of the bricks again. Money well spent.

Tags:  Garden  
12 November 2017

Juni smoking bunny.

Juniper: 4 months and 26 days
Tags:  Juniper  
12 November 2017

Hey spikey!

Juniper: 4 months and 26 days
Tags:  Juniper  
11 November 2017

Action animal shot: the swing has been getting a hammering so Tom put up another one.

Iris: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Iris  
06 November 2017

My first two teeth have arrived! Juniper has done a few all night sleepers! But not holding my breath!

Juniper: 4 months and 20 days
Tags:  Juniper  
04 November 2017

Happy birthday Grandad! Juniper managed a bit of tummy time watching the truck and dribbling with her new teeth too.

Juniper: 4 months and 18 days
Tags:  Juniper  
04 November 2017

Epic 6hr run in the bush called the Aorangi Undulator.
01 November 2017

Gosh I'm lucky. Two minutes later not so.

Olive: 5 years and 8 months
Iris: 3 years and 4 months
Juniper: 4 months and 15 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
29 October 2017

Iris in the box.

Iris: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Iris  
29 October 2017

Jens birthday and cheeky chickens at the Prosser household. The kids loved playing outside with the chickens.
22 October 2017

First try at sourdough pizza... a resounding success! Need a few tricks to get it working in our average oven though.
19 October 2017

A crisp but lovely sunny morning scootering around Oriental Bay with Elise, Bethany and Sarah. Good to be a professional Mum, bring on summer!

Iris: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Iris  
13 October 2017

Four months! I don't know where they went?! We are getting lots of smiles and giggles, sleeping has changed to a few wake ups, usually 12 and 4am.

Juniper: 3 months and 26 days
Tags:  Juniper  
09 October 2017

Since being home from hospital, Juni's sleeping has somewhat been hard at night, waking every 3 hours but a smilie wee thing during the day. Still getting lots of attention from her sisters, who keep her amused.

Juniper: 3 months and 22 days
Tags:  Juniper  
06 October 2017

Welcome home to the mad house June Bug!

Iris: 3 years and 3 months
Juniper: 3 months and 19 days
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
06 October 2017

Juniper has gone wireless! Hopefully we get the all clear to take her home today. We are all looking forward to all being together again and getting back to a bit of normality.

Juniper: 3 months and 19 days
Tags:  Juniper  
05 October 2017

Somebody is happy to be down to only one attachment! Mostly oxygen self sufficient and feeding again so hopefully only one more night then we get to bring Juni home!

Juniper: 3 months and 18 days
Tags:  Juniper  
04 October 2017

The girls got to hang with the Prosser cousins for the afternoon to give us a needed break. They had loads of fun by the sounds of it!

Olive: 5 years and 7 months
Iris: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
04 October 2017

A few smiles from bubble beard this morning after her third night in hospital. She is out of the ICU and in the children’s ward which is good a sign of her recovery.

Juniper: 3 months and 17 days
Tags:  Juniper  
03 October 2017

Iris is always busy busy, often leaving a trail of destruction in her wake. This time, however, she created an amazing little castle town from the blocks she nabbed from Junipers room.

Iris: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Iris  
03 October 2017

Get well soon Juniper, love from Olive and Iris. Olive makes a little card for Juni as she is back in hospital - this time with bronchitis. Poor little thing.

Olive: 5 years and 7 months
Juniper: 3 months and 16 days
Tags:  Juniper  Olive  
03 October 2017

During the week of juni being in hospital we had booked Olive into a swimming holiday programme (won it in a silent auction) at 9.15am. We had a bumpy start by refusing to get in, so every morning we had either drop off milk at the hospital before lessons or swap and pickup mummy! A week of lessons really does make a difference. Anthony moved up, which was hard for Olive to understand but a life lesson. Hopefully we aren't far behind!

Olive: 5 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
02 October 2017

Poor bubs is back in the hospital after bronchitis took a turn for the worse. Oxygen and nasal tube for feeding makes a scary sight but she is on the mend.

Juniper: 3 months and 15 days
Tags:  Juniper  
27 September 2017

Where's the Juni bug? Impossible to get a photo without the loving sister iris.

Iris: 3 years and 3 months
Juniper: 3 months and 10 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
24 September 2017

Spot the new addition to the swing chair!

Olive: 5 years and 7 months
Iris: 3 years and 3 months
Juniper: 3 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
23 September 2017

Junie is still enjoying her bath time. Nearly outgrown the baby bath though! Going to be interesting squeezing three of them in the big bath.

Juniper: 3 months and 6 days
Tags:  Juniper  
20 September 2017

Three in the bed and the little one said... Not a lot yet!

Olive: 5 years and 7 months
Iris: 3 years and 3 months
Juniper: 3 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
18 September 2017

Olive went from slowly learning training wheels on her 16" 4th birthday bike, to borrowing Anthony's old balance bike to get her used to balancing to buying a $49 12" bike from K-Mart and putting the peddling and balancing together. Two tries with Daddy running behind her and now she's away and laughing (literally!). So proud of our little bike rider and Mummies perseverance getting her into it.

Olive: 5 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
14 September 2017

What is with us having blue eyed babies!

Olive: 5 years and 6 months
Juniper: 2 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  Juniper  
10 September 2017

The peck sisters.

Olive: 5 years and 6 months
Iris: 3 years and 2 months
Juniper: 2 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
07 September 2017

It's nice to have three of my little ones wave goodbye to me in the mornings.

Olive: 5 years and 6 months
Iris: 3 years and 2 months
Lyon: 6 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Lyon  
06 September 2017

Caught the tongue in the wild. This little guy comes out a lot to say hello at the moment.

Juniper: 2 months and 20 days
Tags:  Juniper  
06 September 2017

It is so good to be getting back on our feet and normality. No more sickness! It makes having 3 healthy kids easy in comparison! Good session at Kpc, making milk shakes by herself. It was the first time iris had her spark back after 3 weeks, she even played quietly in juni's room while I settled juni to sleep. Amazing!oh and best day because of the sun!

Iris: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Iris  
03 September 2017

Juni's cheeky tongue likes to make an appearance a lot lately.

Juniper: 2 months and 17 days
Tags:  Juniper  
30 August 2017

Sickness has plagued our household. Two weeks ago both girls (olive a day before iris) got high fevers and were couch bound for half a week followed by colds. A week after we had got back into our normal routine, they both got sick again. Fevers and this time strep throat. I'm totally over this.

Olive: 5 years and 6 months
Iris: 3 years and 2 months
Juniper: 2 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
27 August 2017

We dragged the girls out for lunch with Anthony, Nige and Lana followed by a boat ride with Skip Poppa.

We had a good two week run with dry nights but then after two accident nights we are back in nappies. Oh well - can't be long now before it's a permanent thing.

27 August 2017

Olive: 5 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
24 August 2017

Walking routine. We are really enjoying the walking routine, kindy, school, biking and scootering... and juni gets a good sleep in! Strangely easier than packing them all in the car, then out, then in and out again!

Olive: 5 years and 6 months
Iris: 3 years and 2 months
Juniper: 2 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
13 August 2017

Our little Juni is back! It has taken over 2 weeks but she looking like my baby again!

Juniper: 1 month and 27 days
Tags:  Juniper  

After 6 nights of dry nappies, the day had finally come when Olive went to bed without a nappy! We might be back to only needing two nappy sizes from now on .... touch wood.

13 August 2017

Olive: 5 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
12 August 2017

Somebody is happy we finally got the bouncer out for her to bounce in!

Juniper: 1 month and 25 days
Tags:  Juniper  
05 August 2017

Maggie is out on my dog walk route. Spring?! Daffs are already out too.
04 August 2017

Asleep at the gym.

Juniper: 1 month and 18 days
Tags:  Juniper  
04 August 2017

Oli has lost her top front tooth! Second one can't be far off! Here's our goofy smile.

Olive: 5 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
03 August 2017

Juniper & Ivy's first movie at the empire. We got the theatre all to ourselves and enjoy a chat, movie and coffee. It looks like David & Goliath with Juni a whole kilo bigger and only one day older!

Juniper: 1 month and 17 days
Tags:  Juniper  
01 August 2017

Yay! Juniper (and Mummy) finally get to come home after spending 3 nights at the hospital while they treated her for a nasty skin infection. I think she felt like she missed out on a hospital stay and had to make up for it.

Juniper: 1 month and 15 days
Tags:  Juniper  
29 July 2017

Olive's first netball game! It was freezing but so much fun watching the little cuties chasing the ball with hands out wide.

Olive: 5 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 July 2017

Violet turns 5 with party games, a smorgasbord of food for the little ones and the big ones and a rainbow cake.
21 July 2017

The attack of the pimples has begun.

Juniper: 1 month and 4 days
Tags:  Juniper  
21 July 2017

Happy families.
17 July 2017

The one time they are allowed to paint on clothes.

Olive: 5 years and 5 months
Iris: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
16 July 2017

Aunty Hannah and Uncle James come to meet Junie.

Juniper: 29 days
Tags:  Juniper  
15 July 2017

Good morning! We need a bigger bed!

Olive: 5 years and 5 months
Iris: 3 years
Juniper: 27 days and 22 hours
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
14 July 2017

Miss librarian

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 July 2017

First paid haircuts, Iris stated "I don't want to be a boy" concerned if her hair was cut short she would then be a boy. Bonus plaits after. Another 3 kiddy outing, tick!

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Iris: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
12 July 2017

Nandad day! The grandies took the girls to te papa on this cold cold wet day. Finished off with cookies at home. Juno slept for most of the day at home, very strange feeling!

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Iris: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
11 July 2017

A cold but beautiful sunny day spent at the botanicals, 3 kids and we survived! Lucky we bumped into Jo and the twins!! It is a joy to watch Oli and Iris have a ball together, timing sliding together, Oli is very caring of Iris, which makes it easier for mum! May it continue!

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Iris: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
07 July 2017

Last day of term! Mummy managed pickups and dropoffs for a week! We walked home and grabbed a scoop of chips to celebrate!

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Iris: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
05 July 2017

Little big sister looks sooo much bigger now! Juno back past her birth weight! No stressing this time!

Iris: 3 years
Juniper: 18 days and 8 hours
Tags:  Iris  Juniper  
03 July 2017

Big day! Olive's first cross country run at school. She seemed to enjoy every minute of the 5 minute run.

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 July 2017

That's a relief. The three girls squeeze into the back of the car.

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Iris: 3 years
Juniper: 14 days and 2 hours
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
01 July 2017

Juniper faces.

Juniper: 14 days
Tags:  Juniper  
28 June 2017

Cuddles with MJ. Amazing dinner and sweets left us spoiled. Thanks MJ!

Juniper: 11 days and 6 hours
Tags:  Juniper  
28 June 2017

Sisters. The big sister, the little big sister and little sister.

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Iris: 3 years
Juniper: 10 days and 22 hours
Tags:  Juniper  Olive  Iris  
27 June 2017

Tired.

Juniper: 10 days and 6 hours
Tags:  Juniper  
27 June 2017

Nicky and twins bought us a lunch visit. The girls started to play right for at the end-typical!

Juniper: 10 days and 3 hours
Tags:  Juniper  
25 June 2017

Lana comes for Juniper cuddles. 2 hours worth!

Juniper: 8 days and 4 hours
Tags:  Juniper  
25 June 2017

First family outing. A half walk/bike/scooter half around the park!
24 June 2017

New routine for bedtime reading on the bunks, bedtime seems to take forever and they fed off each other. But mummy doesn't always have to be there now!

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Iris: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
24 June 2017

Attempted family photos!
24 June 2017

Iris' morning tea birthday party. A couple of friends, some yummy food, and few games and a sponge cake! Iris felt very special and Juniper slept through the whole thing.

Iris: 3 years
Tags:  Iris  
24 June 2017

Settled at 10pm and then at 3am, woke at 7am. Not bad at all! Slept through the morning tea party for Iris too.

Juniper: 7 days and 3 hours
Tags:  Juniper  
23 June 2017

A better nights sleep last night as she finally settled around midnight. Slept for a whopping 4.5hours! Isn't it amazing how quickly you appreciate the small improvements!

Juniper: 6 days and 6 hours
Tags:  Juniper  
23 June 2017

The work in progress window seat. Curtains ordered and fabric bought for cushions! Now to find time to sew them!

Tags:  DIY  
22 June 2017

Juno slept through her bath and was closely followed by two rudie nudies.

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Iris: 3 years
Juniper: 5 days and 6 hours
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  Olive  
22 June 2017

Sleeps during the day, night owl by night. At least the big girls seem to be sleeping well, touch wood.

Juniper: 5 days and 5 hours
Tags:  Juniper  

Olive had her first drop off play date! Daddy dropped her at Elizabeths house after school and she had a blast. So great to see Olive's confidence build to whole new levels thanks to school. The last few drop offs she's been so eager to get inside and drop her bag so she can say "bye Daddy!" And run off outside with her friends. Really lovely to see.

21 June 2017

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
21 June 2017

Aunty Jen, Violet and Jimmy come to meet our little Junebug.

Juniper: 4 days and 4 hours
Tags:  Juniper  
21 June 2017

Iriee antics while Juniper gets a feed.

Iris: 3 years
Juniper: 4 days
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
20 June 2017

Our big girl turns 3! Happy birthday Irenieee!

Iris: 3 years
Tags:  Iris  
19 June 2017

First bath was an enjoyable success.

Juniper: 2 days and 6 hours
Tags:  Juniper  
19 June 2017

When Tom goes out, Lyon is quick to come and keep me and Juno company, the responsibility he has just got bigger.

Lyon: 6 years and 1 month
Tags:  Lyon  
18 June 2017

Granny and Poppa come to meet and cuddle 7.

Juniper: 1 day, 7 hours and 20 minutes
Tags:  Juniper  
18 June 2017

Talented air guitarist - like Daddy.

Juniper: 1 day, 6 hours and 13 minutes
Tags:  Juniper  
18 June 2017

Peck sisters

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Iris: 2 years and 11 months
Juniper: 1 day, 6 hours and 7 minutes
Tags:  Juniper  Olive  Iris  
18 June 2017

Junipers first night at home! Once she settled shortly after midnight, she slept through to 6.30 (with a 4am feed).

Juniper: 23 hours, 35 minutes and 48 seconds
Tags:  Juniper  
18 June 2017

Iris cuddles her new sister.

Iris: 2 years and 11 months
Juniper: 21 hours, 44 minutes and 56 seconds
Tags:  Juniper  Iris  
17 June 2017

Grandad gets some Juniper cuddles.

Juniper: 9 hours, 43 minutes and 25 seconds
Tags:  Juniper  
17 June 2017

Mini Gandalf ready to head home.

Juniper: 4 hours, 44 minutes and 13 seconds
Tags:  Juniper  
17 June 2017

Olive and Iris get to meet Juniper! Both extremely excited to see their long awaited little sister for the first time.

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Iris: 2 years and 11 months
Juniper: 3 hours, 4 minutes and 15 seconds
Tags:  Olive  Iris  Juniper  
17 June 2017

Nan and Grandad bring the girls to meet bubs.

Olive: 5 years and 4 months
Iris: 2 years and 11 months
Juniper: 3 hours and 5 seconds
Tags:  Juniper  Olive  Iris  
17 June 2017

Introducing Juniper Florence Peck (June) to the Peck family! 4.06kg, born at 9.35am 17/6/17 - 5 days ahead of her due date.

Juniper: 2 hours, 46 minutes and 48 seconds
Tags:  Juniper  
29 May 2017

Daddy has stepped up for swimming with iris in his lunchtime. I think they both enjoy themselves.

Iris: 2 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
28 May 2017

Poppas 68th at Jen and Daves new house! They've finally moved in and the place is looking amazing.
27 May 2017

Daddy competed in the 12k Tough Guy Challenge with workmates and came second! Must have the been the family support.
26 May 2017

Second kindy drop off went well. Waved to me from the window and no tears! I wonder how Monday will go. Came back to find her on the swing yet again.

Iris: 2 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
20 May 2017

Bunk building in one day. $400 of timber, sketchup plan, father son duo and voila! Top bunk is built. The girls are super excited, mummy is sad Iris is moving out of her room but onwards and upwards! Now to whitewash the bunk.... in oh 2 years most likely!

Tags:  DIY  

"Oh my goodness I've got lots of sneeze!" Iris making light of her cold

16 May 2017

Iris: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Iris  
13 May 2017

With a new hybrid starter (a mix of Nans and Nicky's), I'm finally having success with sourdough loaves! This one was amazing and demolished in half a day...
08 May 2017

A Sydney wedding at palm beach with no kids! Well a bump! It was a stunning venue and a lovely family affair. Almost relaxing!
08 May 2017

Family wedding photo shoot style.
07 May 2017

With Mummy away in Sydney, Daddy took the girls for a sleepover at Granny and Poppas. A day of beer and bread making for the adults while the kids played happily followed by a great nights sleep.
06 May 2017

Morning one with mummy away! Happy girls = happy Daddy.

Olive: 5 years and 2 months
Iris: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
05 May 2017

Daddy gets to take Iris to kindy. She had a great time getting into everything.

Iris: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Iris  
03 May 2017

Olive was super excited by her first netball session at lunchtime, so much so that she wore her uniform all afternoon.

Olive: 5 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
02 May 2017

Iris has started kindy! She is very excited! Feels weird to be back so soon too.

Iris: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Iris  
30 April 2017

Sabine's party with face painting!

Olive: 5 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
30 April 2017

A great day in featherston at a wax encaustic workshop with Lana. Will be setting it up at home! It was so much fun!
29 April 2017

Daddy gets to take the girls to Hazel's 5th birthday party.

Olive: 5 years and 2 months
Iris: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
27 April 2017

A visit up the coast to catchup with nat & Anna and kids and to see paper shaper show and playground action.
25 April 2017

A lovely scroll along the waterfront, Olive practicing on the big scooter and Iris really getting the hang of the little scooter before lunch at the crab shack with the Grandies.
24 April 2017

Who knew going to kpc in holidays would be so exciting for the kids, while the mummies painted!
22 April 2017

We went on a fun little bush walk through Karori bush before rewarding ourselves with milkshakes at the cafe.
21 April 2017

Avalon park with the cuzzies. They really enjoyed the water stream, very hard to keep track of your kids though!
17 April 2017

Another weekend, another planter built! This one has been on the cards for years to stop the cheeky chickens from kicking stuff onto our path.

Tags:  DIY  Garden  
16 April 2017

Easter Sunday! With an Easter egg hunt with self decorated baskets, a nice spread and a game of deck soccer.
15 April 2017

DIY Easter! Tom has nearly finished off the planter so before we were off at a wedding we were filling planters with a trailer full of soil, the girls loved mucking in on the trailer.
14 April 2017

Got wood! Finally. First delivery in two years. Olive and loved helping to sort out the pile. Had it shifted to the wood box in a day! A record.

Olive: 5 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
14 April 2017

Nan and Grandad join us for Easter Friday hot cross buns and ciabatta.
12 April 2017

A wee drive up to Waikanae to see the Woods from the U.K. Ava has grown up so much! Nice to met little Max too.
09 April 2017

Telling her friends about dinosaurs.

Iris: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  
08 April 2017

The take home spread from our one day bread course. Full on day baking ciabatta, brioche, doughnuts, bread rolls, hot cross buns and pizza dough.
07 April 2017

Iris got into dress ups today - a few! And started to get the hang of the sandpit digger!

Iris: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  
01 April 2017

What's this? The start of another planter?!?

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
01 April 2017

A fun day out at Olives school fair with Granny and Poppa. Candy floss, merrygoround, jumping castle, petting zoo and Olive so excited to show us around her new school.

Olive: 5 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
31 March 2017

Iris getting into our kpc recycled water fountain.

Iris: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  

"Olive had motional and wanted Mummy" - Iris's word of the day, motional.

30 March 2017

Iris: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  
28 March 2017

Iris has been napping on and off. Usually quite good at saying she is tired. Today she was tired but resisted. After school pickup, she wanted to go to bed, I said go for it knowing it was full of blocks, 10mins later asleep. Never saw it coming.

Iris: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  
27 March 2017

Friendly cat on our way to Kpc this morning

Iris: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  
26 March 2017

Waterloo fair was fun with Ant. Olive won two chocolate bars!
25 March 2017

Iris's first people! So proud.

Iris: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  
25 March 2017

While Daddy was away we had a sleepover at Nandads (as Iris calls them) even managed the bunks! Early wake up with Olive upset at the top of the bunks but they both slept well. Pancakes for breakfast to boot!

As we were walking down the hill towards school this morning Olive said "I think I'm fine to walk down here and into school without you Mum" what the! This wasn't meant to happen until you were 7 or older! So I said "mummy isn't ready quite yet".

18 March 2017

Olive: 5 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
09 March 2017

Olives latest artwork at school of her family. We have all become very colorful and detailed!

Olive: 5 years
Tags:  Olive  

Dinner time conversations... Olive: "I know a girl called Isla she's in Ako 10 next to my class. " Daddy: "Where's she from?" Iris: "Auckland!" Olive: "No, she has skin like us."

07 March 2017

Olive: 5 years
Iris: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
06 March 2017

Milk marbling with Scarlett and chocolate cake cup magic

Iris: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Iris  
04 March 2017

The side comes off the cot! Iris was super excited to go to bed and hop in herself.

Iris: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Iris  
27 February 2017

Iris getting used to being KPC without big sister. Bubble blowing art! Seems happy to play at times away from me.

Iris: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Iris  
26 February 2017

Ice rocks, fish and chips, princess storm troopers, bananas and a glistening cake! All at Anthony's birthday party.
25 February 2017

Bubble man bubble show! Such a hit with the kids. Especially the square bubble.

Olive: 5 years
Iris: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
20 February 2017

On the hottest day after early school pickup we hit the beach. Best day ever. Oli was great to drop off at school, Iris was happy at playcenter and bonus beach swim.

Olive: 5 years
Iris: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
19 February 2017

Karori karnival! A day of 4 seasons, finishing in sun and humidity. Mummy did 3 hours of face painting while the girls and daddy did the bouncy castles.
18 February 2017

My big five year old rapunzel.

Olive: 5 years
Tags:  Olive  
18 February 2017

Party Day! at Sunshine Kindy. Olive felt very special in the rapunzel dress and enjoyed pass the parcel, lunch, playground fun and finished with Ice cream sundaes

Olive: 5 years
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2017

Happy last day for Olive (my baby) handing out little farewell gifts with Hazel and Sabine.

Olive: 5 years
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2017

Olives "happy last day" at kindy! She had her two kindy besties up front with her to say her farewell's.

Olive: 5 years
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2017

Olive turns 5! A few morning presents before off to her happy last day at kindy.

Olive: 5 years
Tags:  Olive  
14 February 2017

And so the birthday prep starts... rapunzel hair! Girls loved helping wind the wool and olive enjoyed plaiting the great hair!

Olive: 4 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
08 February 2017

His Masters Voice. Lyon returns from having a lump removed from his cheek. Poor guy has to wear the cone until the stitches are good. Dog flap is closed for the interim!

Lyon: 5 years and 9 months
Tags:  Lyon  
06 February 2017

Daddy's old marbles make an appearance and keep the girls amused all afternoon.

Olive: 4 years and 11 months
Iris: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
05 February 2017

My girls (and Dot).

Olive: 4 years and 11 months
Iris: 2 years and 7 months
Juniper: -4 months and 11 days
Tags:  Juniper  Olive  Iris  
04 February 2017

First sunny summer day in a while. Nice catchup with school mates. Olive and Iris did really well playing with Jonty and amusing themselves while we chatted. Mia and Sebastian reminded us what little babies are like again!
04 February 2017

Woke at 3am to kneed this bad boy to make sure it was ready for lunch. A tasty wholemeal Pain de Campagne.
30 January 2017

A spot of colour today

Olive: 4 years and 11 months
Iris: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
28 January 2017

A run I've looked forward to for a while - the Jumbo Holdsworth loop in the Tararuas. An early start to drive to the Wairapa - but what a great race! Over 3 hours of intrepid journeying.
27 January 2017

We visited Olives school (Karori West) and met her teacher in her classroom. Lovely teacher and what a great classroom! Olive and Iris had a ball playing with all the toys and crafty stuff.

Olive: 4 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 January 2017

We went to the weta workshop bug exhibition at Te papa over the long weekend. I think it didn't help Iris's love of bugs (she didn't really like the huge models of insects) Olive however thought it was great.

Olive: 4 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
21 January 2017

Our Christmas bench is getting a home! Well just getting started! Clearing up for a treehouse too.
20 January 2017

Worm obsessed after Anthony's magic worm! Fun lunch with cousins followed by worm hunt. Last day of holidays.

Olive: 4 years and 11 months
Iris: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
19 January 2017

Girly overload with Jessie (old friend from kindy) soon to be school friend!

Olive: 4 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
16 January 2017

My cheap $20 'old lady rose arch' wasn't built to last and blowing with the wind and I was at a lost what to do but randomly our Neighbour was getting rid of their super heavy duty one so all solved! I have finally managed to make my top tier garden with hostas around the cherry tree. Job satisfaction, tick.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
16 January 2017

After fun collecting shells at the Mount, the interest in our shell collections has been lots of fun. (Daddy's is better than Mummy's)

Olive: 4 years and 11 months
Iris: 2 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
13 January 2017

We got lucky one morning when Iris woke early but went back to sleep in our bed! Princess is her favorite toy called Angela ballerina.

Iris: 2 years and 6 months
Tags:  Iris  
04 January 2017

Getting back to normality after the Turner season is over. The garden has gone crazy too.

Olive: 4 years and 10 months
Iris: 2 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
04 January 2017

Jungle after two week holiday! Lots of weeding!

Tags:  Garden  
31 December 2016

We braved the wind and found a sheltered spot on Makara Beach to cook sausages and toast marsh mellows! Had a great time.
29 December 2016

Milla came over for a cousin play date. Cookie cutting, tea party and playing shop. Busy morning but lovely to see three playing together.
28 December 2016

Since Lachie had a sleepover in August, Ali was keen on one too! Second sleepover for Oli, it was rather relaxing having three! Bath, pizzas, books and bed! Olive swapped beds at 4am with Daddy but overall, not a bad result!

Olive: 4 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  
27 December 2016

We hosted a relaxing Peck Christmas lunch and the kids got to open even more presents. The kids all had a great time and the dads managed a 5 beer brew taster.
25 December 2016

Turner Christmas dinner at Helen and Robins. A fantastic spread of meats and salads including my first cooked turkey (slightly over cooked but made up with the gravy).
25 December 2016

Turner Clan Christmas 2016
25 December 2016

We hosted a Christmas morning brunch for the Turner Clan. The weather played ball and the kids were super excited to open presents from each other.
25 December 2016

Opening presents from each other on Christmas morning.

Olive: 4 years and 10 months
Iris: 2 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
22 December 2016

We wandered over the old railway bridge to Tauranga to visit the lovely Hairy Maclary statues and playground.
22 December 2016

Shots from the top of the mount where Tom ran up on three occasions.
21 December 2016

The big kids.

Olive: 4 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  
20 December 2016

We made it to the beach most days as the weather was fantastic. The kids loved playing in the sand and the bigger kids enjoyed jumping waves and getting wet.
20 December 2016

Archie Barchie
19 December 2016

We managed a walk around the mount with the kids. Iris surprised us with hopping out of the buggy half way and literally running the second half of the walk. Olive loved following the goat tracks with Ali.

Olive: 4 years and 10 months
Iris: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
18 December 2016

Couch time at the mount.
17 December 2016

Let the fun begin at the biannual Turner-Pant-Peck gathering at Mount Maunganui!
17 December 2016

So the holiday begins with Taupo. The kids are getting a lot better in the car, so five hours went by okay. We enjoyed a lake ride and a night before moving onto the Mt, and Turner clan maddness.
14 December 2016

It has finally happened! Olive has had a whole lesson in the pool without me! She did so well and had fun too. Have we turned a corner? Did sone awesome bubbles with her head mostly covered. A great way to finish the term.

Olive: 4 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 December 2016

Christmas nuts for kindy decorated by Olive.

Olive: 4 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
12 December 2016

No car today so our flattie can be replaced, lucky it happened before our trip! So we walked into k town and got our freebie sunglasses because we are nearly a school kid!

Olive: 4 years and 9 months
Iris: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
11 December 2016

A lovely afternoon at the old Hutt boys Christmas party this year hosted by Josh and Kate at their beautiful waterfront mansion.
07 December 2016

My girls

Olive: 4 years and 9 months
Iris: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
07 December 2016

This term we took the plunge with easy swim and I wish we had done it sooner. Anthony and Lana joined our private lessons (small class) which was really lovely too. Olive has come a long way since the first session of not putting on a hat and goggles to letting Bec the teacher float olive on her back and tummy with bubbles. The end goal being able to put her head under which she doesn't like doing yet! But her bubbles are getting most of her face wet so we are getting there!

Olive: 4 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
06 December 2016

12 week scan of Dot! Our number three on the way! Everything is looking fine, due date of June 22, 2017 and funnily enough, this is 3 years to the minute that we had Iris' 12 week scan!

Juniper: -6 months and 10 days
Tags:  Juniper  
05 December 2016

A nice family affair for Gini's birthday this year with yummy pizza followed by cake on Monday and beef fillet with bernaise sauce expertly cooked by Nan at Nan and Grandads on Tuesday.
03 December 2016

We decided to splash out on a long term Christmas tree this year. It's all of a sudden feeling a little Christmassy around here!
02 December 2016

Second to last Tamariki Nui session. We finally got a fine morning to head out to Makara beach for rock pools and fire cooked mashmellows and damper. This has been a fantastic session and a privileged to be part of, the benefits for the kids is awesome.

Olive: 4 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 December 2016

Day 1 with our new couch. Olive was super excited when she got home from kindy, the girls happily played in the box house outside all afternoon while mummy snoozed on the couch. Bliss.
01 December 2016

Christmas came early this year! And has already been pooped on by a bird who'd eaten too many berries!
29 November 2016

I think it is fair to say iris has inherited my nose lip thing. We have also had a few good dinners out of iris lately! Hooray!

Iris: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Iris  
29 November 2016

Last ballet lesson with a surprised professional dancer to inspire! Olive didn't enjoy the extra audience so sat out her dance which was a little disappointing- oh well next time!

Olive: 4 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
13 November 2016

The hedge numbers are planted! Just need a new letterbox and it's another project done!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
11 November 2016

F&C's with seven girls! The dads got quite a surprise when faced with 7 girls as they arrived for dinner.
11 November 2016

We went horse riding for tamariki Nui today. Olive wasn't too sure of the horses but was happy to pat and groom them. Maybe next time a ride?...

Olive: 4 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
06 November 2016

Jumping frogs, flowers and hearts. Signed by Olive.

Olive: 4 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
05 November 2016

An impromptu BBQ and fireworks at the Prosser's! Iris was a little worried to go outside but the rest of the kids loved it.

Iris: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Iris  
05 November 2016

Water play table from the toy library. Summer is on it's way!?

Olive: 4 years and 8 months
Iris: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
03 November 2016

"Take a photo!"

Iris: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Iris  
02 November 2016

Iris Does Gym Tots! On her first visit Iris had a little try of everything and observed the other children exploring at gym tots. On her second time Iris was confident enough to explore a variety of activities. As usual, we put on the yellow top and had a short walk to gym tots. After listening to the instructors and a little stretch and a game, Iris was set off to play! Iris looked around and walked to the soft cushion first. She hopped on one of them and observed others playing and running around. After a while, she jumped off the cushion and ran to the tunnel. She tried everything confidently. Great work Iris! You were using you big muscles while you were doing some crawling, climbing and running. You were building up the control of your little muscles while picking up a ball. Meanwhile, you were developing the confidence of controlling your own body. Ka pai!

Iris: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Iris  
01 November 2016

Olive took her time showing Iris how to draw a cow.

Olive: 4 years and 8 months
Iris: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
29 October 2016

Daddy runs the Auckland Marathon! Mummy and the girls were even there to meet him at the finish line!
29 October 2016

Today we took the ferry across to Devonport (where Daddy was born) for a tasty lunch and a relax at the playground.
29 October 2016

We took a wander down to the Viaduct on the waterfront to check out the big boats and the playground.
29 October 2016

A central Auckland office block where the workers are so busy they've put up post it note pictures on the windows - very clever.
28 October 2016

Our Auckland accommodation. Inner city living with a 21st story view! Includes an indoor swimming pool we've visited every day.
28 October 2016

Auckland zoo was a hit. Nice and small to cover in a morning out. The girls were excited to see animals we don't have I Wellington - elephants, rhino, zebra and giant turtles to name a few.
27 October 2016

We had lunch at the Hamilton gardens and walked through the amazing garden rooms.
26 October 2016

Next stop on our way north was to Taupo. The weather wasn't so flash so we spent the one full day we had here at the AC baths where Olive absolutely loved the rope swing - and can now stand on the bottom in the big pool!
23 October 2016

First stop on our tour to Auckland. Ohakune and we checked out the playground and its developments and a path to our village with nan and grandad.
23 October 2016

We popped in on Nat and Marcus to meet their new arrival Sebastian! One day old today! Congratulations guys, he's gorgeous.
20 October 2016

A private ballet class (no one else turned up!) for both the girls.

Olive: 4 years and 8 months
Iris: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
19 October 2016

A catchup with jonty and tiff.

Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Iris  
18 October 2016

Pegboards are up! Pretty pleased.

Olive: 4 years and 8 months
Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  DIY  
18 October 2016

Donut balls! Olive is a wiz in the kitchen and iris was focused for ages on flour and cups, all the way to the floor. Yum!

Olive: 4 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
16 October 2016

Iris's first party! She won two prizes at musical statues. Generally looked quite pleased to be there. Olive wasn't very happy about not being invited so ease the blow she got a special movie outing with ant and the dads.

Olive: 4 years and 8 months
Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
15 October 2016

We finally managed to see Dan and Kats new house in Aotea. Very grand with a fantastic view. The kids had fun running a mock and we didn't leave till after 8.30pm. Raging BBQ!
14 October 2016

The kids peg painting boards are done! Just waiting on pegs now...

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
10 October 2016

Olive wasn't keen on going into ballet by herself so Iris helped support her and she loved it. Got right into everything. Hmmm... Olive enjoyed herself too.

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
10 October 2016

Ballerina Sisters

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Movie  Olive  Iris  
07 October 2016

Another tooth out, another visit from the tooth fairy!

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
07 October 2016

Iris is appalling at dinner time at the moment. Won't even sit for a mouthful. This is where I found her after she run off. She thought it was hilarious.

Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Iris  
05 October 2016

Olive was super excited to leave a letter and her tooth for the tooth fairy! Another wobbly one on the way...

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
04 October 2016

Ballet Battles

Tags:  Movie  
04 October 2016

Our ballerinas.

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
03 October 2016

Play date with Mia & Amy at the botanical gardens to check out tulips and baby ducklings.
02 October 2016

Helping out tail docking the lambs at the Thompsons. The kids found it most entertaining watching the dads chasing the lambs around a small pen.
01 October 2016

A belated birthday brunch at the new Petone waterfront cafe followed by fun at the beach.
30 September 2016

The grandies took the girls to the zoo on a cracker Wellie day while I worked... We joined up for f&c's on the beach.

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
28 September 2016

Maggy the magnolia has finally flowered! I was thinking of chopping it down (not really) after 3 years of no flowering so it must have heard me. 6 flowers and 4 to come. I'm overjoyed!

Tags:  Garden  
28 September 2016

Caught up with nat & poppy, Anna & Eva, Mia for a play and park. The trees were the highlight. Being baby koalas.
26 September 2016

Happy birthday daddy cake! Decorated by your girls.
24 September 2016

First adult tooth, pushing the little baby tooth out! Earlier than we expected but then she did get them early to begin with.

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
24 September 2016

Just one of Iris's 'cool' dress ups.

Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Iris  
24 September 2016

The start of a new outdoor project - must be summer coming!
24 September 2016

Jessie's fifth birthday! Olives best friend at Kindy.

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 September 2016

Nan bought around mini garden pots which were herb & veges to plant! Magic soil too!
23 September 2016

Last day of the term at Kpc and guess what landed on our field! A helicopter! Olive was super excited and later in the day practiced helicopter swing ikea dolly style. Iris though it was noisy.

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
22 September 2016

Bye bye to our Brisbane Turner clan. A lovely warm week of fun family time. Plane home went well too. Got home and got straight into our onesies! Cold!
22 September 2016

How would we ever survive a flight without iPads? Olive was in heaven. Iris took a bit of entertaining towards the end but was pretty good as well.

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
21 September 2016

A wet weather day so we ventured to the movies! Pets. Lots of fun and Iris sat through the whole thing on Dads knee.

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Iris: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
20 September 2016

Making most of the beautiful Brisbane weather we ventured to South Bank for ice creams and a crazy fun time in the water.
19 September 2016

Cuddling chicks and feeding kangaroos at Lone Pine koala sanctuary.

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Iris: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
18 September 2016

3 mermaids at the beach

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Iris: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
17 September 2016

Story time with the Uncles (as Iris would call them).
17 September 2016

We took a wander around Maleny Bird Park and botanical gardens.
16 September 2016

The view from our AirB&B accommodation in Mooloolibar.
16 September 2016

We visited Sea Life and the girls absolutely loved it. Aquariums and a seal show.

Olive: 4 years and 7 months
Iris: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
16 September 2016

Cuddles with Archie!
14 September 2016

We made it to our flight! The girls very excited. Will see how they cope with the 3.45am wake up call. And us!

Olive: 4 years and 6 months
Iris: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  

The excitement is rising at the pecks. Olive and iris are super helpful packers... Cough. Olive told iris "this is the slimming tog bag, put yours in here" oh if only!

12 September 2016

Olive: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  

Iris gets very excited about Nan day on Fridays "Go to Nans and Oli go Nui!" (Playcentre Tamaraki Nui - big kids excursions)

12 September 2016

Iris: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Iris  
11 September 2016

We enjoyed a beautiful day out in Carterton picking daffodils and enjoying what the food stalls had to offer. It was a hot day! Iris however didn’t nap...
08 September 2016

Just when we thought it was spring! Mummy had fun running in hail while the kids enjoyed collecting it all before day had begun.
07 September 2016

Iris hits the park circle with a few friends, Chloe & Amy. We managed a lap before it Bucketed down.

Iris: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Iris  
06 September 2016

Toilet training is going reasonably well since iris is leading the charge. Loves knickers and has started telling us when she needs to go which can be every 10mins, great start...

Iris: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Iris  
05 September 2016

The block towers for animals continues...

Olive: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
04 September 2016

Happy grandad day. Another amazing creation by Olive: portrait of the whole Turner clan. Initials on the their tummies. Grandad in the middle with glasses.

Olive: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
04 September 2016

A great daddy day! A nice run with the fur child, yum croissant brunch followed by taking the girls out to the aquarium and milkshakes at the chocolate fish cafe! Not to mention the lovely family portrait by Olive now sitting proudly on my desk at work.
03 September 2016

A fun game of throw dollies in the tree. Kept Olive amused for ages.

Olive: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
03 September 2016

Sun and sand. A glorious day so we had f&c's on the beach.
03 September 2016

Beach Bunnies

Olive: 4 years and 6 months
Iris: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Movie  Olive  Iris  

Iris has taken to piggy backs but she calls them "back packs" which makes much more sense!

02 September 2016

Iris: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Iris  

"Mummy has drunken eyelids (aka conjunctivitis) " well that is what it sounded like, if only it was!

02 September 2016
28 August 2016

First dinner out with both kids... We went with the Wohlers to our local One Fat Bird. It went quite well! Ant and Oli were super excited.
28 August 2016

Second party of the weekend! Caterina's Frozen Playcentre party!

Olive: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
27 August 2016

Mia's fifth birthday party at Junglerama was a big hit. Lower Hutt is so much better than newtowns setup too. Olive was happy to go off and try everything, and super excited to play with Maia as mermaids. (recently left for school)

Olive: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
26 August 2016

Olives most elaborate duplo creation yet. Always centered around housing animals. This one has a playground, school, bedrooms and balloon umbrellas!

Olive: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
26 August 2016

For KPC Tamaraki Nui we visited SPCA in the old fever station (used to have tb patients). It is huge and very cool! We got to meet a curious bunny, lots of playful puppies and hiding kittens. They even do parties there! Olive loved patches the pup and how soft the bunny was.

Olive: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 August 2016

Iris and I popped into town for sushi with daddy. Love these sunny winter days.

Iris: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Iris  
20 August 2016

Catchup with cuzzies with biking and bush fun. Followed by a yummy picnic in the sun. Love these winter days.
19 August 2016

Tamaraki nui cable ride and garden fun today. We could fit three in our car!

Olive: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
17 August 2016

Cheap Wednesday at the zoo so we headed there while oli was at Kindy (felt guilty!) wiry a few of iris's little buddies, Chloe, Olivia and from Kindy Elle & Naomi. Iris fascinated by the swinging chimps, muddy pigs and giraffes eating. She was a lot more engaged this time around too. Walked all the way so maybe next time no buggy?

Iris: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Iris  
14 August 2016

While we were away, nan and grandad kindly had a sleepover with the girls. They all did really well sleeping (iris even slept in!) nan took olive off to Maia's party which was a big deal too. Nice to know they were happy. Book another weekend?

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Iris: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
14 August 2016

Champagne brunch to celebrate Sarah's birthday at the Boat Shed waterfront cafe.
14 August 2016

Four of us decided to run to the top of the gondola and back.
13 August 2016

Impeccable accommodation with a bath with a view! Plus a group shot from the deck.
13 August 2016

We managed to get a bluebird day for our one opportunity to hit the southern slopes. We decided on Coronet Peak and were not disappointed. Amazing scenery.
12 August 2016

Our fancy dinner out at Rata. Very tasty.
12 August 2016

We made it to Queenstown for our first childless weekend away! Us and 5 other couples managed to make it down south for an action packed weekend.
11 August 2016

Kindy photos this week, which gave me an opportunity to see olive playing with her friends which was so lovely. One of Olive's friends, Maia had her happy last day today and Olive was asked to be a helper and sit on a chair up the front. So proud.

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  

It seems our most precious items in life seen through the eyes of our children are coffee and phones. Iris always says at 5.30am "mummy get coffee?, daddy coffee?" Almost in a concerned state. Yesterday I dropped my phone, once too many, never shattered a screen before... Iris keeps reminding me "mummy broke phone, mummy got daddy phone" why is it they remember and highlight our faults?! Oh well!

10 August 2016

Iris: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Iris  

Goodnight kiss tonight from Olive "let's do a real wedding kiss, a wonky kiss!"

01 August 2016

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 August 2016

Over the past few weeks (coincided with my food bag) these two have had such lovely play in the early evening before bath and dinner. Olive actually reads(from memory) iris books which is just amazing.

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Iris: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
30 July 2016

First cuzzie sleepover! I had three kids in my own! Olive was running around saying "I'm princess jasmine" with Lachie chasing saying "and I'm a baddie" they all got on so well which was great to see. The best surprise was bedtime. They were great, not a peep, Olive was super excited to have Lachie on her pull out bed. But confused early this morning when he was gone. She wanted him to come back to bed. Maybe soon the girls can bunk up.

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Iris: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
30 July 2016

String game, sushi, Wonder Woman and a game of basketball with the boys. A nice and relaxing affair at Violets 4th birthday party.

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
30 July 2016

Barbie bungy created by me (nearly 30 years ago) nice to see Olive doing really well at leading the pack and prescribing turn taking, both the big kids including Iris in the game was great too.

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Iris: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
29 July 2016

It seems they walked away from Disney on ice with sock skating skills. We had dinner and skating shows at Nan & Grandads. I adore seeing the cousins playing so well, it has been so great getting know Lachie a little better. Sad it is nearly time for them to go...

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Iris: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
29 July 2016

We skipped a year to Disney on ice last year (don't want it to become an expectation!) and this year we had a cuzzie along! Lachie was locked onto everything, as was Olive. She knew all the characters and the falling snow was magical.

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
25 July 2016

A lovely full day playdate with cuzzie lachie, with pikelets, barbies, cooking cookie soups, chasing Lyon, play dough banana, chocolate & beer pizzas and playing tiger families behind the chairs to name a few. Wouldn't it be nice if we could do this more often?

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Iris: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
24 July 2016

A stop off at the army museum on our way home. Olive had lots of questions about war that I'm not ready to talk to her about. How to explain that humans can be nasty to each other, as I can already tell what she will say, but why? Very good question. "why do they have guns?" What's the mask for?" Why did they put all the kids in tents?" Lachie stated "only baddies have guns" it is interesting how kids interpret war and Iris just pulled us around everywhere...

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Iris: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
23 July 2016

Today was the best out of the two days to check out the snow even though it was closed! Olive all geared up loved it, running around and not wanting to leave. Mummy however got wet (not wearing ski gear) Lachie and Paul jumped out for a short explore too. We took a short forest walk before warming up with a hot drink at a cafe. I have a new appreciation for Ohakune, I loved how excited Olive was so we will return.

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
22 July 2016

We got to ohakune late afternoon and explored the new walkway through the forest and river into town, would be great for scooters. Mountain is looking delish.
22 July 2016

Hanging out with Lachie in Ohakune.

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Iris: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
19 July 2016

A quick but lovely catchup with Lisa and her boys.
18 July 2016

Iris has been really interested in photos of late...

Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Movie  Iris  
18 July 2016

Olive and Freya got the hang of these ramps at Waitangi park, happy doing this for ages!

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Movie  Olive  
18 July 2016

We enjoyed 'the Kowhai tree' show with Nat & Poppy followed by Raumati playground.

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
17 July 2016

We joined Anthony and Lana at the show of mister maker. Olive enjoyed it so much that she performed her own puppet show of it at home. It was fun having Freya along for the adventure too.

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  

We've had three tinkles on the toilet so far. All voluntary. Probably just the novelty of it but it would be nice to have it a little easier this time round!

16 July 2016

Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Iris  
16 July 2016

The kids are getting excited about our ski trip with cuzzy lachie, a bit better prepared this time with goggles, suits and snow boots! Hope Iris enjoys it this time, who knows maybe skis for oli?.... Hmm

Olive: 4 years and 5 months
Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
13 July 2016

It's official! Mummy finally enters the onesie family! They sure do love these jolly things and I can see why! I should never have laughed at daddy gorilla all those years ago...
12 July 2016

The usual spot before I open the door so they have to tumble and roll through the entrance. It seems to never get old... For some. These two are having a lot more fun playing simple games together, which is so rewarding to see. Olive helps out a little with Iris by helping her wash her hands and helping with shoes and the fact that Iris will find oli and ask for her help is awesome. Just a lovely bond growing.

Olive: 4 years and 4 months
Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
11 July 2016

Girls loved the ramps at Waitangi skate park on a stunning still winter morning. The littlelies loved running up and down too. Kept them all amused for over an hour! Will be going back with iris's bike!

Olive: 4 years and 4 months
Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  

Kylie Minogue (1980s) lives again for a second generation. My tapes were very well received by the girls, despite Tom's 'cool' music taste.

01 July 2016

"Mummy gone gym tots?" "Yes Iriee, mummy's gone to gym tots".

29 June 2016

Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Iris  
24 June 2016

Matariki kindy disco. Wow there was a lot of people. Olive surprised us by running off with her friend Jess and showing off some dance moves. Iris enjoyed running circles around daddy too. A great event and fun to be out at night.

Olive: 4 years and 4 months
Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
24 June 2016

Iris saw a photo of olive wearing these sunnies, ran off and looked for the sunglasses, by pointing to where they used to hang, after we found them, she wore them all through dinner.

Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Iris  
24 June 2016

Iris finally got to see the tractor up close (she talks about it at every kindy pickup) teamed with the first full park circuit on bikes.

Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Iris  

"Did you have fun at KCC today Iris?" Iris: "Rowan, James, Angela, Chrissy!". Another day- "did you enjoy music today Irinee?" - Iris: "James, Chrissy, Rowan, Angela!" .....

23 June 2016

Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Iris  
20 June 2016

Happy 2nd birthday Iriee! Got the special kpc birthday chair, lady bug cake and healthy ice cream making at the end of session. My baby isn't a baby anymore!

Iris: 2 years
Tags:  Iris  
19 June 2016

Iris' second birthday party! A fun family affair with a well executed pass the parcel, biking, yummy food, a ducky cake and more!

Iris: 1 year and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
19 June 2016

The birthday girl.

Iris: 1 year and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  
13 June 2016

Olive's confidence is growing so much, I was impressed to see and hear how she helped tell the three little bears story through magnets.

Olive: 4 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
11 June 2016

Iris got to test drive her new birthday bike, which she flew on!

Iris: 1 year, 11 months and 22 days
Tags:  Iris  
10 June 2016

Friday night dinner with the Rogers girls

Olive: 4 years and 3 months
Iris: 1 year, 11 months and 21 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
06 June 2016

First sleep over with Anthony in Lower Hutt. With an amazing dinner which we couldn't stop eating! A few false starts with little kitty visiting the kids, and a few wanderings in the middle of the night but it went well, Iris slept the best.

Olive: 4 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
05 June 2016

Bubbles, pass the parcel and cake at Poppy's 3rd birthday party.
04 June 2016

Winter woolies with bare feet

Olive: 4 years and 3 months
Iris: 1 year, 11 months and 15 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
03 June 2016

Friday homemade f&c night with the grandies.
02 June 2016

Lyon finds a comfy spot.

Lyon: 5 years and 1 month
Tags:  Lyon  
31 May 2016

Olives latest creations. A tiger in the grass and a zebra. She has started to use colours for different elements which is pretty exciting.

Olive: 4 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
30 May 2016

Iris has started to listen and copy actions to songs which is so much fun!

Iris: 1 year, 11 months and 10 days
Tags:  Iris  
30 May 2016

Iris is getting in on all the play with big sis, she did really well holding on too.

Iris: 1 year, 11 months and 10 days
Tags:  Iris  
28 May 2016

Cheeky little dishes helper.

Iris: 1 year, 11 months and 8 days
Tags:  Iris  
24 May 2016

The Karori Playcentre 75th memorabilia has arrived... Hope everyone likes them!
23 May 2016

A lovely morning watching the 'big girls' at kpc build this house.

Olive: 4 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  

"Water, in, eyes!" - Iris, upon arriving at KCC after a very cold bike ride.

17 May 2016

Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 27 days
Tags:  Iris  
14 May 2016

Washing basket and plastic monkeys... Who knew? It seems to go with the theme of stashing things in her pockets... Frozen peas, crayons, stamps, balls and more monkeys. All of which manage to go through the wash just fine. Just glad I caught the pink crayon after 5 minutes in the dryer.

Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 24 days
Tags:  Iris  
12 May 2016

Finally it is feeling like autumn!

Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 22 days
Tags:  Iris  
09 May 2016

Wellington Playcentres all had their Monday session in civic square today. Great concept and lots of fun for Oli and Iriee.

Olive: 4 years and 2 months
Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
08 May 2016

We managed to pop in on Granny and Poppa for some stinky cheese then lunch with Nan and Grandad at La Bella Italia for Mother's Day. Lucky mums all round!
06 May 2016

Olive has been going on about staying the night, so finally it was time to give it a go. The girls had dinner, bath and went off to bed without a fuss at Nan and Grandads. Second night away for Olive and first for Iris. We managed dinner and a movie! Until.... 2am Olive woke up and wanted mummy, so off I went driving through the streets of Karori to jump into bed with Olive. Tom got a sweet deal! A reasonably good first attempt!

Olive: 4 years and 2 months
Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
03 May 2016

Bucket skirt.

Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 13 days
Tags:  Iris  
02 May 2016

Ballet term 2! Going solo! I had both girls and it all went well! Weird not being in the class, and watched them on the screen out of context is funny.

Olive: 4 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  

I thought I better post this as it may never happen again! Both kids slept through until a whopping 7am! Whoop! Enough said.

01 May 2016

Olive: 4 years and 2 months
Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
01 May 2016

This is a great example of Iris and her curious ways. She loves to work out how things work, windows, wheels, containers you name it, this was interesting this morning that she has made this connection keys and locks, I thought we were safe with locks so high!

Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 11 days
Tags:  Iris  
30 April 2016

A fun day out at Granny and Poppas with Daddy. Iris had a good sleep and went down without a peep. Olive preferred to stay behind with Granny so Daddy and Poppa could see the Prosser house foundations taking shape! Loving Olives new found independence and confidence.

Olive: 4 years and 2 months
Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
28 April 2016

Peck girls hanging on their stoop.

Olive: 4 years and 2 months
Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
21 April 2016

Another beautiful day for the holidays. We enjoyed it at the zoo with Mia, Amy & Jenny. We checked out the farm area and discovered Olive was terrified of the sheep & chickens?! So much so she climbed up my body like a koala, Iris however wandered through the gate in her own little world. 'Baabaasheep'

Olive: 4 years and 2 months
Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
21 April 2016

It has started. The refusal to sit in her lobster chair and sitting on the big kid chair at bowl level. Luckily her eating skills have improved dramatically.

Iris: 1 year, 10 months and 1 day
Tags:  Iris  
19 April 2016

I have noticed Olive and Iris playing more and more together lately. Always Olive led games and Iris enjoys it. Olive has also taken to 'reading' to Iris in the ever so popular dog bed.

Olive: 4 years and 2 months
Iris: 1 year, 9 months and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
18 April 2016

A great start to the holidays with a sunny still day wondering along the waterfront to Te papa and coffee with Nan. Iris was ever so pleased in finding a perfect seat for herself, Olive couldn't resist either. Iris managed walking all the way back to the car in a very stroppy manner.

Olive: 4 years and 2 months
Iris: 1 year, 9 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
13 April 2016

Olive and Myah's friendship at kindy continues. Olive seems to enjoy kindy more especially when Myah is there, makes drop offs a lot easier too!

Olive: 4 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
11 April 2016

Iris continues to enjoy balancing and has been happier playing without me at playcenter. Olive I don't even see, today she was off with Freya and Sarah, out for the night while babysitters looked after their babies all night, who knows where they get these crazy notions!

Olive: 4 years and 1 month
Iris: 1 year, 9 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  

For over a year Iris has been an early riser (4.30-5.30am) so an early buggy ride most mornings was the usual, but with three tyres worn and falling apart it forced us to put her back to bed (plus, daylight savings brought things an hour earlier!). The first morning was the worst, second a small grizzle followed by the third just needing to be laid down again. Fourth morning 6am wake up. Let's hope it continues!

10 April 2016

Iris: 1 year, 9 months and 21 days
Tags:  Iris  
04 April 2016

Olive fell asleep reading books the last two nights. We definitely have a book reader in the making. She's going to love it when she can read actual words.

Olive: 4 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
04 April 2016

Spot the butterfly! The wings gave Olive her confidence back in ballet class, thank goodness! Now what to do next term when parents aren't allowed in class?!

Olive: 4 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
04 April 2016

Iris enjoys all the climbing, balancing obstacle setups at the moment. Still a bit pushy with slightly younger kids though!

Iris: 1 year, 9 months and 15 days
Tags:  Iris  
02 April 2016

Meeting Flash and Holly - the Prossers cute little chickens!
02 April 2016

Building a flat pack with two kids at 5.30am...

Olive: 4 years and 1 month
Iris: 1 year, 9 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
01 April 2016

Finally got back to gym jam with both kids, Iris took about 10nins to warm up and then she was off! Really interested in balancing along our deck wall and outdoor furniture at the moment and we are getting great use of our front yard with Olive getting the hang of bike riding and Iris turning into Rambo on a trike and loving the speed.

Olive: 4 years and 1 month
Iris: 1 year, 9 months and 12 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
28 March 2016

Sharing a pizza with Ants. The first time we've seen Olive eating pizza properly! Had half a pizza between them!

Olive: 4 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
26 March 2016

Lovely catching up with Elvi from Montreal.
22 March 2016

Cheeky monkey Iris's words are coming thick and fast, stringing two words together now, 'stop it' 'my mummy' 'baa sheep', 'come on'.

Iris: 1 year, 9 months and 2 days
Tags:  Iris  
22 March 2016

Iris gets super excited about picking up 'Oli kindy'.

Iris: 1 year, 9 months and 2 days
Tags:  Iris  
22 March 2016

The Washing

Olive: 4 years and 1 month
Iris: 1 year, 9 months and 2 days
Tags:  Movie  Olive  Iris  
15 March 2016

Got freebie tickets from my parents to see the bird themed light show in Otari bush, lots of interesting exhibits especially the man who can mimic all sorts of birds, loved the whirling dervish feathers too, but the best thing is being able to walk through the bush at night with amazing lights.
13 March 2016

The girls had a lovely time on Riversdale beach and river inlet.
13 March 2016

The playground, park and train in Masterton was fantastic.
12 March 2016

Bathing shower fearing children on holiday. Worked surprisingly well.

Olive: 4 years
Iris: 1 year, 8 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
12 March 2016

With a better nights sleep and a bit grey out but we headed 40mins over to Castlepoint to check out the lighthouse and races! Iris's word of the day was 'orses' so excited to see them and wondered where they had gone. Olive enjoyed watching and creating sand castles too. A lovely and relaxing way to take your kids to the races and the sun came out for our picnic too. Perfect.
10 March 2016

The start of our long weekend in riversdale. It's blowing a gale, but a very untouched pretty getaway spot.
08 March 2016

Iris Gate Escape. Luckily we have two gates between the deck and a full escape.

Iris: 1 year, 8 months and 17 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  
06 March 2016

It's alive! Alive I tell you, alive.
29 February 2016

Watching the penguin start to hatch. What a cool present from Anthony.

Olive: 4 years
Tags:  Olive  
28 February 2016

We managed a quick Cuzzies photo at Olives birthday family BBQ.
28 February 2016

We hosted a fun little 4th birthday party for Olive and a few of her besties. Pass the parcel, chocolate frog hunt, bike and scootering, fishing. Followed by Ariel cake ("Ariel isn't made of cake mummy!").

Olive: 4 years
Tags:  Olive  
23 February 2016

We often forget to check our inca garden, and we finally got around to taking a photo of Olive and her massive kindy sunflower. Tomatoes are amazing! Lots of beans and the carrots are ready.

Olive: 4 years
Tags:  Garden  Olive  
21 February 2016

Anthony's birthday party at Percy's reserve. Lots of fun and what a delicious wolf brownie cake!
19 February 2016

Face painting practice with Hayley, Freya, Scarlett and wine.... Hmm a little more practice before carnival on Sunday.
18 February 2016

It was bring your Lyon to work day prior to his annual groom and bottom shave. He behaved himself admirably.

Lyon: 4 years and 9 months
Tags:  Lyon  
16 February 2016

Second week of Iris at KCC for two mornings. Drop offs are getting better and she has settled in nicely. Loves the bike ride there!

Iris: 1 year, 7 months and 27 days
Tags:  Iris  
15 February 2016

Wow what a lovely first ballet class, I smiled the whole class as they we're so adorable! Olive listened and did everything! Greeted Freya with arms open wide and running to each other.

Olive: 4 years
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2016

Happy birthday Olive! A princesses and pirates dress up Playcentre birthday with cupcakes and the special birthday chair. You had a lovely busy time dressing up, playing with ropes and playing with Freya and Caterina. You were so happy that I popped out for 10mins to drop Iris off home for a nap!

Olive: 4 years
Tags:  Olive  
14 February 2016

We were invited to the neighbours for a little backyard BBQ. Lots of fun and reminds us how lucky we are to have such lovely families around us.
13 February 2016

Tunnel Slide Fun. Iris led the way on doing loops of the tunnel slide at Aotea Lagoon playground. No fear!

Olive: 3 years and 11 months
Iris: 1 year, 7 months and 24 days
Tags:  Movie  Iris  Olive  
10 February 2016

'Hungry caterpillar' by Olive

Olive: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
10 February 2016

'Caterpillars mummy' by Olive

Olive: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
10 February 2016

Our favourite drawing so far. 'Aliens' by Olive. It is wonderful to see the development in her drawing. In Wednesday she wanted to take 'autumn leaves' to kindy and then did leaf stamping. In general I've noticed a lot more colouring in areas and details like dresses, feet and hair, people have bodies now and animals feature now too. This is the most use of colour in one drawing. 'Aliens flying around stars in the sky'

Olive: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
10 February 2016

Olive was super excited about going into town to get her ballet outfit. She loved it so much she wouldn't take it off (slightly awkward moment when we are leaving and she is acting like a brat, yelling I want a crown!) but the moment she dancing around the store, priceless. So excited we fell asleep on route home.

Olive: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  

"For the first time in forever, you slept in, in the morning Iriee!" (Until 6.45am) and we feel amazing!

10 February 2016

Iris: 1 year, 7 months and 21 days
Tags:  Iris  
09 February 2016

Olive brought home a sunflower seedling from kindy and look at this bad boy now!

Olive: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  Garden  
07 February 2016

The corokia hedge plants are all in! Big hedge, big pressure. A project finished! Not to worry plenty of others to be going on with.

Tags:  Garden  
07 February 2016

Hanging with Iriee. Quite the little potterra. Happy cruising and finding things to do. Now she follows everything Olive does and so it begins...

Iris: 1 year, 7 months and 18 days
Tags:  Iris  
07 February 2016

A warm morning along waterfront with Nan & Grandad, Olive's relationship with them has really developed over the past few months, so many changes in our Olive, growing up! And moving to big kaka kinda group next week!

Olive: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
07 February 2016

So hot today! So we grabbed some f&cs and hit to beach for tea. Both girls enjoyed getting wet! Loving this hot weather! Over 32 today!
05 February 2016

A few frames from 2012-2016 of our back yard. How far we've come!

Tags:  Movie  
31 January 2016

And the back fence & planter is finally completed! Tops on the fence and planter are on (unfortunately at the loss of half a peonies due to a wayward saw). Only waiting on the plants to put in the planter now.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
27 January 2016

Wow. We have nearly been in our house 4 years and never cut back the trees. An unwanted guest of the furry ratty type in our roof forced our hand to do something. It was decided the branches was how it was getting into the house so with the big help of Grandad and Tom they cut back heaps in a short time while Nan kept the kids happy in the paddling pool. Thank you nan and grandad! It now has raised another problem of the clay bank which is very visible... Punga trees?... Yet another project!

Tags:  Garden  
25 January 2016

Testing out the $3.50 bike seat from TradeMe. Works a treat! This will take Iris off to KCC in style.

Olive: 3 years and 11 months
Iris: 1 year, 7 months and 5 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
24 January 2016

A fun day spent with Lana, Nige and Anthony. Our first walk around Zelandia, which we must do more often, followed by a BBQ at our place. Olive and Anthony had a ball - playing mum and dad (or was it mum and mum?), dressing up (as Anna and Elsa - Elsa was complete with high heals) and generally running amok until late.
24 January 2016

Iris is loving the baby at the moment.

Iris: 1 year, 7 months and 4 days
Tags:  Iris  
20 January 2016

Just needs a top on it and the back fence/planter wall is done! Gini is itching to start planting.

Tags:  DIY  Garden  
17 January 2016

Birthday brunch for Granny on a very hot day at granny and poppas.
17 January 2016

Second year of poppies, so I tried the retaining wall planter this time and wow! About 600mm tall! So didn't work that well with my hedge behind! So will maybe try behind... Worked well up around vege tier, some even self seeded. Sweetpea self seeded too.

Tags:  Garden  
16 January 2016

First full day with nan and grandad! They had a lovely day and mummy and daddy got 7 hours in the garden! Sore now!

Olive: 3 years and 11 months
Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
10 January 2016

So much fun on the giant inflatable pillow.
10 January 2016

With the girls.

Olive: 3 years and 10 months
Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
09 January 2016

Dinner on night one followed by toasting mash mellows on the coal BBQ.
09 January 2016

Rory shows the kids how to make a boat that sails down the river!
09 January 2016

Eel spotting, bush walking and river traversing next to our campsite.

Olive: 3 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  
09 January 2016

Crashed out.

Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 20 days
Tags:  Iris  
09 January 2016

We made it camping! After delaying it a day due to rubbish weather, we had two beautiful days of sunshine. 12 adults and 11.5 children and everyone keen to make it an annual outing.
07 January 2016

This happy bunny slept through to 6.15 this morning! Maybe things are on the up!

Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 18 days
Tags:  Iris  
06 January 2016

A lovely relaxing morning at the beach with the cuzzies. Days like these make it great to be a stay at home mum.
05 January 2016

Lyon managed to hurt his foot while hanging in the garden, so he had a quick visit to the vet for painkillers. Both the girls were worried about him so he got more attention than he wanted.

Olive: 3 years and 10 months
Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 16 days
Lyon: 4 years and 8 months
Tags:  Lyon  Iris  Olive  
01 January 2016

Waving to mummy (ants down below) after walking up the hill behind Andy and Nicky's place. Had a lovely New Year's Day BBQ with friends.

Olive: 3 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  
30 December 2015

Happy birthday Uncle Dave!
30 December 2015

Nice brunch on the lake front for Daves birthday. Enjoyed the sulphur hot springs in the lake too

Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 10 days
Tags:  Iris  
29 December 2015

Duck feeding and a walk along the lake front on another perfect day.
28 December 2015

Nudie story time with Granny
28 December 2015

Movie time to escape the afternoon heat

Olive: 3 years and 10 months
Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
28 December 2015

Family group photo at Taupo
27 December 2015

Super hot day again. So we hit the beach for a dip and picnic. Both girls braved the water and it was quite pleasant. I'm always blown away by the lake with the the 'mountain of ice cream' (according to Olive) in the back drop. Stunning.
26 December 2015

Boxing Day walk into town, with smoothies, trains rides and playground fun. Iris is getting familiar with all the family, generally knows everyone by name and loves to high five. Olive & violet have formed a lovely friendship over the past few days, dressed as fairies and loving each other's company and games.

Olive: 3 years and 10 months
Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 6 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
26 December 2015

Lovely sunrises on the early morning Iris walks which ranged from 3-5 am.

Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 6 days
Tags:  Iris  
25 December 2015

Christmas Day dinner! All the trimmings including babies at the table.
25 December 2015

Ice thief.

Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 5 days
Tags:  Iris  
25 December 2015

The babies at lunch and at play. Iris liked to push them round a bit.

Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 5 days
Tags:  Iris  
25 December 2015

Santa arrived! Olive was super excited and surprisingly so was Iris about opening all her presents, even wanted to continue with the rest!

Olive: 3 years and 10 months
Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 5 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
24 December 2015

Christmas Eve! The kids are super excited, so we put out done supper for the jolly old Santa! Kids are having a super time with each other....

Olive: 3 years and 10 months
Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
24 December 2015

Story time for Ben the bruiser.
23 December 2015

Two cuties in the swing chair.

Olive: 3 years and 10 months
Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
22 December 2015

The Harris' pop in for a play in their way north. The kids got on surprisingly well considering they've not spent long with each other.

Olive: 3 years and 10 months
Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
21 December 2015

Off up to Taupo! And Iris pleased as punch facing the front!

Olive: 3 years and 10 months
Iris: 1 year, 6 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
20 December 2015

Iris gets an early present from Olive, super pleased with the drink bottle.

Iris: 1 year and 6 months
Tags:  Iris  
20 December 2015

Cousin Ben turns one! Mexican themed party with a pinata, nachos, pulled pork and tasty Mexican beers and cocktails.
19 December 2015

We popped into Kirkcaldie & Stains for possibly the last time, it is always sad when a long standing Wellington company closes its doors.
14 December 2015

The end of a Playcentre year! Only one more for Olive and a few more for Iris! Lovely bunch of people.

Olive: 3 years and 9 months
Iris: 1 year, 5 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
13 December 2015

The annual friends Christmas party hosted this year by Nige and Lana. A fantastic day of sun, pizza, rotisserie beef ribs (amazing), water balloons, pink chalk and a barefoot Santa (Josh) that Olive was still pretty nervous about.
12 December 2015

Group photo before we say goodbye to the Martinborough mansion that's been our home the last 3 nights. What a fantastic place!
11 December 2015

We managed to get to a vineyard while in Martinborough without the kids! Beautiful venue and great Pinot Gris and last harvest Riesling.
10 December 2015

A walk and scoot into Martinborough town square. All the kids did really well, hot!
10 December 2015

A beautiful sunrise on the early morning Irinee walk.

Iris: 1 year, 5 months and 20 days
Tags:  Iris  
09 December 2015

The Martinborough early Christmas weekend begins... Train destination: Featherston! 1 hour on the train with the kids and grandparents. They all had a blast.
08 December 2015

The Auzzie cousins came to Playcentre for our last of the year. Lovely sharing our fun, Olive was so pleased and proud to have family here.
07 December 2015

A corner of Christmas cheer at capital e with the cuzzies.
06 December 2015

A busy bbq with family & old family friends and their kids... So nice to see how much everyone has grown in a year! All having a spot of ball fun outside.
04 December 2015

Olive had a lovely surprise when her Melbourne Aussie cousins came to meet her at kindy! Olive smile of surprise was priceless. Cousin Milla joined us later for dinner, by dinner Olive was starting to become poorly...

Olive: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  

"Woof woof!" - Lyon. "Daddy, you're distracting Lyon with your spoon!" - O

02 December 2015

Olive: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 December 2015

At KPC today we had a fairy help decorate the Christmas tree! Iris enjoyed passing the dropped ornaments up to olive. Iris really likes hanging with the big kids, loves being part of anything. The best play is always after session... Funny that.

Iris: 1 year, 5 months and 11 days
Tags:  Iris  

Iris words of the week: "Book", "Read It" (or at least it sounds like it), "Fffoot", "Doggy" (any animal at first is a doggy), "Monkey" (her favourite bedtime toy), "Botbot" (bottle), "Bregat" (breakfast). Her words are coming thick and fast now which is very exciting. Everything is spoken with a shout.

01 December 2015

Iris: 1 year, 5 months and 11 days
Tags:  Iris  
30 November 2015

I thought all was quiet and the girls were playing happily so I'll pop on my computer for a spot of work. Next minute two little someone's popped up.

Olive: 3 years and 9 months
Iris: 1 year, 5 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
30 November 2015

Olive has taken up a new game of dressing Iris, mainly skirts and shoes with a little hairdressing thrown in. Sometimes we will spot Iris just sitting quietly somewhere with a book. Bliss.

Olive: 3 years and 9 months
Iris: 1 year, 5 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
29 November 2015

BBQ rotisserie duck, sun and happy children! What more can you ask for on a Sunday afternoon at the Wohlers. "I really really miss Anthony" - O, as we got in the car to leave. (Most photos taken from Lana - thanks Lana :).
24 November 2015

Iris is insisting on walking everywhere, so we are later than normal, but aren't they cute! It was Willa's birthday so we decorated cupcakes and had face painting.

Iris: 1 year, 5 months and 4 days
Tags:  Iris  
23 November 2015

Action cuddle shot.

Iris: 1 year, 5 months and 3 days
Lyon: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Iris  Lyon  
21 November 2015

We have a planter! Unsure if "Olive Mountain" is going to fit back in at this point but crossing fingers. It's all coming together finally.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
19 November 2015

Colour mixing fun. This was a great way of slowly seeing the red mix into the blue and change colour, Olive was quite excited about it. Iris just enjoyed copying Olive and drinking it.

Olive: 3 years and 9 months
Iris: 1 year, 4 months and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
17 November 2015

After PC volcanoes we decided to make one of our own at home. Iris was more interested this time, as was Olive, potion and mixing came after. I managed to prepare dinner while they were busy eating afternoon tea together on the deck chairs and the sandpit fun. Can't 100% trust Iris with the edge but she has been pretty good so far.

Olive: 3 years and 9 months
Iris: 1 year, 4 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
17 November 2015

A lovely sunny day, a great day for water play at kpc. Olive made a angel from pegs and fabric and got involved in the volcano and making potions in the mud puddle. Iris enjoyed the water so much so climbed in! At the end Olive dressed up as an elephant, packed a suitcase and was off to Auckland!

Olive: 3 years and 9 months
Iris: 1 year, 4 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
16 November 2015

On Monday's while Olive is at kindy, Iris and I head off to kpc. Iris enjoyed the sandpit and the rivers and just hanging with the big girls.

Iris: 1 year, 4 months and 27 days
Tags:  Iris  
14 November 2015

Jazzasize

Olive: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 November 2015

We had the Rodgers over for our first bbq of the season on the re-homed Lana & Nige's Webber. A bit windy but the sun did make an appearance. Freya & Olive had a ball, closing the bedroom door and only appearing for dessert. Iris & Scarlett pottered around happily too.

Olive: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
12 November 2015

A well earned coffee break after a stressful week of work, ending with my computer's video card stopped working, just before deadline! Luckily it is covered under apple. It makes you realize how important backups are! Tom, you are a legend.
11 November 2015

The fence posts go up! Slowly but surely...

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
10 November 2015

Enough said.

Iris: 1 year, 4 months and 21 days
Tags:  Iris  
10 November 2015

Just in the last week or so Iris's language has changed. She will try and repeat words, common words are, duckie, birdie, doggie, cat, bear, book, mummy & daddy, monkey (her favourite toy) and olaf (Olive). Iris points to a seat if she wants you to sit down and has started grabbing a finger to pull you with her. Water play is her favourite past time and painting anything. She has started trying basic shape puzzles and loves containers and lids.

Iris: 1 year, 4 months and 21 days
Tags:  Iris  
10 November 2015

Today at kpc we drew around ourselves and found our body parts, we even got Iris lying down to do it. Olive helped and later enjoyed our homemade pumpkin hummus with carrots & potatoes for dipping and enjoyed making ice creams from paper and cakes with feathers.

Olive: 3 years and 8 months
Iris: 1 year, 4 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
06 November 2015

'Mouse' by Olive Peck

Olive: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
06 November 2015

4.30pm knock off drink on the deck while the girls made mud pie, ate some, chased Lyon, picked lots of mummy's flowers and finished off with a spot of sweeping.

Lyon: 4 years and 6 months
Tags:  Lyon  
06 November 2015

This Iris deserves a mention. Tom bought it off trade me when Iris was born. He was a little baffled when it arrived as a bulb stump, but it took a year and it has doubled and now flowering! Worth the wait.

Iris: 1 year, 4 months and 17 days
Tags:  Garden  Iris  
06 November 2015

Kindy drop offs are an interesting affair, with Iris bee lining for the paints and painting sometimes paper but usually the floor, shoes, hair... just about anything, then comes the taps and water, followed by a tantrum about leaving. But it is lovely to see the girls doing little things like this, olive has been reading stories to Iris and trying to teach words.

Olive: 3 years and 8 months
Iris: 1 year, 4 months and 17 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
31 October 2015

A lovely afternoon BBQ to celebrate Jens birthday and the opening of their new deck!

O: "Wo wo wo wo wo! I have a better plan. We don't budget, we just buy stuff with our money! Budgets are like parrots...." - adding her 2 cents to our budgets conversation.

31 October 2015

Olive: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
25 October 2015

A stunning long weekend spent relaxing with family. It feels like we haven't relaxed for ages! A lunch with great Aunty Jenny & Colin, & Aunty Lauren with relaxing in the afternoon. Next day we enjoyed days bay with pizza, nan & grandad on the beach and were impressed by olive's confidence as she picked up a dead crab! Gave it a sandy bed, and had lots of fun in the water. Iris loved the water as well, a complete change of clothes for both, it was warm enough to swim after all!
23 October 2015

Aunty Lauren had a quick visit to Wellington! Lovely dinners and chatting, Olive was super excited even though her cousins weren't coming. Iris charmed with her smiles.
19 October 2015

Bike day at KPC. Iris borrowed a bike and has started to sit and go backwards lately, but generally likes walking with it between her legs. We are also a bit of a runner and doesn't look back! It would seem mummy's tactics can't be reused for no 2.

Iris: 1 year, 3 months and 29 days
Tags:  Iris  
18 October 2015

'Green lion with a belly button' by Olive Eliza Peck. I included her bunny drawing too because the ears are rectangles! First time I've seen that!

Olive: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
18 October 2015

Off for a Monday ride. Olive understands turn taking but Iris... Well it's always her turn, I had forgotten the trials of this age! Are all kids at this age stubborn?

Olive: 3 years and 8 months
Iris: 1 year, 3 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
18 October 2015

Hamish, Toni and Carter come for lunch. Carter and Iris had great fun taking turns on the slide.

Iris: 1 year, 3 months and 28 days
Tags:  Iris  
17 October 2015

Iris loves copying big sister. In this instance it is lovely to see them both reading books.

Olive: 3 years and 8 months
Iris: 1 year, 3 months and 27 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  

Olive had her first swimming lesson in over a year and this time it was solo! I'm not going to lie, I didn't know how it would go but we had a play first and then joined the small group of three and I just hung nearby like one of those over protective parents and smiled over the top every time she looked for me. We got some bubble action, kicking, trusting the teacher and laughing at the rain splashing over her head. So fingers crossed we are on the up! Iris on the other hand had no fear which is a bit of a worry!

14 October 2015

Olive: 3 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
12 October 2015

Iris flying solo at Playcentre without olive! First session and Iris was off but mostly getting wet at the taps (three changes and then we started borrowing!) she did pull (she did move the wagon) Eden and Elise too and managed climbing the mount by herself.

Iris: 1 year, 3 months and 22 days
Tags:  Iris  
11 October 2015

Pink tulips! They all came out and look great. Now what to do with them next year?

Tags:  Garden  
11 October 2015

Beautiful wellie day. Smoothies on the beach.
11 October 2015

Iris's favorite spot. Sitting on the chair in her room and turning on and off the lamp.

Iris: 1 year, 3 months and 21 days
Tags:  Iris  

"Mummy I'm thinking, see look" - O (as Olive sits with her chin on her hand) "I haven't done this for a while, have I mummy" hmmm

10 October 2015

Olive: 3 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
10 October 2015

At the last minute we booked 4 tickets to kiwi moon at Hannah playhouse for Poppy & Olive. Some heavy themes which probably went over their heads and some questions after about the fire and the kiwi in the moon but lots of giggles and laugher about the huhu grubs and the white kiwi dancing and singing. Thanks nan for minding Iris for the first time! It all went well!

Olive: 3 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
10 October 2015

At last the beach! I can feel summer in my wings! Olive pulled off shoes & socks the first opportunity she got and we had fun collecting things for our crab castle (daddy found it) Iris was 'so busy' exploring on her own with a few complaints after getting sand in her fingers. She was so interested in the crab she pulled it's shell off. (But easily fixed) even managed to start the vege patch today!

"I love you mummy so so much" - O "I love you to the moon and back" - Me "I love you to the sun and back" - O "I love you to Taupo and back" - Me "I love you to England and back" -O. Out, done.

03 October 2015

Olive: 3 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
02 October 2015

Yet another botanical trip (I don't mind as the flowers are all out) to meet great aunty delwynne for a coffee and a stroll. Highlight was the monkey tails in the frog fountain, and low point watching a terrified toddler after a duck stole her lunch.
02 October 2015

Just an ordinary photo of Iris in the high hair. Hmmm I didn't put her in there? Olive said she climbed in! Very suspicious!

Iris: 1 year, 3 months and 12 days
Tags:  Iris  
01 October 2015

Just stumbled across this photo of our fur child. He doesn't just much a look in these days, but Lyon is a very family friendly chap especially with Iris taking an active interest in him which at times are lovely and other times not so, you can see why Lyon is weary of children. But I can see how much fun they all have and will have.

Lyon: 4 years and 5 months
Tags:  Lyon  
30 September 2015

A very excited Olive on the cable car with tunnel lights. We enjoyed the space place with a visual show about planets too. The cable car museum , sticks (wands) and hanging at the cafe were highlights.

Olive: 3 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
29 September 2015

Daddy daycare took the girls to the zoo! Not a lot of photos but they both had a lot of fun. Olives favourite: the meerkats. Daddy's favourite: the dingos (splitting image of Lyon). Iris's favourite: climbing along the giant centipede!
28 September 2015

Happy little Larry sitting on the couch and loves sitting on Olive's high seat at the table now too.

Iris: 1 year, 3 months and 8 days
Tags:  Iris  
28 September 2015

Day one of holidays which also coincides with mummy's work, lovely scooter with freya along waterfront on a sunny but cold wind day. Scarlett and Iris got a play at the playground too. My my how different the scootering is since last holidays for both girls.
27 September 2015

Tom is 36! We had a relaxing walk around the park, followed by brunch at our local, banana cake with salted Caramel icing (second attempt, first attempt was cooked on the defrost setting-my mind a wanders these days) yummy dinner at Charlie noble and all day brunch on Sunday with the family.
26 September 2015

Olive stated "I'm not very good at following instructions am I daddy?" As she was helping me put together my awesome 1300 piece birthday present.

Olive: 3 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
25 September 2015

This is what I arrived to work to on Friday. Followed by cake and whiskey at 3.30pm. Not a bad effort!
22 September 2015

Iris loves Lyon.

Iris: 1 year, 3 months and 2 days
Lyon: 4 years and 4 months
Tags:  Iris  Lyon  
22 September 2015

First world problem: spice rack. Solved with magnetic wonder!

Tags:  DIY  
22 September 2015

Last day of the term at PC. Iris found her paints once again and really got into the physical obstacle course inside on a wet wet rainy day.

Olive: 3 years and 7 months
Iris: 1 year, 3 months and 2 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
20 September 2015

Toy Library Toy Fun

Iris: 1 year and 3 months
Tags:  Iris  Movie  
20 September 2015

Playing the drums with Harry at the Foo's.

Olive: 3 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
19 September 2015

Lucas turned three! So we partied at junglerama, had to go on everything with olive as it was all a bit overwhelming and told off a few big boys being silly (who shouldn't even be in there) mother hen was protecting her baby.

Olive: 3 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
16 September 2015

Iris is becoming so independent and physical and this slide was a great example. She can now climb up the steps and happily slides down (quite a big slide) with me catching her at the bottom. Giggles all the way down.

Iris: 1 year, 2 months and 27 days
Tags:  Iris  
15 September 2015

Purple cornflour gloop fun. Kids loved making witch fingers and kept them engaged for ages. Iris wasn't even prepared to touch it. With snow, grass, sand and paint textures being introduced lately I think she is overwhelmed by it all.

Olive: 3 years and 7 months
Iris: 1 year, 2 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
14 September 2015

A lovely stop off at peka peka beach to remind us of summer. The kids were great in the car and bad jelly the witch is awesome! Even saw a seal on the beach, I can see us having a Bach here one day....
13 September 2015

Olive Goes Sledding

Olive: 3 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
13 September 2015

Snow, sun and sledding! And top carpark (lucky after waiting in a queue!) olive had a great time, Iris was mute for the whole time, a bit unsure of this snow stuff.
11 September 2015

A dream came true for Olive as we saw the big carrot once again in Ohakune.
08 September 2015

Iris and Olive enjoy paint between their toes. Iris was a bit unsure of the feeling and they both managed bum prints too!

Olive: 3 years and 6 months
Iris: 1 year, 2 months and 19 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  

Olive eating fish pie: "it tastes yummy, but is still yucky!" Usually loves it too.

07 September 2015

Olive: 3 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
06 September 2015

Daddy day! Everyone in the bed! An egg benie muffin in bed followed by a steam train ride and lunch. Train ride was a hit apart from it leaving the mums behind on the first trip!
06 September 2015

Such a lovely Father's Day picture from Olive. Including an accurate depiction of grumpy daddy!

Olive: 3 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
05 September 2015

We had Tiff, Jamie and Jonty around for a yummy lamb roast dinner. Lots of fun seeing the two little ones get up to mischief.
01 September 2015

Parachute madness at PC
30 August 2015

We enjoyed burger on a plate at the kid friendly Southern Cross (man there were a lot of kids and ours weren't the worst behaved!) even got a sneaky wheat beer and felt like we were in a beer garden in Europe. The sun was out and really hot so we ventured up to the memorial park for some hide and seek with Anthony, Lana & Nige. Iris loved the open spaces and climbing all the steps too.
27 August 2015

Iris enjoys her weekly visit to the WhosOnLocation office. Today she ate half an apple while drawing with chalk everywhere!

Iris: 1 year, 2 months and 7 days
Tags:  Iris  
25 August 2015

We had a fun PC adventure train ride and a visit to the sea museum. Olive loved the train ride, and the boat at the museum. Iris snoozed for most of it!
24 August 2015

Our first holiday all year! We had a long weekend in Taupo with the grandparents. The drive was really good both girls did really well. It was lovely to get away and relax? Iris continued to wake at 5.30am for a daddy walk in the early hours and olive sneaked into bed for a cuddle at 6.30am with mummy. (I got the better deal)
19 August 2015

Just a few of the irinee antics.

Iris: 1 year, 1 month and 30 days
Tags:  Movie  Iris  

Olive: "I can't break Humpty's head to eat him! Help!" As she was attempting to crack her boil egg with a spoon.

18 August 2015

Olive: 3 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
16 August 2015

The baby iris's are out!

Tags:  Garden  
16 August 2015

My Mooje.

Olive: 3 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
16 August 2015

A nice scooter along the waterfront with the cousins, followed by a variety of delish lunch options and a mini picnic.
15 August 2015

Iris is just coming into the age of Gym jam, great to get her practicing all her climbing

Iris: 1 year, 1 month and 26 days
Tags:  Iris  
12 August 2015

We are really interested in tea parties with 'real water' that we have to drink. Olive's scootering is going so well too, so well mummy has to run to keep up!

Olive: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
12 August 2015

Well it's finally happened... I'm getting older and need glasses (but for the record I can still drive without them) Still feels like I'm inside a goldfish bowl wearing them and they give me headaches - change is hard.
11 August 2015

Playcenter
10 August 2015

We were shouted a fantastic night out at the "soft launch" of James' new gig - the Park Kitchen in Miramar. Great food, wine and beers on tap!
10 August 2015

What a joker. Not sure how she managed to get ink from a coloured pencil?

Iris: 1 year, 1 month and 21 days
Tags:  Iris  
05 August 2015

See saw, see saw.

Iris: 1 year, 1 month and 16 days
Tags:  Iris  
05 August 2015

Our resident Elton John.

Iris: 1 year, 1 month and 16 days
Tags:  Iris  
04 August 2015

Some beanbag action to keep Iris entertained this afternoon since we missed a nap again. 2 naps may be the thing of the past, about time!

Iris: 1 year, 1 month and 15 days
Tags:  Iris  
04 August 2015

Iris's first painting experience! Loved it and ate some too.

Iris: 1 year, 1 month and 15 days
Tags:  Iris  
04 August 2015

We found a baby stick insect on our way to Playcentre so we bought it along for a visit (mummy had to be brave) Olive was interested enough to count its legs and draw it, Iris really enjoyed marking the paper.

Olive: 3 years and 5 months
Iris: 1 year, 1 month and 15 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
02 August 2015

Cousin Ben comes for a play date! Loved giving Iris and Lyon cuddles. Such a happy wee fellow.

Iris: 1 year, 1 month and 13 days
Lyon: 4 years and 3 months
Tags:  Lyon  Iris  

Olive. 7.14am: "mummy, why do you have cracks there? (Pointing to my frown lines between my eyes) Why?" Kids say the darnest things.

01 August 2015

Olive: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
30 July 2015

We checked out Kinderbear? Cafe in petone, lots of toys for kids, so got a good catchup with jonty & tiff.
27 July 2015

Olive and I have got into a habit at bedtime of saying our favoutite and best thing about the day... Which is always interesting what she comes out with, bath with Iris, Lunch at kindly, ponies with hazel. But this was my favoutite for Monday kindy wall, the smile says it all

Olive: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
26 July 2015

Lucy's pony party! With real ponies! Olive wasn't so keen on a ride but loved patting the guinea pigs and bunnies. Always great to check out other kindys, can't believe Lucy is 3! Olive has got into a lot more climbing lately and enjoyed another playground challenge!
26 July 2015

Next on the birthday bash weekend is Violet's third birthday! A nice and relaxing family affair. Olive had so much fun with the Anna and Elsa balloon. Pity it flew out of the car when we were on our way home from the next party! Olive was a little devastated.
25 July 2015

Our partyorama weekend was kicked off with Ben's 5th pirate themed birthday party out at his Pauatahanui kindy. Much fun had by all.
21 July 2015

Term 3! We survived the holidays! Back into PC, Iris really enjoying being able to get into everything, especially climbing the fort.

Iris: 1 year, 1 month and 1 day
Tags:  Iris  
20 July 2015

So far Iris has been a very good eater. Here's hoping it continues!

Iris: 1 year and 1 month
Tags:  Movie  Iris  
19 July 2015

A lovely brunch at Lana & Niges followed by a scooter & biking at Ant's future school in the sunny but freezing conditions. The kids got on like time hadn't passed.

Iris: 1 year and 29 days
Tags:  Iris  

"I want to go to Granny and Poppas and watch car turns on the tv!"

19 July 2015

Olive: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
18 July 2015

Such a helpful carrot peeler! Will have to get her onto the potatoes next.

Olive: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
18 July 2015

A fun catch up at Granny and Poppas. The 3 babies slept while the 3 big kids had big kid time, then the babies had a play. Olive and Violet had fun colouring in the same picture.
17 July 2015

So sleepy.

Lyon: 4 years and 2 months
Tags:  Lyon  
17 July 2015

With a temperature every night, it is nice to get a little smile out of Iris. It has to be teething! Beautiful sunny friday.

Iris: 1 year and 27 days
Tags:  Iris  
16 July 2015

Don't get caught with egg on your face...

Iris: 1 year and 26 days
Tags:  Iris  
15 July 2015

Oh the excitement of having a big truck at our house today! Tom booked it yesterday for today and luckily Poppa was available to help concrete under the house and fill the skip. So glad that rubbish pile has gone, we were starting to look like one if those houses...
15 July 2015

Iris has stated hopping on and off the trike by herself. She shuffles it round the room looking very proud of herself.

Iris: 1 year and 25 days
Tags:  Iris  

Olive has stated "I am not allowed to sing frozen songs because they are just for kids" ...

14 July 2015

Olive: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 July 2015

This was all the "sit" Lyon could manage on the frosty grass this morning.

Lyon: 4 years and 2 months
Tags:  Lyon  
13 July 2015

Day 3 of more scootering. It was sunny, still but really cold, so we scootered all the way to kcc and the playground. The confidence is building which is great, hills are another thing though! Iris loved the fort and has very quickly grasp the going down backwards concept which is awesome, apart from the one time mummy wasn't there in time! Bad mummy. She is loving being part of everything.
12 July 2015

Who knew behind the couch was such fun? We made some progress under the house while alternating child minding. Nearly there!
11 July 2015

A weekend of scootering. We scootered along Petone foreshore and walked back drawing with sticks (olive and mummy kept a few, not sure what it is about sticks which I like so much?) we are all loving this scooter action, keep it coming!
10 July 2015

With Iris on antibiotics, Olive had conjunctivitis and it pouring down, it was a home day of a thousand activities. Olive and I baked a kumara cake (Delish) and her baking skills are really coming along as she can fill cups perfectly and sifted them too. I said Olive could lick the bowl and the next minute her whole head was in it. Olive dressed Iris up and they had some lovely moments, especially when O wanted to hold Iris's other hand to help her walk. A very caring big sis.

Iris has started taking a few steps. She had been stand surfing for a few weeks and enjoyed holding our hands to walk.

09 July 2015

Iris: 1 year and 19 days
Tags:  Iris  
07 July 2015

'Green sun with teeth'. Olive has recently noticed and drawn people with a head AND body with two circles! Big step.

Olive: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
05 July 2015

It takes two grandparents to change this munchkin!

Iris: 1 year and 15 days
Tags:  Iris  
05 July 2015

After Tom's morning half marathon we did some more scootering and brunch at our local.
04 July 2015

A beautiful morning for a scoot and a spot of jellyfish watching at the waterfront. Olive has become a lot more confident on her scooter lately - which is great to see.

Olive: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
03 July 2015

Well I think we can safely say that Iris has mastered climbing on all our tables. If she can get up on it she will!

Iris: 1 year and 13 days
Tags:  Iris  
30 June 2015

Olive and Max have become quite friendly over this term, they are the oldest on Tuesday session so stepping up! Olive enjoyed telling max which ball to get and he would try to throw it up to her, she can be quite the little bossy boots when she is comfortable! A good sign!

Olive: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
30 June 2015

Iris is getting around at Playcentre and making friends (as much as a one year can!) we love climbing everything and loves being around the action. We have started having minor tantees when taken away from the fun!

Iris: 1 year and 10 days
Tags:  Iris  
26 June 2015

Spot the blondie! So nice seeing her listening so well. Monday pickup they were going over the earthquake turtle song and I spotted Olive being a turtle with all the rest. So nice.

Olive: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
22 June 2015

Bath time is great. Iris enjoys watching after her bath but does a nudie runner when it is dressing time. I can't leave the step stool out, boxes or little chairs as Iris is very keen on climbing these days too.

Iris: 1 year and 2 days
Tags:  Iris  
22 June 2015

Iris has been really interested in Lyon of late. She can pat gently and wants to touch nose and eyes (poor patient Lyon) the minute she joins him in his bed, he has gone, the dog bed is a favourite play area too.

Iris: 1 year and 2 days
Lyon: 4 years and 1 month
Tags:  Iris  Lyon  

Mummy: "Olive want do you done with your hair" Olive: "I just want it blonde" m: "you mean long?" O: "blonde!"

22 June 2015

Olive: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  

"A baby is going to get born in my tummy when I dance around with a prince!" - Olive, grasping the birds and the bees a little too well.

21 June 2015

Olive: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
21 June 2015

Went on a lovely walk up Wrights Hill to see the view and enjoy the sunshine. Should really venture up here more often.
20 June 2015

Iris turns one! Hard to believe our baby is one already. The year has gone by so quick! Here are a few photos from the day. A nice relaxing family affair.

Iris: 1 year
Tags:  Iris  
17 June 2015

After a few horrible days of us all being sick, (mummy's first sick day in 3.5years) we had to get out!
17 June 2015

Our little crown. Iris has recently been pulling this cheesy smile and she gets a great reaction, how could you not laugh? I had this face after every mouthful at lunch.

Iris: 11 months and 28 days
Tags:  Iris  

This morning I was busy clearing the dishwasher and making toast for Olive and she wanted me to read her a story, I said "I can't make your toast if I read the book to you, I don't have enough hands!" Olive said "mummy, maybe you should have octopus arms, that would help."

17 June 2015

Olive: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
15 June 2015

Iris has a new smile on demand. She sure knows how make us laugh!

Iris: 11 months and 26 days
Tags:  Iris  
14 June 2015

Daddy had a lovely sunny outing to the park and cafe for lunch while mummy was out eating cake.
13 June 2015

And so another project begins while many others are unfinished... In my defense the bush died it was an eye sore! Boring road ahead before I get to plant the hedge and plum trees!

Tags:  Garden  
12 June 2015

Latest interest, she has found a tunnel behind the couch. Iris is starting to understand simple games, chase, hide and seek, finding things under cups, and always comes up for a cuddle.

Iris: 11 months and 23 days
Tags:  Iris  
12 June 2015

Another nice walk to kindy, saying goodbye to daddy as he catches the bus. Olive has really stepped up since Tom has been working in town. Dinners are a lot better (touch wood) with minimal tantrums and bath times are lovely.

Olive: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
09 June 2015

Iris, Scarlett and another Olive! Nice to see Iris being interested in other babies, mainly eyes and pulling hair (poor things!) and exploring yet more doors. She loves placing items, closing them in, reopening to discover they are still there! Loves doors, crawling with just about anything in her mouth, pushing anything along the floor and watching clothes drop over and over again.

Iris: 11 months and 20 days
Tags:  Iris  
09 June 2015

Karori Playcentre has slowly been doing up the playground, which is looking great! Still lots to do! First time Olive really got into exploring it, loved the hilly slide. She was buzzing around trying everything!

Olive: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
08 June 2015

Lyon just can't help himself but join in on the fun, plonks himself down in the middle of our ball game as goalie. Typical.

Lyon: 4 years and 1 month
Tags:  Lyon  
08 June 2015

We enjoyed the autumn leaves and the walk to kindy with our fairy this morning. Week two begins with no Tom at home...

Olive: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
07 June 2015

We met the Prossers at the island bay aquarium. Olive was a little braver this time and touched a starfish! We all enjoyed the octopus feeding. That thing is amazing. After, we managed a nice lunch in the sun at spruce goose.

Well I thought this day would never come and now it has I'm not sure I wanted it to! Olive is choosing what to wear, often changes her outfit up to 15 times a day. She doesn't seem to care that it's 8 degrees outside and is wearing a summer dress. Mornings have become a daily negotiation of practical with one Olive item.

05 June 2015

Olive: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 June 2015

Got to keep an eye on the dog flap these days or else cheeky is halfway across the deck before you know it! She also loves sitting in things like the trolley or Olives doll cots.

Iris: 11 months and 12 days
Tags:  Iris  
31 May 2015

The family has succumbed to Tom's Oneies antics. Olive loves her lambie one, now to find one for Iris! It has been a cold and frosty week, my bougainvillea has suffered with wilted leaves just after it was looking so healthy and flowering! The fire has been awesome, can't beat it. Bring on winter and snow!

Olive: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  

Iris has developed some interesting habits of late. If she is at all frustrated (usually when Olive deems it necessary to place toys away and up high or the play isn't doing what she wants) she lashes out and tries to bite Olive or anything nearby. Is she a biter? And of course the dog flap has been discovered and what a wonder that is, freedom to the slide! And lastly climbing small things like doll cots and boxes.

30 May 2015

Iris: 11 months and 10 days
Tags:  Iris  
26 May 2015

A cold start this morning at -1 degrees. Olive was a lot better at getting dressed in warm clothes (usually only wants to wear Tshirts!) but the too small red shoes had to stay. Giraffe skirt stayed at home - thank goodness!

Olive: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
24 May 2015

Daddy swing
23 May 2015

Iris loved pushing Olive's scooter around civic square while Olive was at French.

Iris: 11 months and 3 days
Tags:  Iris  
21 May 2015

Jonty came for a play date with Iriee. 4 weeks younger but 4 inches taller! (Or there abouts)

Iris: 11 months and 1 day
Tags:  Iris  
18 May 2015

Iriee loves doors, and placing things inside books at the moment, she can find me anywhere in the house and loves being mobile. She is getting on her tippy toes to reach things too.

Iris: 10 months and 28 days
Tags:  Iris  

Olive: "I'm still quite very tired today. It's been a very busy day" 7.40am after a lovely busy weekend.

18 May 2015

Olive: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
17 May 2015

Popped in to wish Alex a happy 5th birthday! A school boy now! Olive and Violet had fun in Violets bed together while Alex was more interested in putting his cool new superhero Lego together.
17 May 2015

A fun weekend in Greytown with the Thompsons and the Wohlers. We tried sleeping Olive with the three boys in one room the first night - but it didn't work out so well. Maybe next year! There was sheep feeding, fijoa picking, table tennis, trampolining and the kids all got on really well. The adults even managed a tasty roast lamb dinner and a game of settlers in between baby wake ups!
12 May 2015

Olive really got into bubble pictures at playcentre today and Iriee was happy to just be at the table with a straw. A lot more independent play from Olive today which was great to see.

Olive: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
10 May 2015

Olive and Iris are enjoying playing with each other. If Iris doesn't like what Olive is doing, she lashes out and tries to bite Olive (or her feet), maybe a biter? It is so lovely to see their relationship change.

Iris: 10 months and 20 days
Tags:  Movie  Iris  
10 May 2015

A lovely wake up with Olive so excited to tell me what was on the card and book before I opened it. The card is a treasure. Iris on the left, mummy with lipstick & hair on the right and signed 'o' & 'i' at the bottom. Lovely day with both sets of families.

Last night was probably a new record for a sleep deprived night. Olive woke at 9.30pm with a cough and a mild fever. Pamol and a cuddle and it looked like she was drifting back to sleep - but no! She got up again and ended up staying awake reading books and causing general mayhem until she finally crashed out on the couch at 4.30am. Luckily Iris slept through the whole thing! =

08 May 2015

Olive: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
06 May 2015

These two very rarely get some one on one time. It was so lovely to see them playing so well together. They read books, went hand in hand to London together and made birthday cakes for everyone.

Olive: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
04 May 2015

Iriee's New Tricks.

Iris: 10 months and 14 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  
03 May 2015

Had a fun and busy Daddy day out with the girls. Petone beach for a dog walk and some shell collecting, Waterloo School fair to see where Alex starts school in a couple of weeks and then a chill out afternoon at Granny and Poppas while Iris had a super long afternoon nap.

We celebrated Alan and Trish's 40th wedding anniversary with a sibling shouted dinner out at the Tinakori Bistro. It was a lovely evening, the first of many for the 8 of us to get together now that we are all living in the same city. =

02 May 2015

And so it begins... The old delay tactics at bedtime. "I'm hungry", "Daddy forgot to brush my teeth", "I need to go toilet" and then the wild conversations about poppies falling from her ceiling, mountains in her bed. Lastly running off to our bed. Funny but crying.

28 April 2015

Olive: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
28 April 2015

With s bag full of recycled parade poppies, it raining and the playground still a construction site, the kids and adults had ball!
27 April 2015

Happy birthday Lyon! To celebrate you had a great run in the rain up Makara Peak with Daddy and Uncle James and were given your first bone!

Lyon: 4 years
Tags:  Lyon  

While we were watching the ANZAC ceremonies Olive wanted to know what the guns were. And then said do they shoot bubbles? What a nice thought. If only we listened to kids more often.

27 April 2015

Olive: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
26 April 2015

A nice catch up (and a damn strong beer) with the Foo's and McMillans. We stayed out till 6pm! Our latest night for ages. Olive was very excited to be out after dark.
25 April 2015

We were able to enjoy a lovely night out to celebrate 4 years of mawidge. We caught the last light show showing at the new Anazac memorial too. The kids didn't wake for Granny - it's awesome to have our evenings back!
25 April 2015

This kept Iris amused for a good 30 minutes. Iris tunnel of love!

Iris: 10 months and 5 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  

As we were driving the back roads of Wilton, Olive said "Mummy look! It's the Eiffel Tower!" Off in the distance in the hills were huge power line towers. It bought a smile to my face, my little French girl. I can't wait to show these things to the girls in due course!, let the French lessons begin!

24 April 2015

Olive: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 April 2015

A while back when we had our live in guest Rosie the caterpillar, Olive drew some lovely pictures of what was happening. The first drawing was Rosie inside her green & gold cocoon, with leaves. The second was Rosie as a orange butterfly in a black cocoon with a green swan. Third was Rosie flying with her big orange wings and legs. Just magic.

Olive: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 April 2015

Olive has started to show interest in letters and words while we are reading books and wants to copy our letter shapes. Her drawings of people have started to have round hands and eyes and lots of hair and we love drawing with two pens at a time. The sun has made a few appearances too.

Olive: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  

Every morning I ask Olive: "Would you like Anna or Elsa plaits?" She stated "No, I want Sven antlers today Mummy!" cheeky monkey.

22 April 2015

Olive: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  

Iris has finally done it! Slept from 6pm to 5.30am amazing! Help from th sleep specialist is certainly paying off. Should have been the best night sleep in months until Olive woke up crying at 2am and stayed awake for 2.5hr! Why? Oh why?!!! Finally falling asleep in our bed.

20 April 2015

Olive: 3 years and 2 months
Iris: 10 months
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
19 April 2015

Iriee has discovered Olive's chair cave. Olive is fantastic at letting Iriee in on the fun.

Olive: 3 years and 2 months
Iris: 9 months and 30 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
17 April 2015

We checked out Air NZ exhibition at Te Papa and enjoyed a plane ride to the park.
15 April 2015

This will become a common occurrence.

Iris: 9 months and 26 days
Tags:  Iris  
13 April 2015

It is a wonder to watch Iriee Ann playing. She is so fascinated by everything.

Iris: 9 months and 24 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  
11 April 2015

Cheeky monkey.

Iris: 9 months and 22 days
Tags:  Iris  
08 April 2015

We have been enjoying online shopping but the last time we made it in store Iriee has moved up to the big trolley seat, right next to big sis. They are really enjoying each other. Olive has a new car seat and Iriee has at last moved out of the capsule. They can now see each other with lots of giggling in the back seat too.

Olive: 3 years and 1 month
Iris: 9 months and 19 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
06 April 2015

Olive takes bubble bath to a new level, Iriee thinks it is hilarious.

Tags:  Movie  
05 April 2015

Our little Iriee Ann bunny. Lyon is very interesting at the moment!

Iris: 9 months and 16 days
Lyon: 3 years and 11 months
Tags:  Iris  Lyon  
05 April 2015

We hosted the extended Peck family Easter Sunday brunch and Easter egg hunt - and it was great fun! 6 cousins, 6 uncle and aunties, 2 grandparents and 3 dogs! My how the troop has expanded.
03 April 2015

We caught up with the gang at the Thompson farm for brunch and an Easter egg hunt.
02 April 2015

Iris loves cruising around the place. Under the table is a jungle gym and my office she is so busy!

Iris: 9 months and 13 days
Tags:  Iris  

As Olive and I were having a smoothie and a swing on a beautiful day outside, Olive says "mummy the roof is a triangle" that's right! I said, what about the window? "Squares!, and the door is a rectangle!" What about that light? "A circle!" It was like all of a sudden Olive noticed all the shapes all around us, what a discovery!

02 April 2015

Olive: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
01 April 2015

Iriee Ann who is on a mission to explore! It took her seconds to get up the slide! I was amazed at her grip, then of course Olive had to do it. Iriee loves standing at the bath on either side which makes us a bit nervous.

Iris: 9 months and 12 days
Tags:  Iris  
31 March 2015

Iris leaving the baby pit to hang with the big girls, Amy, Olive & Mia. Gosh she looks too small to be standing! Her first official playdoh taste -yuck! Isn't it funny how everyone knows what it tastes like? Iris is starting to explore Playcentre.

Iris: 9 months and 11 days
Tags:  Iris  
29 March 2015

Fun at Ben Burn Park.

Iris: 9 months and 9 days
Tags:  Iris  

There are two things that I appreciate more since having kids. That first taste of nespresso coffee first thing in the morning is just bliss, it blurs all the nights waking antics. The second is that hot relief of a shower that washes away the sleep deprivation if only for a few moments and you step out feeling like a whole person. Needless to say Iris turns into a gremlin at night and is still waking unpredictably and a lot. But all is ok I'm sitting in bed with a hot coffee. It is the simple things in life.

29 March 2015
28 March 2015

Grandad was favourite and best for story books after dinner and Olive wanted grandad to put her to bed. Very special. (Daddy doesn't get a look in these days) Daddy was told not to sit down but to go and do the dishes. The next day was the school fair where we got the coloured balls of doom!

Olive: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
28 March 2015

Access to the finger jammer is now denied.

Iris: 9 months and 8 days
Tags:  Iris  

Isn't it funny how your oldest child's mood dictates if it is a good or bad day? No one ever told me my happiness hangs on if my children sleep well? Fortunately it has been a good week! Finishing on a high as I watched Olive play with a random kindy girl Isla at the playground for ages, I can see the benefits of going to the local kindy and how you get to be part of the community before school starts.

27 March 2015

Olive: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
26 March 2015

Olives confidence at gym tots has dramatically improved since joining her on a Thursday morning. She gets involved in all the group activities and tries out almost all of the equipment (not so keen on the tall ladders). Lots of fun!

Olive: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
24 March 2015

Cousin Ben comes for a visit!
24 March 2015

A lovely busy day for Olive at Playcentre. Started with bunny face painting followed by full purple face coverage, which she spent ages at. Dress ups, drilling wood, balloon egg deconstruction with sticky glue and end of session story time which Iris joined in on. A really fun independent busy day - I hardly saw Olive! Mummy even got a coffee while helping the boys saw some wood!

Olive: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
22 March 2015

What have we just done!? Start of the almighty back retaining wall / fence project. Temp fence up and ripped out the old hedge/fence.

Tags:  Garden  
21 March 2015

I was lucky enough to see NZ tromp WI in the quarter finals of the Cricket World Cup with Dad and James. What a game! Guptill 237 not out! Thanks for the tickets Helen and Robin.
21 March 2015

Olive is incredibly proud to be a sister, talks about Iris a lot at kindy and has turned into a bit of a tattle tale when Iris is up to no good (quite handy) apart from that includes mummy & daddy too. 'Don't eat with your mouth full mummy' 'daddy sit while eating!'

Olive: 3 years and 1 month
Iris: 9 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
20 March 2015

We love to stand. Our little legs are very shaky but it is a thrill to be up. Our favourite tricks are escaping outside and standing at the bath to watch big sister.

Iris: 9 months
Tags:  Iris  
18 March 2015

The Life of the Monarchs - Rosie, Freddie and Sam. A compilation of the footage we took of our little while friends, Rosie, Freddie and Sam (as named by Olive).

Tags:  Movie  Garden  
18 March 2015

Since Iris has been able to crawl around she usually comes along and destroys games (or wants to be included) but today was lovely as she was quite happy playing along side big sister and rolled into this position. Her sitting is just goegeous.

Olive: 3 years and 1 month
Iris: 8 months and 26 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
17 March 2015

Olive was very unsure of the sensory pathway we did at Playcentre but after one go and enjoying the slime (which was 'like ice skating') she was the last off it. She held onto Sarah's hand and they helped each other through the trays. Don't try this at home! Olive's feet are still red!

Olive: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
16 March 2015

We were tasked with feeding the neighbours two chickens and three cats over the weekend much to Olives excitement. Two fresh eggs every morning!
15 March 2015

A great catch up at the Zwimpfers to meet baby Ben and catch up with James and Hannah.
15 March 2015

Iris the Musician. With a flourish to finish!

Iris: 8 months and 23 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  
14 March 2015

Trouble cakes has been getting up onto everything. We're not ready for this!

Iris: 8 months and 22 days
Tags:  Iris  
13 March 2015

We have lovely chats walking to kindy through the park and past the three old men flying toy planes. Every day at kindy Olive is getting a bit more confident and exploring new areas. Nothing is ever straight forward easy but then the rewards are that much greater.

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  

After putting clean sheets on her bed Olive asked "what did I put on the other sheets? Did I put my tears on them?". It's funny what she thinks up. We haven't had bedtime tears for ages!

13 March 2015

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  
11 March 2015

And all of a sudden, Rosie Butterfly emerges! Incredible!

Tags:  Garden  
11 March 2015

We brought the piano down to Iris's level and she had a ball. It has been a joy to watch Iris master sitting and discovering the world that comes with it. She sat for ages by her postbox flipping and dropping envelopes. Drawers are great fun and she beelines for the deck at every opportunity.

Iris: 8 months and 19 days
Tags:  Iris  
10 March 2015

Rosie Chrysalis has been making some serious color changing today!

Tags:  Garden  
09 March 2015

Iris made her way onto Lyons bed. Left with a mouthful of fluff. Never stopped smiling.

Iris: 8 months and 17 days
Lyon: 3 years and 10 months
Tags:  Iris  Lyon  
09 March 2015

Iris has hit a few milestones all at once these past few days. Clapping at 10pm at night (it cheered us up- cheeky monkey) taking a few crawls on her knees and now pulling herself up on things!

Iris: 8 months and 17 days
Tags:  Iris  
07 March 2015

Olive with her "Olive" and "Iris" cleverly constructed out of ribbon!

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  
05 March 2015

Still working on that hair washing! Maybe a dinosaur would help!

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  
05 March 2015

We play the waiting game. It's incredible how identical the chrysalis' are - right down to the gold dots.

Tags:  Garden  
05 March 2015

We finally had a trip into the city by bus! Olive enjoyed the popup beach in Civic Square.

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  Movie  

Today Daddy went to Gym Tots to meet up with Olive and her KCC buddies. The past couple of weeks, Olive has been opting out of joining in with the fun and games that Gym Tots has to offer, despite the encouragement given by her favourite teacher - Benji, so I went along to help build her confidence back up. She loved racing around and trying out all the different obstacles and activities with me there. She was lots of fun to watch. Jumping on the trampolines, crossing the wiggly worm, walking along the balance beam and climbing over the ladder, sliding through the cave on a bug, going down the roller coaster... It definitely helped with me being there, so I might go along a few more times to see that she enjoys herself.

05 March 2015

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  
03 March 2015

Since we started Kindy and moved Playcentre days at the start of term we have finally clicked that these were huge changes in Olive's life. Meeting new teachers and kids is never easy and being left in new environments too. It has taught us a lot about our Olive. Olive, you are a kind, gentle big sister, a shy, unsure soul in groups and a determined and loud personality at home. You are doing so well and I need to remind myself you are only three and to help you find your confidence. I caught this lovely moment of you and Mia making play dough and a new friend.

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  
01 March 2015

4 fingered carrot!

Tags:  Garden  
01 March 2015

Backyard Swinging! Not the best spot for the swing, but it works for now.

Tags:  Movie  
01 March 2015

Olive goes to Freya's birthday party at Laughalots! Lots of fun for all.

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  
01 March 2015

The freakiest thing watching Freddie transform into a chrysalis.

Tags:  Garden  
28 February 2015

Sammie going walkabout while Freddie hangs in his J formation.

Tags:  Garden  
26 February 2015

A lovely river walk with boyfriend Jonty followed by them going to town in their rusks.

Iris: 8 months and 6 days
Tags:  Iris  
26 February 2015

The old physics test. Dropping food is a fun exercise at any table. Lyon is in heaven. Iris continues to find fun by commando crawling. Drawers and cupboards are fantastic, Lyons ball is a highlight and Olive has started to include her in games, like doctors. Iris is a willing patient when Olive feeds her 'Medicine' Iriee just opens up but is confused nothing comes out!

Iris: 8 months and 6 days
Tags:  Iris  
25 February 2015

Iris crawls around in the bath and is very confident in there. Olive enjoys bath time once more with little sis.

Olive: 3 years
Iris: 8 months and 5 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
25 February 2015

Olive's wink.

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  
25 February 2015

This morning we visited our swan plant to check on Freddie, Theodore, Leo, Frankie (all my baby boy names) but it was Rosie (Olive's choice) who was just hanging there ready to turn into a Chrysalis, so for science we brought Rosie inside so we could watch. Wow. We didn't check for an hour or so and she was mostly covered up! This is Olive's drawing of Rosie the caterpillar.

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Garden  Olive  
22 February 2015

We cooked up a storm of gingerbread men, stars, ducks & chickens for Karori karnival & playcentre's fundraiser stall. It was really busy and Olive had a ball turning into a cat, buying a bunny, riding a horse, chosing books and not going to the toilet!
20 February 2015

Those two are going to create some trouble...

Olive: 3 years
Iris: 8 months
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
19 February 2015

Five in the bed and the little one said... Lyon get off! A better night with only one feed and one settling, Olive slept in too. May it continue!

Lyon: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Lyon  
18 February 2015

Olive and Poppy drawing their birds.

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  
18 February 2015

While big sister is away... Iris lets loose on all her presents!

Iris: 7 months and 29 days
Tags:  Iris  
17 February 2015

Iris had a few admirers at Playcentre today and got into some gloop. Olive was quick to protect her little sister from the lion and elephant!

Iris: 7 months and 28 days
Tags:  Iris  
16 February 2015

Iriee is on the move. She really wanted to play in Olive's new castle, to Olives displeasure. She made it out to the hallway and we found her playing with the blind cord. She is too small!

Iris: 7 months and 27 days
Tags:  Iris  
16 February 2015

Day 4 kindy: starting to get friendly with a few girls, enjoyed a different media for drawing 'purple Olive'. I have also noticed the kids seem to flock to parents, at one stage I had to get them all lining up and taking turns! We managed nearly two hours without mum today, well done mooje.

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2015

Olive and her purple bunny cake. Three today! We had a lovely joint party with Anthony at staglands. More photos to come!

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2015

The cuzzie group shot grows stronger with the addition of little Jimmy.
15 February 2015

Our birthday butterfly.

Olive: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  
13 February 2015

The party prep has begun! Purple icing ready for the 'purple bunny cake with purple MMs' request from Olive (which has been consistent for weeks) oh the pressure! Iris got in on the action by commando crawling to get herself a balloon. So it begins...

Iris: 7 months and 24 days
Tags:  Iris  
13 February 2015

Kindy Day three: Honeybum the resident bunny at kindy got lots of pats and sunflower leaves today. Olive painted a picture of 'Olive & lyon' and mummy left Olive for 20mins by herself today! Very hot afternoon!

Olive: 2 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  

We have experienced a week of really bad sleep but Iris has another bottom tooth! And four top teeth are cutting through, thank goodness there was a reason?!

12 February 2015

Iris: 7 months and 23 days
Tags:  Iris  
11 February 2015

Olive Draws a Picture. So proud of our little artist, who has just started drawing little people with arms and legs and eyes and a nose and a mouth and hair and a beard and tails.

Olive: 2 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
09 February 2015

Kindy day 2. The 'O' for Olive is never ending! Playdoh, crayons, painting... Olives first real drawing of her family. Olive & Iris have legs! And eyes! This was the start of the drawing but she did draw mummy, daddy and Lyon too.

Olive: 2 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
07 February 2015

Smokey lamb, caterpillar's, ice eggs, scootering and an Olive that was so determined to stay the night at Anthony's house, she made her own bed in his room and told us to go home. One day soon we will give it a try, but I don't think we're there yet.
03 February 2015

So far Olive has been really understanding of Iris and her new found movement and curiosity. She either moves further away or let's Iris play with the toy. Bath time is getting more and more fun with two!

Olive: 2 years and 11 months
Iris: 7 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
03 February 2015

Yay for bath time!

Iris: 7 months and 14 days
Tags:  Iris  
03 February 2015

A Dinner with Iris

Iris: 7 months and 14 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  
03 February 2015

Iris's tooth in the wild. The only lonely tooth. Looks like she is getting all four front top teeth now but for a while it looked like just fangs! It had been very handy for fruit scraping among other things.

Iris: 7 months and 14 days
Tags:  Iris  
03 February 2015

Lyon has made a new friend. Iris especially loves hunting down his ball (which he likes to leave close to her) and munching it.

Iris: 7 months and 14 days
Lyon: 3 years and 9 months
Tags:  Iris  Lyon  
02 February 2015

Iris got up to all sorts of mischief while mummy and Olive were at Kindy and Nan had left. Including taking the bottle!

Iris: 7 months and 13 days
Tags:  Iris  
02 February 2015

Olives first day at Sunshine Kindy! What a big girl you are now.

Olive: 2 years and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 February 2015

Iris's favourite position. Lying on her side with one leg over the other.

Iris: 7 months and 12 days
Tags:  Iris  
01 February 2015

We have Monarch caterpillars! Yay! They are tiny but there are lots of them. Mummy is more excited than Olive at this stage. Olive did enjoy watching videos on the process to butterflies, should be interesting. Hope our swan plant can cope.

Tags:  Garden  
31 January 2015

It was Daddy day with the girls so Mum could get some work done. Hello Granny and Poppa! The girls were well behaved and Iris managed a sleep in the cot.

As I was sitting feeding Iris today, Olive said "mummy it is hard being a Olive" I asked her later to repeat what she had said and she said "I'm a happy Olive" a busy day, a hot day but we had lots of fun. A lot of sorting play and getting stuck in the mud and needing to be pulled out.

27 January 2015
25 January 2015

Dinner in the nude after a paddling pool bath with mummy.
25 January 2015

It was a scorcher! 33 degrees at home while we were cooling off at scorching bay. We both had a swim separately, Olive loved the sand and burying herself, 'sleeping bag for her legs' and Iris continued to escape the tent. Magic day.
25 January 2015

Forward Determination. Iris is certainly no sitter like her sister was.

Iris: 7 months and 5 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  
24 January 2015

Another really hot day. We enjoyed afternoon tea at Lucie & Rory's home. Olive was the oldest kid for a change! Poppy & Olive started to warm to each other while Iris and Jonty charmed everyone. Bring on more sunny days!
23 January 2015

A hot day. With Olive under the weather with strep throat we kicked around home and had a lovely afternoon cooling off in the paddling pool. Iris loved exploring the deck, yes she is moving around, circular movements with feet pushing is quite affective.

Olive: 2 years and 11 months
Iris: 7 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
21 January 2015

Good old jolly doesn't come out as often as it should. Iris loves it and Lyon is never to far away.

Iris: 7 months and 1 day
Lyon: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Iris  Lyon  
20 January 2015

A brilliant start to a brilliant Wellington weather week at the botanicals with Lucas and Jo.
18 January 2015

Bbq dinner for Granny's birthday. The cutest Anna and Elsa pair ever, a tiny baby James and a kid decorated cake that was nearly celebrating a 69th.
18 January 2015

Iris Ann in her great Aunty Pat & Uncle Peter outfit which is gorgeous, doing what she does best - putting something in her mouth!

Iris: 6 months and 29 days
Tags:  Iris  
15 January 2015

The home made kayak cover/ pink tutu is working wonders on keeping our lobster clean! Easy for Iris to find her food too.

Iris: 6 months and 26 days
Tags:  Iris  
13 January 2015

Iris Carrot Top Head. Olive is getting on board with the Iris entertaining. Very easily amused. So cute.

Olive: 2 years and 10 months
Iris: 6 months and 24 days
Tags:  Movie  Olive  Iris  
13 January 2015

Olive LOVES the carrots straight from the garden. They do taste sweeter.

Olive: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  Garden  
11 January 2015

Can't beat a good steak. Oh and a high chair. Iris continues to eat like a truper.

Iris: 6 months and 22 days
Tags:  Iris  
11 January 2015

We had a rendezvous in Peka Peka for a tasty lunch.
11 January 2015

The poppies have started to come out! Most things in the Vege tier are doing well, tomato's look a little small but flowering, didn't string up the sugar snap peas fast enough but they are still producing. Courgette is still alive!

Tags:  Garden  
10 January 2015

Attack of the Iris.

Iris: 6 months and 21 days
Tags:  Iris  
10 January 2015

Patio in a day. A warm sunny day hanging in the garden. Iris had her first swing and Olive enjoyed pushing her. Olive enjoyed helping with the sand collection and watching daddy working from the swing chair.

Tags:  Garden  
10 January 2015

Enjoying the summer flowers (Olive's favourite colors) and Iris having a ball with the French doors open while we potter in the garden.
09 January 2015

Double playdate on a glorious Wellie day. Olive & Freya scootered 3/4 around the park on their Christmas scooters. They both can't steer, clearly overrated. Had a lovely play and finished it off with ice cream and a solo flying fox. Scarlett & Iris looked on from the buggies in awe of their big sisters. A younger sibling has admiration built in from such a young age. Sigh. Bring on more scootering! I want one now!
08 January 2015

I've got the garden bug again! Twiglands had some great plants which sparked ideas for the steps, the fuschia standard which took a battering (lost its top) has been given a new home (also had another battering getting there) and has transformed into a baby standard.

Tags:  Garden  
08 January 2015

After a longer day at KCC than normal and lots of busying herself around the garden, Olive got some cushions and curled up in her cocoon. While daddy nailed the deck, Iris had a snooze & mummy did some gardening.

Olive: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  

Olives first full day at KCC (Karori Child Care) went very well. Well, not quite a full day as I picked her up early at 3.45pm only to have to watch her for 15 mins while she finished feeding and then walking her little black baby. Things will be getting very busy come Feb with starting Kindy two days a week, KCC two days a week and playcenter 1 day a week. Something might have to give!

08 January 2015

Olive: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  
07 January 2015

It is always interesting to see if your kids look a little like you. Hmmm not sure! But Iris has a little copper with blonde so who knows?!

Iris: 6 months and 18 days
Tags:  Iris  
07 January 2015

It's nice just having one on one with Iris when I can grab time.

Iris: 6 months and 18 days
Tags:  Iris  
06 January 2015

Iris is getting into everything! She is very interested in what Olive is playing with, in other words tries to grab it off her. Usually when she is on the floor we find her into the nappy bag or eating a book or into Olive's toy boxes. Let the exploring games begin.

Iris: 6 months and 17 days
Tags:  Iris  
05 January 2015

Olive is getting more adventurous with her jumping. Maybe she needs a trampoline.

Olive: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
04 January 2015

Another fantastic day to farewell the Brisbane Turners at Lyall Bay beach and Spruce Goose. Lyon had a ball at the beach and we ate like kings. Diet starts tomorrow. Olive was stuffed last night and slept well as did Iriee!

Lyon: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Lyon  
03 January 2015

We meet baby "Boy" Prosser! Born last night at 9.52pm. Congratulations Jen and Dave!
03 January 2015

We checked out the begonia house and the lovely lilies and fish before coffee, smoothies & scones. Need to do some exercise next week! Milla loved Olive's sparkly dress and Iris gets a cuddle from Milla at any opportunity. Too cute.
02 January 2015

We're going to miss the Aussie Cuzzies. It's been a fantastic couple of bonding weeks for all of them.
02 January 2015

A lovely bbq at Rup & Becs in Wadestown. The kids had a blast and it was a good catch up for the adults.
02 January 2015

Olive found Tom's hat and my sunglasses beside her while we were driving. She puts them both on and states "I'm Ginny" "I'm Tom" not sure if she is mocking us or not... very funny.

Olive: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
02 January 2015

Let's scoot! Olive had round two with Ali at our local. Enjoyed yummy coffees and fluffys and a swing for olive, flying fix for Ali and Lachie mastered the scooter. Now for a bbq! I'm going to need a holiday from my holiday!
01 January 2015

New Year's Day is the new New Year's Eve with a spot of fishing and a bbq with the Foo's and Wholers-Panchenko's.
01 January 2015

We caught up with Ali for a scooter ride on a beautiful wellie day along the waterfront. Olive did so well on the scooter, followed Ali everywhere. Just need to work on the steering...
01 January 2015

Iriee is sitting, well she has been able to do it for a little while but still with a bit of cushion help! She also has her first tooth!!!

Iris: 6 months and 12 days
Tags:  Iris  
01 January 2015

Beautiful New Year's Day morning walk.
31 December 2014

New Year's Eve... It rained so we cancelled our bbq and hung out with family in Ngaio. Hiding under desks, showing Milla how to jump, sharing Ali, bus rolling, peppa snap... The list goes on. I'm pooped and it's only 8pm. Olive cried all the way home as she didn't want to leave. I hate to think how she is going to be after the cousins go back to Auz.
31 December 2014

It's nice to have Mr Stinkle home.

Olive: 2 years and 10 months
Lyon: 3 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
30 December 2014

Yummy French toast at Granny and Poppas to celebrate Dave's birthday. Have never seen Olives plate so clean!
29 December 2014

After a day of recovery from our Turner holiday, we reunited for a casual la fresco dining - burger style. The kids loved seeing each other again and the paddling pool was a hit. Geeze it was hot today! Over 30 degrees.
29 December 2014

I love my girls. Enough said.
28 December 2014

Gosh we have had so many lovely gifts. Might have to put some away for a later date. The best present from my perspective is having family here for a holiday and watching the kids all get along in different ways. I feel Olive has changed so much over this past week, I can't pinpoint it but her humor has evolved and she is really playing games with Ali and understanding more. We are so lucky. Can't wait to see the Prosser cousins tomorrow too!
28 December 2014

Hilda didn't do a very good job of keeping the lawn short while we were away.
27 December 2014

We managed to see 3/4's of Lucy and Rory's beautiful wedding near Otaki on our way home from the Mount. Gorgeous setting.
25 December 2014

Christmas Day madness!
24 December 2014

We have enjoyed dinner outside every night. Olive is still Ali's number one fan. It is fascinating watching them chatting away together. Dinner for two? Cheers!

Olive: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  
24 December 2014

A lovely catchup with my cousins and great Aunty Margaret and uncle Kevin plus second cousins for Olive, Iris, Ali, Lachie & Milla. It's strange to think of them all catching up in 30 years!
23 December 2014

Another day at the beach. Daddy made Olive an 'o' for Olive which we were all allowed in but not out again and the cousins all loved playing in a giant hole of water! All doing something different.
22 December 2014

We did our annual walk around the Mount with Iris asleep in the front pack and lady olive in the buggy. She eventually got out and walked a quarter of the way all for a yummy smoothie reward.
22 December 2014

Beautiful sun rises on Iris' early morning walks.

Iris: 6 months and 2 days
Tags:  Iris  
21 December 2014

Iris's first visit to the beach! Mummy and daddy braved the water, the kids just enjoyed making sand castles.

Iris: 6 months and 1 day
Tags:  Iris  
21 December 2014

Iris got lots of cuddles from Milla and Lachlan while on holiday.

Iris: 6 months and 1 day
Tags:  Iris  
21 December 2014

The weather has been lovely. This is the only photo of Olive in the pool and she hasn't braved it again but loved directing from the side of the pool. Milla and Ali are the only brave kids so far!
21 December 2014

We drip fed the presents at the mount. This was puppets, planes and a giraffe from Nan and Grandad! Olive took her parrot Rio with her everywhere.
20 December 2014

Story time at the Mount.
20 December 2014

Paul, Lauren, Ali and Lachie joined us for a day and a night in Taupo to break the trip to the Mt. They got on like no time had passed. It's like they know family are special. Olive has become Ali's number one fan.
19 December 2014

Hanging with Aussie Cuzzies Ali and Lachie in Taupo.
17 December 2014

More early Christmas pressies! A Peppa Pig medical kit and a glowing lullaby bug from Aunty Jen and Uncle Dave.
16 December 2014

It was over 28 degrees today and no wind. Can't beat it. Just about to enjoy F&C's on our lawn with our new friend Hilda the hippo (Gini's birthday present)
16 December 2014

Riding Hilda

Olive: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  
16 December 2014

A few of these should be ready to eat in a day or so! Surprised that the birds haven't got to them yet - perhaps it's because Lyon scared them off.

Tags:  Garden  
15 December 2014

Iriee's laugh is just gorgeous. Its a real chuckle. Pity about someone in the background.

Iris: 5 months and 25 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  
15 December 2014

"It's exactly what I wanted for Christmas" exclaimed Olive as she opened an early Christmas present from Granny and Poppa. She is really into the present opening this year.

Olive: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 December 2014

Our little muncher. Loves anything which is sweet. Drops her spoon when more is on its way. Seems to be enjoying eating!

Iris: 5 months and 24 days
Tags:  Iris  
14 December 2014

A lovely afternoon for the annual "Hutt" Boys Christmas party. Gini rested up at home with Iris while Olive and I headed up north to Sarah and Rory's. Olive took her time getting into things but loved the trampoline and another visit from Santa (Dan). So nice seeing everyone together and the new additions.
13 December 2014

Unfortunately mummy came down with Olives tummy bug the night before so it was just Daddy and olive at the KCC Christmas party. Lots of yummy food and a visit from Santa (Benji) topped it off.

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
13 December 2014

Iris is really enjoying her food. It's a messy affair three times a day.

Iris: 5 months and 23 days
Tags:  Iris  
12 December 2014

The Christmas decoration that cost $30. Olive was still recovering from her nasty tummy bug and grandad made the fatal mistake of not checking the price and no it isn't made of gold, tin it would seem. Thanks grandad and nan!
11 December 2014

A perfect spot for the new swinging chair. Just need to finish the bricking!

Tags:  Garden  
11 December 2014

Bouncy Iriee. She loves jumping about. Also loves watching Lyon and especially olive.

Iris: 5 months and 21 days
Tags:  Movie  Iris  
08 December 2014

Olive was finally well enough to take a break from the couch to help decorate the Christmas tree! Starting to feel more Christmassy all of a sudden.

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
06 December 2014

We woke up to a sickly child this morning. Poor thing must have been vomiting half the night if the state of her bed was anything to go by. Our busy day of decorating a Christmas tree, going to a magic show and a Christmas lunch at Granny and Poppas turned into a day of rest. Hopefully it is just a non contagious 24 hour thing.

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
05 December 2014

Layered chocolate cake expertly crafted by Daddy and decorated by Olive (don't count the candles as I think there are two extra!).
05 December 2014

Had a lovely birthday which started with a squash game with Tom (came out of my 21 years of retirement) cake & tea at Louis Sergeant sweet couture, the best sushi for lunch, A few hours of mad work, bathed my babies and a lovely dinner out with my husband. Could not have asked for more.
05 December 2014

Happy Birthday Mummy!
03 December 2014

I finally finished the girls hooks. Olive can get the bag off by herself, so another thing she can do by herself.
03 December 2014

Peekaboo!

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
03 December 2014

Our girls

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Iris: 5 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
01 December 2014

Olive's new bed is here! Room for the whole family.

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 December 2014

Iriee's last day in her bassinet. My baby is growing far to fast! (Well she grew out of it a few weeks back, cough... we were a bit slow on the up take!) big cot with a little Iriee here we come!

Iris: 5 months and 11 days
Tags:  Iris  
30 November 2014

Grandad's head on the bus goes out and in...
30 November 2014

Our neighbours 7 houses down have taken free range to the extreme.
30 November 2014

After giving it a miss for a few weeks, Olive was excited to go to little dribblers today. She even took part in all the warm ups but wasn't so keen on the game - preferring to have a rest on the sideline and watch. Got her strip today too (but didn't want to take her skirt off). Baby steps!

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
30 November 2014

Beautiful day for our up and over walk followed by a yummy impromptu brunch at Karori Park Cafe.
29 November 2014

Let the Christmas parties begin! Olive got really into secret Santa and had to steal the green bunny.
27 November 2014

Had some fun with Isabel and Felix. Very interested in Santa, trees, decorations and presents. We better get cracking with our tree!

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
26 November 2014

Mummy is getting into experiments with Olive! Had fun with colorful baking soda and vinegar on a warm day.

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  

After a couple of frustrating weeks of relapse toilet training (as the novelty of it wore off) we are back on track! Barely an accident in the last two weeks and rarely much persuasion required. The non slip soft toilet seat makes a huge difference.

25 November 2014

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
25 November 2014

Olive feeds Iris her first solids! Apple banana mush followed by yoghurt. She seemed to enjoy it and want more!

Iris: 5 months and 5 days
Tags:  Iris  
25 November 2014

This morning the pig family went on a picnic.

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
24 November 2014

I hadn't realized Olive had moved up to the big swing seat. My baby is a little girl! Wilton Playcentre swap which was fun!

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 November 2014

We ventured out to staglands after a 2.5 year gap with Anthony, Lana and Nige. Had a lovely afternoon and wondered why we don't go more often. Olive loved the tractor ride and the swing bridge. She was a little wary of some of the larger birds and the cheeky horse but had fun throwing food at them anyway.

I pulled out the cocoa packet and opened it. "Smells like chocolate, mmmmm" - Olive

21 November 2014

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
20 November 2014

Iris wakes up on her 5 month birthday. Today we bought a new bed for Olive, finally! Arrives in two weeks. Iris is sure looking forward to moving out of her now cramped bassinet.

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Iris: 5 months
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
17 November 2014

Lyon loves his first new toy in years. Olive wouldn't let us leave the pet store without buying him one.

Lyon: 3 years and 6 months
Tags:  Lyon  
16 November 2014

Olive the giant!

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Iris: 4 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
16 November 2014

A beautiful day for some backyard letter fishing.
15 November 2014

An exciting morning - Iris joins us at the table for her first taste of food. Apple!

Iris: 4 months and 26 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  
15 November 2014

We had a sleeping gremlin in our bed last night. First time this year. She was upset by something in her bedroom - maybe the blustery wind.

Olive: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 November 2014

We enjoyed the afternoon sun with a walk down to the park and an attempt at scootering again. Caught up with Freya and Scarlet at the playground after a yummy ice block.
13 November 2014

The Vege garden is in full swing again. Potatoes, tomatoes, chilis, beans, snow peas, carrots, beetroot, herbs. The apple tree is looking great and the raspberries are forming. Hoping for a good yield this year!

Tags:  Garden  
12 November 2014

First time Rissy rides shotgun with big sister at the supermarket. Nearly fell asleep at the end - so much to see! Had a lovely swim date with Olive today, she loved the water and swim ring. She was really confident walking around in the deep end and jumping into my arms. Loved it so much I had a hard time getting her out!

Olive: 2 years and 8 months
Iris: 4 months and 23 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
10 November 2014

We had bike Monday at Playcentre this week. All the kids enjoyed the long road beside the park for circuits. Olive tried a scooter and balance bike but she still loves tri bike. (Might need a balance bike now!) Iris enjoyed some time with herself. Smiling to impress! She loves hanging in the baby pit and watching everything from her tummy and now the mirror too!
09 November 2014

Today we had a relaxing picnic out the front and ended up spending most of the day there coming up with ideas on how to improve it.

Tags:  Movie  
09 November 2014

I think we forget how far our mr Stinkle has come since we have had him in our lives. He is so good with Olive. Will now play fetch and loves chasing with her. Ignores Iris completely which is to be expected at this age. He loves toilet rolls. Will even stick his head through the door if one is ready. His other favourite toy is the native cabbage leaves for chasing with. We love you buddy.

Lyon: 3 years and 6 months
Tags:  Lyon  
08 November 2014

We donned our bests for Dan and Kats wedding at the boat shed. Granny had the task of dealing with the little ones (thanks Granny!) which went well until Iris decided not take the bottle (a recent development) and cutting Mums evening short. Daddy stumbled home at 2am.

Iris: 4 months and 19 days
Tags:  Iris  
08 November 2014

Jolly Jumping Iris

Iris: 4 months and 19 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  
07 November 2014

Toe touching on the bed.

Olive: 2 years and 8 months
Iris: 4 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
05 November 2014

We resurrect our childhood favourite - Guy Fawkes night! Fish and chips followed by a little daylight display and then sparklers. Olive was a little wary of the noisy ones but loved the sparklers.
03 November 2014

Now that Olive is "toilet trained" (i.e., in undies and holding on all morning), she can join the bigger kids at KCC who go to Gym Tots. This is a post from her second outing to Gym Tots. It looks really cool.

Olive: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
02 November 2014

Birthday dinner for grandad. Olive helped decorate the cake with precision and sung a lovely solo birthday song.
31 October 2014

The homemade tutu and witches hat that didn't make the Olive cut for KCC Halloween dress up day. The pink 'Elsa' cape was a huge hit however. She didn't want to take it off. Started to enjoy pretending to be Elsa and Daddy was Ana (or Iris).

Olive: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
28 October 2014

The drive home was pretty good. Olive fell asleep at 10.30am (must have been tired!) we managed to stop at the Raumati marine gardens for some lunch and water fun at the playground before the last hour drive back. It was good to know where to stop for kids on a long drive.
27 October 2014

Copying Iris on the floor at Ohakune. A quick stop over on our way home from Taupo.

Olive: 2 years and 8 months
Iris: 4 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
27 October 2014

Having a blast with the cuzzies over Labour Weekend in Taupo.
26 October 2014

The little Taupo train was so much fun we had to ride it twice one day then again the next day with Alex and Violet.
25 October 2014

4 in the bath in Taupo
24 October 2014

The drive up to Taupo was a great success. Hit the road by 7.30am, one stop at flat hills then the final leg to Taupo. The iPad helped out on the final leg with Olive watching Frozen.
22 October 2014

Olive is really into building animals or tall towers out of duplo lately, Iris gets a dog to play with. Olive continues to adore Iris (sometimes a bit too close) but it is wonderful. Sometimes Olive will say something like 'when Iris is bigger we can do it together' she is really looking forward to having a sibling to do stuff with.

Olive: 2 years and 8 months
Iris: 4 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
20 October 2014

Four months today and we are trying to suck on our toes. Rolling both ways at every opportunity and lots of lovely chatty noises. Evenings are a bit long with bedtime around 10pm and a few wake ups during the night but we are a happy bunny during the day with a smile at any and everyone.

Iris: 4 months
Tags:  Iris  
18 October 2014

With daddy off at a 12 hour stag do, we spent a day in the life of Nan and Grandad. Olive was very busy! Cleaning the car with grandad, mostly climbing around in the car, with an opportunity piggybacks and then cookie cutting pastry and eating strawberries with nan. With a grand finale eating splodge spaghetti (grandad's specialty) for dinner. The wrong daughter fell asleep on route home but was happy to go back to sleep after a book. Iris however turned owl like and stayed on off awake until 11pm.
14 October 2014

Olive has increased her interest in dress ups lately. After enjoying the loud noise my shoes make, she requested 'comfy' shoes next, oh so true Olive oh so true. I even get to do her hair in the mornings!!!! The spotty skirt had to be worn out gardening this weekend too.

Olive: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 October 2014

Train ride with nan into Wellington to meet grandad for a milkshake! Olive loved the train ride a lot! Wouldn't stop talking about seeing grandad in his 'work office' and wants to go again on the train.

Olive: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 October 2014

This morning Iris desperately wanted to join us building block towers. So she rolled over to join in.

Iris: 3 months and 24 days
Tags:  Iris  
12 October 2014

Olive started little dribblers today with Felix. She seem to enjoy it. Until half time and was more interested in eating her apple and sitting with Lyon because he was lonely. It was a stunning day so bring on summer!

Olive: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
11 October 2014

A beautiful day spent in the garden. So much weeding and clearing to be done. Olive helped by covering a freshly groomed Lyon in dirt.

Lyon: 3 years and 5 months
Tags:  Garden  Lyon  
11 October 2014

A beaut Saturday. Our day started with the usual five in the bed. We then managed to all get out into the garden for most of the day and made a start on the spring garden clean. We had to devise many distractions for Olive and sleeps for Iris but it can be done! Olive just loves pottering outside, in fact she always has. Earlier in the week we planted the vegetable seeds which olive enjoyed, especially the beans, I think we will see a few bean stalks per hole as the beans needed friends.
09 October 2014

Our rolley polley baby.

Iris: 3 months and 19 days
Tags:  Iris  
07 October 2014

First train ride with Nan to johnsonville! Loved it so much nearly wouldn't get off at the right stop! Started role playing as a doctor and her medical kit off to 'catch a train' tonight.

Olive: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
05 October 2014

We are loving our fingers and hands at the moment. Iris is becoming our little roller under her gym while I have been working.

Iris: 3 months and 15 days
Tags:  Iris  
05 October 2014

Olive had a lovely morning date with Nan & Grandad with lots of fun on the waterfront. Let the sun continue!
04 October 2014

Iris Timelapse. Testing fun new iPhone feature.

Iris: 3 months and 14 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  
04 October 2014

A walk to the butchers with Granny and Poppa.

We had our first nighttime visitation at 2am last night. She hopped into bed next Mummy, pulled up the duvet, wouldn't let Daddy come back to bed without clothes on and pretended to go to sleep. The pretending didn't lead to actual sleep so back to bed she went without too much fuss (after a book read).

02 October 2014

Olive: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  

Not sure why we are tackling toilet training and little bed on the first week of daylight savings but when is the right time? Yesterday Olive had a full day in knickers and no accidents (no number twos though!) she has started choosing the 'big toilet' which is so much easier too. The days leading up was one accident per day usually number twos so tomorrow will be interesting! My baby is growing up.

02 October 2014

Olive: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 October 2014

Matching robot pyjamas! Thanks Aunty Lauren. Iris can finally fit hers.

Olive: 2 years and 7 months
Iris: 3 months and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
01 October 2014

Iris’s love affair with the elephant on her bouncer continues… Today we are modelling our ‘spacesuit' enjoying working with mummy while Olive is at KCC this morning.

Iris: 3 months and 11 days
Tags:  Iris  
30 September 2014

Tonight we were shouted a night out to see the Dire Straits Experience at the Michael Fowler Centre. What a fantastic concert - timeless music - thanks Alan and Trish! Thanks also Helen and Robin for looking after an unsettled Iris who decided not to take the bottle and eventually fell asleep on Robin for the evening... (Photo stolen from Jen)
28 September 2014

Day 10 with the cot side off. Olive is doing really well. We have had one visit straight after bedtime with a few tears and one fallout, well more like a slow motion slither out of bed and remained asleep only to wake half an hour later and put herself back to bed. We have however had early wake ups ranging from 5.30 to 6.30am and she has yet to find our room. She usually ends up down the hall calling for mummy.

Olive: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
27 September 2014

So exciting about picking Nan & Grandad up from the airport Olive fell asleep holding her flowers. Nice to have all the Grandparents home.

Olive: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
27 September 2014

Iris just loves looking at herself in the little mirror.

Iris: 3 months and 7 days
Tags:  Iris  
25 September 2014

Olive helped bake and decorated daddy's birthday cake. 35 years tomorrow. Olive sung a lovely birthday song too.

Well we did it. The cot side came off! Olive has successfully slept in her 'little bed' for two nights without a problem, may it continue. The first morning she managed to close herself in her room to her dismay and the second morning she came visiting ( at a respectable 7am of course!), such a lovely feeling.

22 September 2014

Olive: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
22 September 2014

We have rolled over from back to front. She was happy under the gym one second and then the next smiling on her tummy!

Iris: 3 months and 2 days
Tags:  Iris  
21 September 2014

Beautiful sleeping Iris. I've taken to rocking her to sleep in the afternoons to help with the chaos called dinner time.

Iris: 3 months and 1 day
Tags:  Iris  
21 September 2014

We join the Foo's at the botanicals for Dutch Tulip day. Tasty food, fun entertainment and of course the beautiful tulips.
21 September 2014

Iris does her first up and over dog walk.
20 September 2014

The side comes off! Big day.

Olive: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
17 September 2014

What's been happening on the Block NZ daddy?
16 September 2014

We have finally got blossoms! Spring is here!
15 September 2014

Caught Iris laughing today, which she has just started doing. Just magical and heart warming.

Iris: 2 months and 26 days
Tags:  Iris  Movie  

I said to Olive tonight "mummy is losing patience with you", Olive then said "I'll go get you some patience mummy, fletch the fox has some, here you go mummy some patience for you so you can read another story" priceless. It made me smile, and yes I did read another story.=

14 September 2014

Olive: 2 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 September 2014

After some shopping we popped into the pet shop and Olive really wanted a hold of the lopsy bunny. She was so gentle and loved holding it.
11 September 2014

Myah loves to cool off in water when out for a walk. Or in this case - a muddy puddle! Peppa Pig would be proud.
09 September 2014

The BBQ gets a clean and a first use of the BBQ season. May it be a long and tasty one!
09 September 2014

A beaut day. Already getting some use of our new ergo pack. Bring on summer and lots of walks with the girls and Lyon!

Lyon: 3 years and 4 months
Tags:  Lyon  
07 September 2014

Building Olives first snowman, sled rides and a picnic in the boot. A glorious day up at Turoa skifield, it went better than expected with the girls!
06 September 2014

Frowns.

Olive: 2 years and 6 months
Iris: 2 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
04 September 2014

Olive doing the Pigeon song at Play Group. "My Pigeon House. My pigeon house I open wide. And set my pigeons free. They fly so high they touch the sky. And light on the tallest trees. And when they return from their merry flight. I shut the door and I say goodnight. Coo roo, coo roo, coo roo, coo roo."

Olive: 2 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 September 2014

Olive said to Freya 'Freya this is my brother sister Iris, you can touch her like this' very proud sister. Iris is very into anything with eyes, elephants seem to be a favourite.

Olive: 2 years and 6 months
Iris: 2 months and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
31 August 2014

Iris meets Tiff and Jamie's new arrival Jonty. Three weeks her junior but already a big boy!

Iris: 2 months and 11 days
Tags:  Iris  
30 August 2014

Two in the bath.

Olive: 2 years and 6 months
Iris: 2 months and 10 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
30 August 2014

Peppa pig puppet show was great! Olive loved the crab and pedro pony the most! We joined the boys after for a wellington on a plate burger and a big run around for the kids followed by ice cream in the sun.
28 August 2014

Sleeping in this morning! After a zero degree dog walk, Iris was still sleeping after she had escaped from the wrap! What an angel.

Iris: 2 months and 8 days
Tags:  Iris  

Two nights in a row Iris has slept through... 7.30pm to 6.30am. I never thought this was possible. The third night was to 3.30am... Geeze I'm lucky! What a lovely smilie baby you are Iris.

28 August 2014

Iris: 2 months and 8 days
Tags:  Iris  
26 August 2014

Iris fell asleep waiting for big sister Olive to get dressed. An hour later still running around shouting 'can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man' why is it that the simple things in life seem to take the longest? Needless to say we didn't make music today.

Olive: 2 years and 6 months
Iris: 2 months and 6 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
25 August 2014

Elephants are still the favourite. Lately Olive has been saying 'that's my favourite' to a lot of things. Purple and pink are her favourite colours too. (no surprise there) from time to time I catch her saying I'm ice skating and a ballerina, Disney on ice made an impression!

Olive: 2 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
23 August 2014

Sisters.

Olive: 2 years and 6 months
Iris: 2 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
23 August 2014

Iris expressions. Cheeky, concerned, intrigued, gooby, surprised and happy.

Iris: 2 months and 3 days
Tags:  Iris  
22 August 2014

Flying 12 hours solo! We had a ball. One of the twelve hours: Iris slept under the gym and Olive and I made muffins. Olive is getting a lot better at sifting flour and was really careful with spooning out the mixture. A blueberry for each muffin!
21 August 2014

Saying bye bye to the cuzzies. It's been a busy but fun two weeks of family time. Olive cried out all the way home, 'Ali, I want Ali to come back' it's amazing that she understands that we won't see them for a few months. 'Why' after every sentence is the latest. 'Why' are they going away'
20 August 2014

The great escape.
19 August 2014

Richard Scary has been teaching Olive a few songs!

Olive: 2 years and 6 months
Tags:  Movie  Olive  
19 August 2014

The weather still held out so we hit another Playground which the kids had a ball at. Bec, Felix & Ruby joined us too. We managed 7 kids and 4 adults for lunch on the parade cafe boat for lunch and it went really well! Geeze it's nice having family and more cousins to play with! It's going to be hard saying goodbye.
18 August 2014

Bathing squidge.

Iris: 1 month and 29 days
Tags:  Iris  
18 August 2014

Sack Heads

Olive: 2 years and 6 months
Tags:  Movie  Olive  
18 August 2014

We can't get enough of Iris's smiles.

Iris: 1 month and 29 days
Tags:  Iris  
18 August 2014

The auzzie cousins come to Playcentre! It was so lovely to see them all at olive's Playcentre. Olive & Ali even got to decorate cupcakes!
17 August 2014

Ice blocks at the park after we hosted lunch to see Graham and Paul on their way home.
16 August 2014

Double birthday bonanza! Ali's 4th and Ava's 1st. Snowman spiders, pass the parcel, dancing and singing to the Frozen soundtrack and two birthday cakes!
15 August 2014

An outing to Te Papa. The kids loved the activity room with the dress ups.
13 August 2014

We enjoyed a lovely sunny day at zoo with cousins and extended family. Olive really wanted to see a zebra and walked the whole way around.
10 August 2014

Singing and dancing time.
10 August 2014

Chocolate fish cafe for lunch and bike action. Followed by dancing before dinner with the auzzie cousins.
10 August 2014

A beautiful afternoon for a run up Mt Kaukau.
10 August 2014

Ali and Olive take Lyon for a walk.

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Lyon: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Lyon  Olive  
10 August 2014

Extended family photo! Thanks Lisa Mick!
09 August 2014

Pyjama party with Lochy and Ali.
09 August 2014

Fish and chip evening at the Turners. Olive had a great time catching up with her "Aussie Cuzzies".
09 August 2014

Pixel meets the Aussie Cuzzies and Aunty and Uncles!

Iris: 1 month and 20 days
Tags:  Iris  
08 August 2014

Spent the afternoon at the Thompson's farm to congratulate them on twinning it! Took a nice stroll to the top of the hill before the snow arrived. Later on we found a dog and a leopard hanging in Bens bed together! Ben and Olive had a blast. So did Lyon and Maisie.

Lyon: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Lyon  
06 August 2014

.
06 August 2014

Our smilie Iris. She is smiling more and more now. It is one of life's joys.

Iris: 1 month and 17 days
Tags:  Iris  

All Olive says at the moment (usually at the end of her sentence) 'cuddle me' we think it is a spin off from getting a new sister. If her needs are not addressed within seconds 'I want toast... Cuddle me' is the conclusion. We all seem to be getting a little cuddled to death at the moment. But who can complain.

06 August 2014

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
05 August 2014

Lyons bed is finally finished. A good team effort!

Lyon: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Lyon  DIY  
05 August 2014

What a glorious day today! It reminded us of summer. Could it be the light at the end if the winter tunnel? Started getting excited about blossoms and tulips! (Yes getting very old) enjoyed a solo trio buggy ride to music and library. Even opened the French doors and did a spot of gardening. Olive played nicely in and outside for a good period too. Bliss.
04 August 2014

Even though I was late with planting the tulips, they are still good! All growing well! We popped outside while the sun was shining and olive said to me 'mummy why you wearing your jammie's? That's a bit strange' (I was in fact wearing trackpants), getting fashion advice from a two year old, it is sad day.

Tags:  Garden  
04 August 2014

First time back at Playcentre this term! Bye bye sickness! (Hopefully) olive went really well and Iris had her first session!

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
03 August 2014

Olive is definitely back to her loving self. This time Lyon getting some loving.

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Lyon: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
03 August 2014

Sisterly love.

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Iris: 1 month and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
03 August 2014

Disney on ice! Olive sat captivated for 2 hours, only mentioning the Captain Hook's 'huge crocodile' and 'tinkabell' after getting home olive 'wants more ice skating' and loved stand on one leg. Mummy really enjoyed reconnecting with her favourites like Ariel, the little mermaid and the lion king. It's funny how they were our generation characters and still going strong!
03 August 2014

Iris got to spend the morning with daddy while mum and Olive were at Disney on ice. A Lyon walk, lunch at the local cafe, a tasty bottle of milk and not a grizzle the whole morning.

Iris: 1 month and 14 days
Lyon: 3 years and 3 months
Tags:  Iris  Lyon  
02 August 2014

We visited Jan and Jerry so they could meet Iris. They gave Olive some fridge magnet letters which she loved racing from the lounge one at a time to place on the fridge.
01 August 2014

Pizza picnic dinner at the new Peck rental. With the kids enjoying the running circuit for ages and a catnap for Olive on the way we lasted until a whopping 7.30pm - living it up these days! Iris did really well and slept 95% of the time with a short spell of colic hour.
01 August 2014

Day 4 of the urticaria rash and it has nearly gone so Olive was back at KCC which she enjoyed. Duvet cover went back on and we had two wake ups, not sure if it was the cover and cold related. We had some lovely picnic cave play this afternoon. Can't wait for Iris to be a playmate.

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
30 July 2014

Dr Olive to the rescue! Thanks very much for my new doctors kit Nan!

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  

"Did you have fun at the hospital yesterday, Olive?" - "YES! And I had an ice block!". At least the last few months of doctors and yesterdays hospital visit isn't affecting Olive. She was looking forward to seeing "Dr Markles" when we told her we needed to take her to see the doctor. Unfortunately her rash flared up even worse last night after subsiding a little and we have booked another visit to the doctors today. We think it might be a reaction her new wool blend duvet?!

29 July 2014

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
28 July 2014

Waiting patiently for the doctor at A&E. Olive woke with a rash from head to toe at 4am and it just kept getting worse so we had our first trip to hospital. 4 hours later it has started to go down, what a mission. All very shattered today.

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
27 July 2014

5 weeks old! Weighted in at 4.11kg. It seems everyone wanted to be in in the photo! Even Iris's new soft friend Fletch the fox.

Iris: 1 month and 7 days
Tags:  Iris  
27 July 2014

Big day! No more sleep sack! The new duvet cover is the start of the move to the big bed. Eeek. Better start looking at beds! The first night went well and covers stayed on.

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
27 July 2014

'Antsee's sock has become olive nappy changing glove, so 'poo doesn't go everywhere'!? It is also a magical glove rubbed over my face to make me happy instead of sad. When I say I'm sad with her behaviour, olive reacts by saying 'no your happy' not sure it works that way...

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
26 July 2014

A beaut blue and still day in the capital. Managed a lovely walk along the waterfront with 'antsee', Lana & Nige. Saw some art, piano playing and had noodles for lunch. Finished off with the best tantrum Olive has ever had (everything is awesome!) - she became obsessed with walking Lyon, even across the busy roads. Iris slept like a baby, in fact didn't know we had left home. Later the kids enjoyed a box of fun while we enjoy a drink with Marcus, Jess and Orson.

Lyon: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Lyon  
25 July 2014

Today Olive had three boiled eggs with soldiers for second lunch after having fish fingers at playgroup. The new egg cup did the trick.

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
25 July 2014

All wrapped up warm this morning, one degree outside! We are getting a lot more smiles and talking from Iris and of course frowning at whatever her big sister Olive is doing. Which is usually loud! Love our 'just the two of us' outings, went to movies! And of course shopping, Iris is proving to be a great wing baby.

Iris: 1 month and 5 days
Tags:  Iris  
23 July 2014

My little hot water bottle. Colic calm did the trick with our unsettled fleurie in the evenings.

Iris: 1 month and 3 days
Tags:  Iris  
23 July 2014

A bit slow off the mark with my bulbs again this year! They had started shooting in a container under the house! Should be more on to it with the Lilly's. Hydrangeas are all trimmed now!

Tags:  Garden  
23 July 2014

Sara & Thomas and Anna & Eva came to visit little Iris and bought some tummy treats and gifts for her. Lovely chaotic morning ladies!
22 July 2014

Look who's moved up to the bouncer! And then asleep in the bouncer. Definitely something Olive never did!

Iris: 1 month and 2 days
Tags:  Iris  
22 July 2014

We just rock up to the supermarket (which has been going well now!) and Olive says 'look mummy it's Jo, over there look look!' Jo is a friend and apparently on the pharmacy window too.

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
21 July 2014

Someone got a little sleepy while waiting for the pharmacy to finish with our scripts after another family visit to see the doctor. Hopefully this bag of drugs will sort us all out!

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  

'Look mummy look! It's a castle house.' 'Oh sweetie that's a church'. 'No it's a castle house!' Right you are Olive how silly of me.

21 July 2014

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
21 July 2014

The 'Pretend I'm sleeping face' only to cry after we stop rocking.

Iris: 1 month and 1 day
Tags:  Iris  
20 July 2014

My girls. And Mr Stinkle!

Lyon: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Lyon  
20 July 2014

On the worst weather day of the year we met the Foo's and Harris's at the octopus marine education centre for some touchy feely with the creatures of the our local sea. Fantastic and we will go back! Finished it off with lunch with the foos.
20 July 2014

We setup the iPad on record so Olive could see herself in the mirror while doing her makeup this morning.

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Movie  Olive  
20 July 2014

Our little Pixel is one month old already!

Iris: 1 month
Tags:  Iris  
19 July 2014

Violet turns two! A fun morning at Dave's parents place for a family get together to celebrate Violets birthday.
18 July 2014

Doro comes the meet little Iris. Slept the whole time!

Iris: 28 days
Tags:  Iris  
17 July 2014

Lyon gets a new dog bed. A work in progress but at least the curtains are now safe!

Lyon: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Lyon  DIY  
17 July 2014

Olive wanted to hang under the gym with Iris this afternoon. She thought Iris was very funny with goos and gaas and accidental touching! Asking her 'to do it again' Some lovely kissing and cuddles too.

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Iris: 27 days and 14 hours
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
15 July 2014

Cuddles with mummy and daddy.

Iris: 25 days and 16 hours
Tags:  Iris  
15 July 2014

First solo shopping under our belts. We also had a lovely lunch play date with Felix, Ruby and Bec. Felix and Olive had some lovely moments of play. A ring, a ring a rosy around the blanket was a hit.

Olive: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 July 2014

Olive is really enjoying being a big sister. She asked if iris could walk yet and after I explained she is too little but she will soon, olive said 'then iris can play with me and be a big kid!'

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Iris: 24 days and 18 hours
Tags:  Movie  Olive  Iris  
14 July 2014

Sister shot. Spot the cross eyed Iris!

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Iris: 24 days and 15 hours
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
14 July 2014

And smile! Olive was more interested in Iris today, telling me Iris needs her nappy changed, stop Iris crying, but also asking to be picked up a lot more especially when I'm holding Iris.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Iris: 24 days and 15 hours
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
13 July 2014

Day 23: we had our second to last midwife appointment and at 3 weeks we are finally past our birth weight! Hooray! She still continues to feed fast and sleep a lot. Nights have been really good with a midnight and 5am feed. Iris loves floating around in the bath water and tracking us with her eyes up close. She has mummy's dimples and it is gorgeous when you get that spontaneous smile.

Iris: 23 days and 18 hours
Tags:  Iris  
13 July 2014

The famous juju lips. They seem to pop out when Olive is in deep concentration. She loved painting Iris's letters and then beer boxes this morning.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
12 July 2014

Cuddles with Nan. 3 weeks old and still a happy little sleepy baby. May it last!

Iris: 22 days and 10 hours
Tags:  Iris  
11 July 2014

Cousins all in a row. Spot the widdle Iris on Granny. Enjoyed a lovely family fish and chips evening. Kids are getting along better and better and played in Olives room for a while too.
11 July 2014

Olive had to show Iris how to use the rings. 'You hold them like this Iris' olive is starting to be back to her usual self. Our happy mooje. Yesterday I picked her up from kcc and I was greeted with a leg hug and mummy mummy mummy! Makes me feel like the most special person in the world.
10 July 2014

Escaping the swaddle. A borrowed merino swaddle is working a treat!

Iris: 20 days and 19 hours
Tags:  Iris  
10 July 2014

Day 20: Iris has the cough that has plagued mummy for months. Horrible to hear those lungs working so hard. She continues to sleep a lot (not used to this) and feed fast??!!!

Iris: 20 days and 18 hours
Tags:  Iris  
10 July 2014

Olive is finally back to her usual happy self after having her worst cold yet. Here she has pulled up a chair to read Iris a story.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
09 July 2014

Enjoying a bit if floor time knocking the rings around.

Iris: 19 days and 16 hours
Tags:  Iris  
08 July 2014

First solo outing to the playground! Iris rugged up in the front pack, Olive in the buggy. It went well. We walked home together and spotted some 'gorgeous flowers' glad my baby loves flowers too. They were weeds and she would pick them and then 'stick' them back. Loved the dandelion and managed a big blow!

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
08 July 2014

So I had to quickly feed Iris before we headed out to the playground, Olive was already sitting in the buggy ready. After 15mins Iris is asleep so we are ready to go! Only to discover Olive is also asleep! This cold has really hit Olive hard. Poor mooje.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Iris: 18 days and 13 hours
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
07 July 2014

Loves running and jumping with no fear. Turning out to be very bossy as you have sit exactly where she wants you to play her games.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Movie  Olive  
07 July 2014

As I sit feeding, Olive is happy putting her babies to bed. Iris then squeaks and Olive states 'it's okay Iris you will be going home soon' not sure Olive understands she is here to stay. Olive also stated to Nan 'when is that baby going home' hmmm...

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Iris: 17 days and 8 hours
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
06 July 2014

An outing to Mitre 10 and then Avalon Park to feed the ducks. Then Olive hit the wall so it was home time. Still rather sick and and a grizzly guts in the afternoon. We all are now.
05 July 2014

Day 16: It's official! Iris Ann Peck. Starting to wake for night feeds. Sleeping pretty well day and night, may it last!

Iris: 15 days and 9 hours
Tags:  Iris  
04 July 2014

Day 14: the jaundice is pretty much gone from her skin. She is feeding a lot better (waking for a feed) and she weighed in at 3.68kg, things are on the up! Dare I say it? Maybe she is just a 'sleepy' baby? I had forgotten how small newborns are and how much they sleep!

Iris: 14 days and 14 hours
Tags:  Iris  
04 July 2014

Lyon has been a little more interested in iris. He was very worried when I was in labour and would come and sit by me as if to protect me.

Iris: 14 days and 13 hours
Lyon: 3 years and 2 months
Tags:  Iris  Lyon  
04 July 2014

A lovely story was posted to Olive's day care website today.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  

All three girls in our household have colds. Iris with her first. Poor little snuffly thing. Luckily the snot sucker works a treat on her. Olive, however, fights everything we do to help - even the tasty pamol. No play group this week. She has, however, had a nap in the car two days in a row.

04 July 2014

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Iris: 14 days and 12 hours
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
03 July 2014

Another family outing under our belt. We are all a bit sick this week but Lyon who needed a run.
03 July 2014

It's a hard road to a perfect sister shot! Olive has been really gentle with iris and most days asks to hold iris on the couch.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Iris: 13 days and 9 hours
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
03 July 2014

To wake up Iris this morning, Olive showered her with 'baby' soft toys.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Iris: 13 days and 8 hours
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
30 June 2014

Fun with a box on a rainy inside day.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
28 June 2014

We ventured to the zoo on a beautiful day. We got up close to the tiger and Olive loved the creepy crawlies. Iris slept like a baby.
27 June 2014

The Thompsons come to meet Iris. Thanks for a yummy lunch!

Iris: 7 days and 13 hours
Tags:  Iris  
26 June 2014

A family outing to the garden center.
25 June 2014

Are my clean clothes ready yet?

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
25 June 2014

Iris gets her first weigh in.

Iris: 5 days and 10 hours
Tags:  Iris  
24 June 2014

Daddy's hair?

Iris: 4 days and 17 hours
Tags:  Iris  
24 June 2014

Only a few days old but already looking completely different to Olive at the same age.

Iris: 4 days and 16 hours
Tags:  Iris  
24 June 2014

Four piggies escape.

Iris: 4 days and 15 hours
Tags:  Iris  
24 June 2014

Olives occasional interest in her little sister has led to cuddles, kisses a few pokes and the sharing of baby toys. She seems to be warming up to the idea of having a sibling and apparently has been taking about her baby Iris at playgroup.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Iris: 4 days and 15 hours
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
23 June 2014

Play centre with Daddy. It was fun to see Olive cruising around play centre and getting into everything. It was also great to put a name to the faces I often hear about.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
22 June 2014

Day four: sleeping all day and then an owl at night. Pretty tired but isn't she a dream to look at.

Iris: 2 days and 19 hours
Tags:  Iris  
22 June 2014

Lana, Nige and Anthony came to meet Iris and have a play date with Olive. Thanks for the Moses basket guys! So handy.

Iris: 2 days and 12 hours
Tags:  Iris  
22 June 2014

Iris' first bath! A bit of a shock to her sleepy system.

Iris: 2 days and 8 hours
Tags:  Iris  

As we contemplate the meaning of life after one night at home with what seems to be a night owl, we are thankful that Olive managed to sleep through the disruptions. We are also excited that our two little girls will have two new cousins by the end of the year (or maybe early next year). James and Hannah are having their first, and Jen and Dave their third! Awesome news all round. And more sleep deprivation.

22 June 2014
21 June 2014

Welcome home Iris!

Iris: 1 day, 9 hours and 11 minutes
Tags:  Iris  
21 June 2014

Our family
21 June 2014

After a terrible night sleep, We are ready for home! Olive very excited about bring little sis Iris home.

Iris: 1 day, 7 hours and 53 minutes
Tags:  Iris  
21 June 2014

Mum and bubs.

Iris: 1 day, 7 hours and 43 minutes
Tags:  Iris  
20 June 2014

Iris Ann

Iris: 16 hours, 58 minutes and 17 seconds
Tags:  Iris  
20 June 2014

Granny and Poppa come to meet and hold little Iris.

Iris: 14 hours, 33 minutes and 11 seconds
Tags:  Iris  
20 June 2014

Nan and Grandad meet little Iris.

Iris: 10 hours, 4 minutes and 11 seconds
Tags:  Iris  
20 June 2014

Bean meets Pixel.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Iris: 9 hours, 5 minutes and 45 seconds
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
20 June 2014

Welcome to our lives Iris Ann! Born at 12.48am on June 20th 2014 and weighing 8.6 pounds. Couldn't be happier with our little water baby.

Iris: 40 minutes and 4 seconds
Tags:  Iris  
19 June 2014

Enjoying a coffee in the afternoon sun. No baby yet.

Iris: -9 hours, 54 minutes and 19 seconds
Tags:  Iris  
18 June 2014

Olive enjoys a bit more play (throwing soft toys in the air) in her bedroom (but mummy has to stay)we have nearly finished her new but old dresser, with the mirror which olive loves!

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  

A harsh reminder as to why we shouldn't let Olive nap with an 11pm bedtime last night. All a little sleepy today on number two's expected d-day.

16 June 2014

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Iris: -3 days and 14 hours
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
15 June 2014

Olive and Bunny Piano duet.

Olive: 2 years and 4 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
14 June 2014

Olive loved running round the stepping stones with Harry as we joined the Foo's for dinner.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 June 2014

Milkshakes at Lyall bay.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 June 2014

Just the four of us. Enjoying our family. And spotting hairy maclary dogs at the beach.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
13 June 2014

Caught Olive in her own little world, telling me what she is doing while she was doing it.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Movie  Olive  
13 June 2014

Olive really enjoyed my old stomping playground with Lucas this afternoon. Her confidence has come along with climbing ladders, going down head first on the slide to yelling 'higher' on the swing. She also looked after Lucas when he wandering off by taking his hand and took him back to play.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  

'Supermartna' shopping has become pretty hard these last few weeks with Olive unstrapping herself and standing up constantly. Yesterday we reached a new level of difficult child. We finally reached the car and she was happy enough to sit in her seat (for once!) which lasted 20sec finishing with a classic croc roll and kicking where she managed to escape my grasp and my firm 'don't you dare' and started jumping around on the back seat. I gave up and started loading the boot with food. Only to have a cheeky Olive start singing 'don't you dare, don't you dare'. After I finally caught her (not easy with 39week baby bump) she had managed to stand on her suckie treat and yoghurt was everywhere. Sigh, online shopping here we come.

11 June 2014

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
07 June 2014

Olive refused to go in a normal trolley when Daddy had to do a quick run to the supermarket. Luckily the excitement of sitting next to Liony was enough to get her into the double trolley. Hope the interest lasts!

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
03 June 2014

They have arrived! And Olive took it upon herself after the 'blind man' had left to try and put it down from on top of the cabinet. Olive's little chairs seem to scattered all over the house these days as she uses them to get to anything up high.
02 June 2014

Olives love of being involved in everything continues as she helps make pancakes one morning and scrambled eggs the next. If you try doing it without her, she'll quickly drag over a "mummy/daddy" chair and take over.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 June 2014

Enjoying the warm winter sun.
01 June 2014

A beautiful still and crisp morning for a picnic at Makara beach. It was the busiest we have seen it.
31 May 2014

Poppa's birthday dinner!
31 May 2014

Enjoying the sunshine (photo stolen from Lana - thanks!)

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
31 May 2014

Fun at Petone beach on a crisp but beautiful morning.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
30 May 2014

A crisp walk with Olive in control of Lyon. She has became very assertive with telling Lyon what he should and shouldn't be doing. Meanwhile a little later around the park stated "mummy there is a pebble in my boot" so we stopped to shake it out and then Olive refused to put it back on, walking half way around the park in socks. She seems to take any opportunity to take her shoes off these days.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Lyon: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
30 May 2014

Lyon Tunnel

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Lyon: 3 years and 1 month
Tags:  Movie  Olive  Lyon  
29 May 2014

Just hanging with Daddy. We still can't see either of ourselves in Olive. But perhaps she has Daddy's eyes and Mummy's smile. It will be interesting to watch her change.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
29 May 2014

Bedroom curtains arrived a few weeks ago. Curtaining the whole house is complete! Everything is looking so fresh and clean!
29 May 2014

The roman blind for Pixel's room is complete! 2.7m wide by 1.9m in length. My first attempt at making one, glad it is finally up!

Iris: -21 days and 9 hours
Tags:  Iris  
29 May 2014

Daddy day with a Chicken Pox child on a rainy day limits your options, but we managed a visit to Mitre 10 Mega and a duck pond.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
26 May 2014

They have finally arrived! The lounge curtains!!! So excited and thrilled with them! Now just the blinds to come...
23 May 2014

The baby obsession continues, after reading her library books once last night, Olive is able to tell 'baby' all about them at story time.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  

As all the baby things resurface, Olive's interest in her baby, baby cot and baby buggy grows. She spends some part of each day looking after baby. Nappy changes, rocking her in bouncer, reading books, putting her down for a nap. It is lovely to see, nothing I have encouraged, it must be human nature. Let's hope it continues when her sibling arrives!

22 May 2014

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
22 May 2014

Piggy Bank also goes to the potty these days. We have had some success in the afternoons with the potty and no nappies. Mostly number ones and if we gently remind her, she often says yes or no if she needs to go. So proud.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
20 May 2014

Olive insisted that the cork board was actually a chalk board.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
19 May 2014

The SPCA came to visit on our Playcentre session with two cute puppies and a adorable bunny! Olive guessed it was a bunny from the cage and enjoyed its funny nose. She was quick to get right in there and pat them all very gently. Having a dog, I think has made her very comfortable and a animal lover all round.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
19 May 2014

Funky spider web tree on the misty walk this morning.
18 May 2014

My little garden helper. Olive was always up for helping with the gardening. Loved spotting potatoes too.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Movie  Olive  Garden  
18 May 2014

Tigger wasn't allowed into Winnie the Pooh's cave.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
18 May 2014

There is nothing quite like eating fresh carrots straight from the garden. Olive ate five baby carrots from our garden one after another. She was also extremely excited about spotting the potatoes as I dug them up and quickly placed them into the box.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
17 May 2014

Beautiful day for a catch up with Nige, Lana and Anthony - home from their Ireland trip.
16 May 2014

Room for two in the reinstated bassinet.

Olive: 2 years and 3 months
Iris: -1 month and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  Iris  
11 May 2014

Olive loved going on a "picnic" with Violet at Alex's "tea party". They sat down together for the good part of half an hour enjoying their picnic.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
11 May 2014

Olive becomes a bumble cat thanks to Catherine at Alex's birthday party.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
11 May 2014

Lots of fun at Alex's 4th birthday party.
11 May 2014

Mother's Day morning on our last day in Greytown with the Thompsons. A beautiful morning to finish a lovely weekend away.
10 May 2014

I love how kids love being rudie nudie. They just go wild and why not! It was extremely fun running down the large hall and then hiding behind the curtain... Again and again. Olive managed to keep up with Ben, Liam was aways doing the opposite, trying to keep up.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
10 May 2014

Greytown Playground fun.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
10 May 2014

Fun at Greytown's playground. Olive loved Donkey.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
10 May 2014

Chocostashe

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
10 May 2014

The puzzle interest continues... Really nice playing with Ben this weekend. Liam didn't get a look in and often told off for pointing at olive. Found two great puzzles to buy too.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
10 May 2014

On a sheep hunt in Greytown.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
09 May 2014

Rudie nudies in the bath.
08 May 2014

Olive is a very cuddly wee girl but recently loves to cuddle her friends too. Freya & William from PC get a hug goodbye, cousin violet gets a arrival hug and Lucas just because they saw a ginger cat together. So lovely.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  

A combination of a gallon of bath water, nudie free time and a pink potty that happened to be in the lounge has led to our first step in toilet training! Olive was so excited to pee pee in the potty. Here's hoping it's the start of things to come... And then again 20 minutes later!

05 May 2014

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
04 May 2014

Olive loved the ginger cat on the way to the park. And the fluffy to follow. And the muddy puddles!

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
03 May 2014

Olive and Daddy spend a day with Granny, Poppa and the Prosser cuzzies so Mummy can get her work done.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
03 May 2014

At the car wash. When did they become $16? Still, better that than a hand wash by Mr Lazy Pants.
01 May 2014

Mad about puzzles! The concentration is amazing. She will complete it and say 'done it' and wait for some reaction, smile and then tip it over and starts all over again. We can last at puzzles for a good 30min.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
01 May 2014

A late afternoon buggy walk around the park. All went well until olive decided that she 'wanted to cuddle the ducks' and went off road, and it was a very slow drag walk home.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  

In the past week we have noticed Olive making statements like "I can't reach you, you are too far away" whether it's at the table just (deliberately away from woowoo grub) out of Olive's reach or when she is on the deck and we are up on the vege tier. "Where is Daddy / Mummy / Lyon / teddy etc gone" and we are right there is still being asked a lot too.

27 April 2014

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
27 April 2014

Two years of taking a photo with the iPhone every so often.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
27 April 2014

Hugs and kisses for Lyons birthday. Happy birthday Mr Stinkle! Happy birthday to you.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Lyon: 3 years
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
27 April 2014

Where's the study nook!?! We finally finished the wallpapering in the lounge with the doors now done! No more wallpapering - yay!
27 April 2014

A breezy walk and a brunch at Spruce Goose for Lyons 3rd birthday.

Lyon: 3 years
Tags:  Lyon  
26 April 2014

Off at the zoo with the Turner grandparents. Loved the giraffes and chimps. M&D got some more painting done!

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
25 April 2014

Olive enjoying being a bee.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
25 April 2014

We pulled out a few more potatoes and thinned the carrots out a little! Also cleared out all the old plants ready to start again.

Tags:  Garden  
25 April 2014

We celebrated Harry's second birthday. A fun morning of running around outside and eating cake.
23 April 2014

We had Anna, Perry and the adorable Leola around for dinner while they are in NZ for a short time. Lots of lovely catching up.

"Olive got petrol in Turangi. No, only one rangi, not two rangi!"

21 April 2014

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
20 April 2014

Driveway madness. With very mixed dramatic weather throughout the day (rain, sun, rain) we managed a easter hunt, bubbles on the new flash deck and biking races on the long driveway. Olive and Violet had their usual banter 'mine' 'no, mine' 'no my bike' 'no mine' with them both smiling. They did it all weekend over anything 'my chair' 'no mine' and 'my mummy' which ended with 'my Ginny' (which was so lovely of Violet to say). The girls are really getting along, so cute.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
20 April 2014

Easter egg hunt! They were so cute, spotting eggs (with help) and running over to collect them but mostly so excited about putting them in the picnic basket. Olive enjoyed the act of unwrapping the eggs but took one bite and gave to mummy. Alex, knew what it was all about! And violet did too.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
20 April 2014

Fun times down at the beach during a break in the weather.
19 April 2014

We ventured out to Huka Falls where jumping in muddy puddles was way more fun than watching the fast flowing waterfall!
19 April 2014

Out for a walk.
18 April 2014

We had a fun Easter weekend in Taupo. Olive continued her no nap policy even during the 6.5hr drive there and 6hr drive home - luckily she slept well at night. We managed to enjoy some sunshine in between the rain. The kids had a great time mucking around together - Olive and Violet playing their "that's mine" game was a laugh.

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  

Day 7: still no napping, didn't even attempt it today. She seems quite good most of the day, thinking it is time for the side to come off the cot! We are saying a lot of 'yes' lately which is just marvelous! Even when she means no. But it is better than 'no sudo (thank you)' all the time!=

17 April 2014

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  

Day five of refusing to nap. Is this the end? On a positive note, she seems to handle the napless days well and after an early night, sleeps for 12-14 hours! On the downside, mummy is exhausted and misses her downtime.

15 April 2014

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
15 April 2014

She may not always use her fork but when M&D had chopsticks, she just had to have some! She proved us wrong, and managed to eat a lot of her noodle dish with her sticks! I wonder how Asian kids learn to use chopsticks?

Olive: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
12 April 2014

Avoided the downpour with a nice dog walk around Parramatta inlet with the Thompsons.
11 April 2014

With a week of rain and another forecasted we are bringing out the big guns. After Olive helped paint a test pot for pixels room, we extended it to her paint. Olive loved painting her hands (as it tickles!) and making hand prints.

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
09 April 2014

Olive decided to play hide and seek. She disappeared for about 5mins so I went to seek her out, found her hiding in our bedroom corner, then I said hide again, this time she went behind the couch, giggling when I said 'where is olive' lastly the curtain was a favourite, sitting behind it for a good 20mins, even when I had found her half a dozen times.

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
09 April 2014

We love giving cuddles and kisses (with sound effect) right on the lips lately, I do encourage it, so lovely to have my baby cuddle me.

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
09 April 2014

Olive really got into this toy from the library. She spent long periods just pushing the buttons and dancing. So cute.

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
07 April 2014

Olive was into painting on her hands and hand printing everything in sight. Doing a lot better sitting at morning tea and taking her lunchbox back to the trolley when she's finished.

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
05 April 2014

A fantastic family camping trip to Kaitoke with the Prossers. A successful test of our new tents - will go again! See entry for more photos.
03 April 2014

Olive has settled into play group nicely. She's happy to be dropped off both days and she's starting to get into all the activities and be chatty with the ladies. She even ate some lunch for the first time today! Our little girl is becoming more independent by the day.

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
01 April 2014

We decided to dig up some potatoes and carrots - finally ready!

Tags:  Garden  
29 March 2014

We went for a family walk and discovered the Karori West School fair was on. Food stalls, pet show, cheap toys, cupcakes and candy floss! Classic old school where we can see Olive in a few years time!

Olive has been saying non stop "what's daddy doing?" What's Lyon doing?" "What ya doing?" And it doesn't matter how many times I repeat my answer, she says it again!=

27 March 2014

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  

Bribery finally works. I asked olive to have one more piece of broccoli and then she could have yoghurt & honey so olive proceeded to eat all her broccoli and then finished the serving bowl almost with a look of defiance. Works for me! Peppa pig is the big guns but sadly suckies have lost their charm.=

26 March 2014

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
25 March 2014

Chopsticks master.

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
24 March 2014

We made gingerbread men for decorating at playcentre which fun and tasty! Olive started by biting his head off and then licking the icing off the spoon.

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
22 March 2014

A lovely walk in Wilton bush to see "a big daddymummy rimu tree" and a yummy picnic in the sun after with Anthony, Lana & Nige. Followed by a tasty beef fillet, kumara chips & a frenchy sauce for dinner as the kids had a ball together. Baby carrots were a big hit for both kids.

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  

No tears and even a bones as Daddy left Olive at play group this morning! Pity after three nights of happy bed times we had another teary night last night. Never mind, you win some you lose some.

20 March 2014

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
18 March 2014

Olive stated "Mummy have a coffee and Olive have a fluffy at cafe". Lucky this paid ride didn't need any money to be fun. Java furniture store was a zoo in its own right, Olive loved naming everything and picking everything up! Loved the hippo!

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
17 March 2014

Pixels room is finally feeling like a real bedroom again with the carpet relaid and the wardrobe door on. Just cleaning, painting, curtains and furnishing left!

Iris: -3 months and 2 days
Tags:  DIY  Iris  
17 March 2014

The study nook is really coming along. It now has lights, wallpapered walls and left over carpet from Pixels room.

Tags:  DIY  
16 March 2014

Olive is really into hiding in things at the moment. Behind the couch, behind the arm chair, under the desk, or in the play tent with as many toys as possible.

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
15 March 2014

Not a bad vege garden haul. Olive went straight for the lone raspberry. First taste of our apples - they were yum.

Tags:  Garden  

All last week for morning wake up, olive has demanded I take my dressing gown off before she will allow to be picked up. Tom had to take his running shoes off yesterday and this morning I was still told to take the gown off even when I wasn't wearing it. Little miss bossy!=

15 March 2014

Olive: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
14 March 2014

F&C with old family friends: barbers, woods and turners with another generation running around. Olive really enjoyed playing with Felix as we found them giggling and jumping on the bed and later playing the piano. A farewell to Nat, Poppy & Marcus, which is sad but so lovely to have had them here for a little visit!
13 March 2014

The Milkrowave

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
11 March 2014

Pixel Protector

Iris: -3 months and 8 days
Lyon: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Iris  Lyon  
11 March 2014

A lovely walk with feeding the ducks and some playground action, olive went on the flying fox and the big blue slide! Before we enjoyed a cafe break. Olive loved copying what Felix was doing and she even got a few hugs from him!

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
09 March 2014

Tunnel, cave or tent was all good fun to build them on the couch, well directing the building that is. Up here, higher!, sides down!, darker!

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
09 March 2014

Enjoying a fluffy (finally loves them!) after an afternoon dog beach walk. My, what a lady with her little cup!

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
08 March 2014

An ex Onslow girls BBQ with the kids. It was so lovely to have some old faces back in town! and to see the next generation. Nice to know we are still the same nice people we were half our life ago!
07 March 2014

Love how Olive sticks the sticker hats over the eyes.

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
06 March 2014

Helen and Robin shouted us a night out to the light and sound show at the botanicals. It was really great!
06 March 2014

The sun was finally shining again do we went to the park for ice cream and a kick around.
06 March 2014

Lately Olive is climbing over everything, jumping on everything and even skipping at times. She always has to jump down the last step. She is very confident on her feet. She loves playing catch with her hands out ready and kicking the ball around spontaneously.

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
05 March 2014

A night out for the girls!

"Wat dese guys doin on da chair?", "Wat Mamma doin?", "Wat dis, Daddy?". The questions have started. Soon it will be endless "but why?"'s.

03 March 2014

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
02 March 2014

We had cute 4 month old Maisie stay on Saturday night while the Thompsons were wedding partying it up. She reminded us of how Lyon used to be and how grown up and well behaved he is now! (Mostly)

Lyon: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Lyon  

For the past few weeks we have been trialling a childcare for two mornings a week. It hasn't been easy, I have currently left her twice for an hour a pop. First time, which didn't go so well but the second time (today) was a little better.

28 February 2014

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
27 February 2014

Hi Guys. Wanna play?

Lyon: 2 years and 10 months
Tags:  Lyon  
27 February 2014

Playing with our new lounge LED lightbulbs with an iPhone App to change the colours. Psychedelic fun, dude!
26 February 2014

We finally have some juicy edible tomatoes! So sweet.

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  Garden  
23 February 2014

We dropped Olive at Nan and Grandads for our first child free night! We had a lovely 3 course meal and a sleep at the White Swan in Greytown. Thanks Nan and Grandad!

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  

It has now been over two weeks since olive started crying when going down for a nap and bedtime. We had a great run of 6 months of fantastic sleep (we didn't know how good we had it) not sure if she is teething, scared or just not tired. There has been a number of past 10pm bedtimes so let's hope it improves...=

22 February 2014

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
22 February 2014

Today we met the cute and tiny Orson McMillan! Congratulations Jess and Marcus.
21 February 2014

Moving on up! Bye bye Toyota putty pitz of 20 years, even learnt to drive in you. Hello Mazda pristine pitz. Big day, automatic gears, remote central locking, Bluetooth, electric & tinted windows, air conditioning the list goes on as does our excitement. It feels like we have been trapped in a car time warp.
20 February 2014

Cup of tea and a snooze?

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
20 February 2014

BIG mamma daddy cucumber - ripe for the picking.

Tags:  Garden  
20 February 2014

On the hottest day of the year to date, Daddy took Lyon on a jaunt to the top of Makara Peak and back. This resulted in a rather hot dog.

Lyon: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Lyon  
20 February 2014

Fun in khandallah pool with Poppy & Nat. Olive was very confident this time in fact so keen to get in she climbed in before I had time to get her togs on, dress and shoes!. Loved being pushed around on a floaty and then the ring was a big hit.

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
20 February 2014

A crazy warm foggy morning. The spider webs looked amazing with the dew, olive was interested for a second and then back to find her queen! She found 'another one!' to make 5 pairs with her memory cards.

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
18 February 2014

Bubbachinno music today with Nat & poppy and leece, Louis & Rico. Great setup with fluffy's and choc fish after followed by toys! Coffees for the mums too! Lovely seeing more of the girls too.

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
18 February 2014

The tomatoes are finally changing colour! Soon we will be inundated by juicy morsels. Baby chillies and beans have arrived too!

Tags:  Garden  

Olive is wrestling with 'me' and 'you' at the moment. 'Daddy catch you!' (before coming down the slide). 'Mamma help you!' (when she wants help with something). It stems from us saying 'Do you want Daddy to catch you?' or 'Do you want Mamma to help you?'. It's a difficult concept to explain to a two year old. In other news, her colours are coming along! Red phone, black tv, blue fly swat.

17 February 2014

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
17 February 2014

Pixel peekaboo.

Olive: 2 years
Iris: -4 months and 2 days
Tags:  Iris  Olive  
17 February 2014

My office nook is slowing taking shape. Lights? Wallpaper? Shelves? Desk? Still a wee way to go! Olive enjoyed 'working' in mama's chair.
17 February 2014

The sun is back! My big two year old all painted black and blue after fun in the water and sun at Playcentre. Painting animals and mixing paint and water was fun. The backpack is a huge hit too.

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
16 February 2014

The old magical hands are back. Bring me my bike!

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2014

And finishing with a fun BBQ with BFF Anthony. These two trouble makers are getting along so well.

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2014

Followed by presents and awesome cake made by mamma back at home.

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2014

Our baby is two! A fun second birthday for Olive with a family brunch (and bumped into Kate with Gray and Lucy) at the great Chocolate Fish cafe followed by ...

Olive: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  
14 February 2014

8am the birthday cake baking begins. Olive was into every part of it, mixing, messing and sweeping. The pressure mounts.

Olive: 1 year and 11 months
Tags:  Olive  
13 February 2014

We get to meet Poppy from the UK! Olive is a giant in comparison but a gentle one! Poppy was very smilie and looks like Marcus.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 February 2014

Olive loved the balloon play with Anthony and dessert at Lucy's first birthday. Olive and the three boys (Zac, Harry, Anthony) played nicely in Zac's room until Olive decided throwing is great fun. Who said girls can't throw?...

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 February 2014

Swimming lessons have started at Karori pool! Olive will be diving for coins in no time.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  

Colours have been an interesting topic of conversation lately. Blue is the answer for everything with a big smile. Olive was staring at my eyes and said "mama's eyes are blue" and I said "no mama's eyes are green" this went on for a while until she said my eyes were green. So then I asked her what colour was daddy's eyes, she answered "red" enough said.=

07 February 2014

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
06 February 2014

Yummy milkshake at the new cafe opposite the dog beach in Lyall Bay - Spruce Goose. Have to have brunch next time!
05 February 2014

First time sitting down in the bath for months! Cup feet did the trick.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 February 2014

The paddling pool has been a huge success this summer. As has the slide (with Lyons bed as a landing pad) olive asks for the sandpit lid to be lifted daily too.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 February 2014

The thumbs up from Pixel saying everything is A-O-K at the 20 week scan. Hard to believe we are halfway there already!

Iris: -4 months and 16 days
Tags:  Iris  
02 February 2014

It's a dogs life.

Lyon: 2 years and 9 months
Tags:  Lyon  
02 February 2014

Train rides and train cake at Zachs 3 rd birthday picnic at Aotea Lagoon. Great place for the kids.
02 February 2014

The pavers are mostly down on our little vege garden hideaway.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
31 January 2014

"Olive, smile!" we were surprised she even knew what it meant!

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 January 2014

Monster Feet!

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 January 2014

What a shock it was to see a park from my past with large trees that never existed then! Getting old. After nap time Olive's language was so clear. She said "nice to sit outside and read" and then I found her 'reading'.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 January 2014

We have been giving "Olive a fright" a lot lately. Hide and Seek has been great evening fun with Daddy hiding and Olive, Mama and Lyon going to find him (Lyon usually gives it away first) and then Daddy gives Olive a fun fright by jumping out when she has found him. The simple things are so much fun.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
28 January 2014

High space chair is kind of working, so olive can climb up on her own. Still wants to sit on our chairs though. Clip on highchair is in the past now.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 January 2014

Enjoying our pebble vege paradise. Sugar snap peas are doing really well, radishes are too. Potatoes & corn have got so high it's a jungle in there for olive! Olive has taken to helping herself to the peas, as the raspberries are all but exhausted.

Tags:  Garden  
28 January 2014

We finally got to story time at te papa with Isabelle & Bec and Felix, Ruby & Bec. Olive sat for about 2 secs and found lots of soft toys to befriend. We got them sitting all together on the small nature walk outside.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
26 January 2014

Hydrangea's are just looking so pretty at the moment. There seems to be some really old plants on our section which is great. This one has finally flowered a bit more since Tom trimmed some overgrown trees above.
26 January 2014

Before the rain set in, we set off for the usual Lyon bush walk with Olive's statement "a nice blue day" blue being the answer for every question at moment. Olive managed a small part of the walk with her collection of pine cones which she had to defend from fur brother Lyon (who loves them).

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 11 days
Lyon: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
26 January 2014

Not very often you get to take advantage of a passer by to take your photo while on a bush walk.
25 January 2014

BBQ fun at Nige and Lana's where the kids had a blast together. Almost no adult supervision required for this dynamic duo.
25 January 2014

Trying to decide what material to have on the steps leading up to the vege garden and surrounding the vege garden.

Tags:  Garden  
25 January 2014

A tranquil warm morning on petone beach. Left with pockets full of shells and stones. Lyon got a good swim in too. Mitre 10 next stop for pavers!

Lyon: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Lyon  
24 January 2014

A lovely sunny Friday evening, so we met daddy in the botanicals for our traditional takeaways Friday.
24 January 2014

No tantrums leaving the pool today, olive will do anything for a suckie yoghurt. Lovely catching up with Julia, and her boys, Vincent was somewhat braver in the water than olive, she just enjoyed being a lady of leisure on the floaty board! Hmm swimming lessons should be interesting with these two!

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 January 2014

After a busy morning, olive strangely woke after 40mins to then fall asleep on mama! It has been a long time! We think two year old molars are to blame with strange naps all week. Plus I saw huge white bumps at the back if her mouth! Let the teething be over.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 January 2014

Lisa and I braved the circular track into Wilton bush with Rico, Louis, Olive and her soft toy cat(huge as it deserves a mention). They did so well! And we had some yummy lamingtons in the park. Lots of lovely tracks and dog friendly, we will be coming back!

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
21 January 2014

Olive still says ‘No’ to most questions even when she means yes. A recent conversation about her sibling and our visit to the midwife.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
19 January 2014

After months of shaking her head when I came near her hair with a clip or bobble, olive finally let me put a bobble in! And what a cute curly one to boot.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 January 2014

Brunch at the Pecks to celebrate Granny's 65th! These kids are just getting on better and better.
18 January 2014

The Prosser's join us for a BBQ after Dave plasters our walls. Violet teachers Olive a new way to traverse the slide!
17 January 2014

We popped over to meet baby Ruby and a play date with Felix, which they got along really well. Olive finished with a huge tantrum at home time when she had to leave the police car. Biggest one yet.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  

The past week only mama has been allowed to read stories or take Olive to bed and everyone and thing gets a goodnight except for Daddy. On the way to bed is usually something along the lines of: "Na night Lyon, na night Lyon bed, na night green (light), na night white (light), na night couch, na night race car, na night table, na night chair, na night buggy."

16 January 2014

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
16 January 2014

Olive has taken to biking indoors and outdoors in circles and even up the stairs.

Olive: 1 year, 11 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
15 January 2014

Lyon our hero, came to save the day when mama screamed like a girl as a large spider ran across our sandpit masterpiece!

Lyon: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Lyon  
14 January 2014

A sail on a flutter board with as many toys as Olive could carry at khandallah pool, brings back lots of great memories at this pool as a kid. Such a beautiful setting, best pool in Wellie! Lucas and Jo joined us for some toe dipping too.

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  
13 January 2014

Olive finally shows an interest in building towers instead of just destroying them. Record so far: 9 blocks!

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
13 January 2014

Trying out the nearly completed top tier seat. Room for the whole family!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
12 January 2014

Olive biked all the way to the neighbours plum tree for a spot of picking for jam!

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  
12 January 2014

Tom was in need of some RnR building style after two weeks away from the backyard. Third planter nearly complete with a seat to boot!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  

Mama: "let's go and see daddy's planter" Olive: "no, mama sit, watch olive" Bossy wee boots ;-)

12 January 2014

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  
12 January 2014

Popped in to see Anthony for brunch. We were going to check out the trains in Silverstream but will save it for another day!

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  
11 January 2014

We have a purple Cauliflower! Geeze it takes a long time for them to heart up. The rest haven't yet so hopefully they will one at a time.

Tags:  Garden  
10 January 2014

We meet cute little Maisie and the chickens at the Thompsons.
10 January 2014

Lyon sat waiting in the car for about an hour before we left Taupo. He hasn't been home for over two weeks!

Lyon: 2 years and 8 months
Tags:  Lyon  
09 January 2014

Relaxing on the new deck as it's being built. Hanging with the peck grandparents.
09 January 2014

Duck and swan feeding on a walk to Taupo town.
09 January 2014

Olive is a little unsure of Daddy's old favourite Blackie

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
07 January 2014

A fun morning spent at Taupo AC baths.
07 January 2014

Relaxing in Taupo. Olive loves following around big cousin Alex. They are playing really well together, mainly the chasing game and holding hands.
06 January 2014

Fun in Taupo with the Prossers and the Peck grandparents.
06 January 2014

Fun at the lakeside. Dog swim, kite flying and cousin chasing.
04 January 2014

Inspecting the vege garden after a week away. Everything growing nicely! Snow peas have appeared. Potatoes have sprouted.

Tags:  Garden  
02 January 2014

Olive finally got to see an ‘Et De’ elephant! And a baby elephant too at Melbourne zoo. Olive with her boy cousins riding the stone elephant!

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
29 December 2013

Paul and Lauren get married! What a wonderful day. More to come soon!
29 December 2013

Enjoying inner city living in our Melbourne holiday apartment. Perfect position to walk anywhere and Olive loved watching the trams, taxis and people go by.

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 December 2013

Olive meets cousin Milla!

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 December 2013

Pretty excited to get on the plane to Melbourne!

Snippets from the last few days. "Not present Olive, present Locklock." "No strawberry here, raspberry here." (Sneeze) "Me sneeze!" (Big sniff) "Me fart!" (After picking her nose) "Rub rub rub the bogie off! Bogie all gone!"

26 December 2013

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  
26 December 2013

Fun with new toys on a sleepy Boxing Day morning.
26 December 2013

A chilled out Boxing Day spent slurping up 'noo noos' and last minute shopping before Tiff and Jamie's wedding BBQ and our holiday begins!

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  
25 December 2013

Christmas evening feast at the Grandparent Pecks. A delicious array of food, presents and fun company. Olive loved playing with Alex and Voilet. So much so that all the excitement made her not play ball at bed time, so we ended up driving home instead of staying for the slumber party. Next time!
25 December 2013

Wellington transformed overnight and produced a stunning Christmas Day for our Grandparents brunch. Olive loved the attention and the new toys.
25 December 2013

We started Christmas morning with.... Porridge! Before the Spanish omelette brunch with the grandparents. Olive has become a lot better sitting on a normal chair these days.

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
24 December 2013

Dresses

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
22 December 2013

Christmas party time at the Foo's! Olive was a little dubious of the Marcus Santa. Fun times had by all.
21 December 2013

Olive shows her evil side.

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  
21 December 2013

The early vegetables of our labour. 3 week old radishes.

Tags:  Garden  
20 December 2013

A pre Christmas morning tea in the botanical gardens with antenatal. Nearly all two!

Olive: 1 year, 10 months and 5 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 December 2013

Molehill Christmas Lunch at prefab. Tasty. Olive decided to enjoy her packed lunch instead of the chips and pizza on offer.
15 December 2013

Another speed purchase at mitre 10 with mama's Christmas present! Picked up a baby olive at a bargin price too.

Tags:  Garden  
14 December 2013

Took a little family bush walk up the back of Karori park. It's nice to have these places so close to home.
13 December 2013

Dinner with the grandparents while daddy has Christmas drinks.

We picked about 12 raspberries today with Olive eating about six straight off the plant, they were all gone within minutes very yum, more plants needed next year for a large crop!

12 December 2013

Tags:  Garden  

Olive's latest phrases: "Mamma cut the bum off" (when asking for a strawberry to be destalked). "Daddy make a baby one" (when something needs to be cut into a smaller baby sized piece). "Odive go see big tits" (when we were off to see some big tents). "Stinkle nautnaut (naughty), back to bed, come inside, chase round the tabie!" (loves bossing Lyon round). =

12 December 2013

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 December 2013

We were joined by the Thompsons for lunch in the sun. The kids had fun chasing Lyon and then hanging in his crate. Olive was so excited she decided not to nap today.

Lyon: 2 years and 7 months
Tags:  Lyon  
07 December 2013

Geeze the nights have been hot! 22 degrees in Olives room most evenings. So naturally you start thinking things should be growing in the garden. My first raspberry! So proud take that $6 punnets at the supermarket. Apples are plentiful too, might need to clip off a few!

Tags:  Garden  
06 December 2013

12 week Pixel scan. Everything looks in order. Two hands, two feet, beating heart! June 16th eta!

Iris: -6 months and 13 days
Tags:  Iris  
05 December 2013

Had a lovely day celebrating Gini's birthday. Starting with brunch at a cafe and finishing with dinner and cake at Nan and Grandads.
05 December 2013

Olive was her usual bossy boots telling daddy sit here, and he had to sit exactly where she pointed. Loved the fort, mainly the building with daddy.

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 20 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 December 2013

Another toy library success. A box of tubes and magnetic joiners “balls”, with clips and stuff. Lots of fun for Dad. Olive also enjoys it.

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 20 days
Tags:  Olive  

It finally happened. Tom's happiest day ever. Olive ate practically a whole piece of...... Steak! It had to be cut into wagyu thin strips and we think she got a little of the meat crazies later with all the giggling. Big moment.

04 December 2013

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 December 2013

Olive and Lucas enjoyed another lovely day with water and having lunch together. Lucas could teach Olive a few things about eating and sitting at the table!

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 December 2013

The Mooj Tooj is awake!

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 December 2013

The seedlings have sprouted. Radishes and Carrots, Basil and Coriander. Exciting!

Tags:  Garden  
02 December 2013

Olive was a busy wee bee at Playcentre. Got into the glue and sticking everything to it. Finding animals buried in the sandpit and the tyre swing even got a go with olive, only when all the big kids got off.

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  
01 December 2013

A lovely sunny Sunday to enjoy a wander around the food stalls, eat dumplings and wash it down with a chocolate gelato milkshake with Oli. She loved running along the water front and of course the milkshake but only with a straw.
29 November 2013

Broc broc! It has finally got heads! Baby broc as Olive explained to me.

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 14 days
Tags:  Garden  Olive  
28 November 2013

Daddy day. Swimming at the pool then hanging with the cousins at Poppa and Granny's.

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 November 2013

Nothing like a game of ball just before bed, Lyon enjoyed getting in on the action too.

Tags:  Movie  
27 November 2013

Look who's got new sunnies!

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  
26 November 2013

Shoe fetish contines..

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  
25 November 2013

We went to the zoo with Playcentre. Which Olive just loved. She could say all the animals she met, and really liked the tiger, who came up close for food and if course the giraffes.

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 November 2013

The BBQ season is officially open. Turner Grandparents join us for a tasty BBQ at the end of a very hot day.
23 November 2013

31 degrees, so hot so sand and paddling pool was a success, mostly with Lyon drinking from it and daddy sitting in it after a long run. My achievement was eating a bacon sandwich.

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 November 2013

We enjoyed the sun and getting our feet wet at the beach followed by sneaky milkshakes and muffins. 31 degrees today!
21 November 2013

Chipmunks at the pool.

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
18 November 2013

Daddy, close the door!

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
17 November 2013

We have vegetables! And a semi working sprinkler system. Sweet corn, tomatoes, rhubarb, eggplant, courgette, cucumber, chillis, sugar snap peas so far. A bit of an experiment this year.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
16 November 2013

Never a dull moment baking with Olive.

Olive: 1 year, 9 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
16 November 2013

Our top tier vege box is finally nearing completion. Just need some more soil and it's planting time!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
14 November 2013

It took duck with a bib to get Olive into her chair for breakfast.

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  
13 November 2013

For the past week, olive has used daddy as a human chair. Flat out refusing to sit in her highchair. On a more positive note pasta: lasagna is back on our menu! Hooray!

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
12 November 2013

My dark purple iris has finally come through, 4 more to come hopefully! The light purple and white ones have finished.

Tags:  Garden  
10 November 2013

Some fun in the sun for Liam first birthday. Olive loved the baby chicks and the goose! The icing was a hot too.

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 November 2013

Olive helps as the vege box takes shape.

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 25 days
Tags:  Garden  Olive  
08 November 2013

I checked out our grafted apple tree and she had plenty of flowers -yay! We have had her nearly a year, must feed her for fruit! As for my raspberry, I thought they lived in 2 year cycles so she surprised me with lots of new growth.

Tags:  Garden  
08 November 2013

This deserves a mention. A year ago I planted some grannies bonnets as they like semi shade. No flowers when spring & summer passed but a year on and they have grown up to 70cm and flowering! Finally! Lucky I kept them.

Tags:  Garden  
05 November 2013

8 week scan! It looks like a ghost baby. We will name it Pixel.

Iris: -7 months and 14 days
Tags:  Iris  
03 November 2013

Yummy dinner at the Pecks to celebrate Jen’s birthday.
03 November 2013

Birthday dinner for Grandad followed by a lovely brunch at the Chocolate Fish cafe - which is so cool for kids. We had a teary farewell to Lauren, Ali and Lachlan - it’s been great fun having you guys in town!
02 November 2013

Nice morning for a walk up Makara Peak.
31 October 2013

A busy morning checking out Te papa with Ali and Flex. Lucky girl has two big boys to look after her!

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  

Olive's Words of the Week: "Ali (or Lyon) sit floor!", "Keys lock door", Me: "What did you do at the park today?" Olive: "Odive feed ducks park", Me: "Who's at the table?" Olive: "Mummy, Daddy, Odive (pause) sleepsack (which was hanging over the back of a chair)", when pretending to be on the phone it's always with Myah and Poppop, "Call Nan heemhee (iPad)", "chase chase chase!"

29 October 2013

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
29 October 2013

Olive was very pleased to see 'eyon' Thanks peck grandparents!

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 14 days
Lyon: 2 years and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
29 October 2013

Fun with the auzzie cousins at the botanical gardens. We enjoyed feeding the ducks and there were a few more ducklings too.
26 October 2013

Bath and story time with the cuzzies who stayed for a sleep over!
26 October 2013

With our house guests and a gorgeous blue sky morning and no buggies we headed to our park for some playground action and a mini cafe picnic on the grass.

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 October 2013

Partners in crime. Olive and Lachlan.

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
22 October 2013

Fish and Chips and Bubbles at a picturesque park near the timeshare.
22 October 2013

So sleepy. A pretty good week of sleeping at Wanaka.

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  
22 October 2013

Throwing stones after a lovely walk at Lake Wanaka.
21 October 2013

Not a bad spot for a round of golf with Paul, Ali and Robin.
19 October 2013

Crawling with Lockie, hand prints with Ali at the start of our week in Wanaka.
18 October 2013

Once Olive gets into a groove, she won't stop! she emptied most of her toy box into her cot and to keep the momentum going she kept spinning!=

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
17 October 2013

This has been happening more and more lately. Olive wanting to play games like 'chase' around the coffee table 'horse' ride on mummy's back (not a popular choice by mummy) and 'ball' with 'eyon' (it has taken Olive a very long time to use Lyon's name) We can see how much fun these two are going to have. Just need to work on Lyon listening to Olive!

Olive: 1 year, 8 months and 2 days
Lyon: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  Lyon  
15 October 2013

A possible suitor for our Oli. They had a lovely play date with lots of smiles while mums talked business.

Olive: 1 year and 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 October 2013

We survived our first rostered day at Playcentre. Olive was a champ, very busy off trying all sorts. Got really into painting trains and making paint tracks, stamping playdoh and sat for the whole morning tea. We were exhausted come 12.30. Big nap to boot! Great morning Oli.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
13 October 2013

We came home to a new gibbed wall and a study nook! Very exciting. There was still a special olive size door available for doing house circuits. Just. Great job Prosser/pecks boys.

Tags:  DIY  
13 October 2013

And what's behind door number two?

Tags:  DIY  
12 October 2013

Lyons bucket bath turned into bucket play with playmobile. It brings back summer memories of warmer weather, bring on summer!

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  

For the past week, Olive has started to string two words together. Such as "mamma help", "dada open", "more cake please", "Lyon away!", "Dave noise", "Odive (Olive) fly!". It's pretty exciting seeing her speech develop.

11 October 2013

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 October 2013

Olive helps to measure up where the vege boxes are to be built on the top tier.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 25 days
Tags:  Garden  Olive  
10 October 2013

A rather windy walk around makara to let Lyon run wild in the tussocks to get sticks.

Lyon: 2 years and 5 months
Tags:  Lyon  
09 October 2013

An array of football skills present here.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
06 October 2013

Bubbles beer and fish and chips with Aunty Jenny and Colin over from Sydney.
06 October 2013

This conversation was taken after Uncle Dave had finished for the day (building our study nook). Aunty Jen, Cousin Alex and Violet came for a play too. Olive kept pointing at the wall and saying 'noise, noise' (it was very noisy) and then 'Dave, Dave' she would also point at the timber which held up our wall (which is now gone) and say 'Dave'. 'Tools'. 'Noise'. So now Dave is the noisy one in the family - fits doesn't it.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
06 October 2013

While daddies worked on our double doors, the cousins played. Later that day when it got too noisy we checked out Ben Burns playground. Really great for Olives age and we finally had a sleep on route home with pies for the boys.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 October 2013

Tom got stuck into demo day! Got the old walldrobe down and out, in a lot less time than it took me to clear out the contents. Then he cut a 20cm square in the wall and decided he needed a snooze. By the time we got home from our walk in the drizzle one side was gone! What have we done!!! Eek. Good job honey ;-)

Tags:  DIY  
05 October 2013

Olive's counting is really coming along. If we ask what time it is, it is always either six o'clock or four. She always seems to miss five? When asked how many of something it is always two, two, two.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 20 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
04 October 2013

Olive's latest obsession. 'Beeee' 'help' so we tied buzz bee to the handle bar and he just cruzes along with Oli.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  
04 October 2013

This step stool has changed our lives. Olive wants to wash her hands as 'step step' is involved. Five o'clock grizzles in the kitchen has turned into 'help' with the flour. Now when I mention baking with mama, olive goes directly to the step stool, 'help' love this help stage, long may it continue. We always have an extra tiny pair of hands with the washing too.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  
02 October 2013

Frenchy finds her pocket.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  
01 October 2013

I needed 4 teddies to keep me company on the way to Nans this morning.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
29 September 2013

Birthday Brunch at the Pecks. French toast stack followed by fruity port and chocolate cake. Yum!
28 September 2013

Loving the new car slide from the toy library. Wheeee! Boom!

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 September 2013

Olive has taken to wearing my shoes around the house, not sure why she couldn't wear a pair of my nicer shoes though!

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
26 September 2013

Tonight's reading selection as chosen by Olive.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  
26 September 2013

One pot of tulips flowering, the other two a wee way off!

Tags:  Garden  
26 September 2013

Birthday brunch turned into takeaway coffee & scone after Olive insisted on playing with the 'baby' ducklings. We checked out the beautiful but slightly battered tulips and Olive didn't want to leave the frog fountain either when it was time to go.
22 September 2013

A lovely weekend away in Martinborough starting with Hamish and Toni's engagement party followed by two nights with the Thompsons. Ben and Olive are now BFF's.
22 September 2013

Olive and Ben get into a spot of Football in Martinborough, there sure is some talent there.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
20 September 2013

We visited Jen and Dave in their new abode. The cuzzies had fun playing together before we feasted on McDonalds. Olive was a great fry sharer and stealer.
19 September 2013

Sieve hatted kitchen sorter.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  
18 September 2013

Our new world collection is growing. Very clever brand marketing. Olive can name all the miniatures and was very focused on piling them all up and pouring them into the tin.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  
17 September 2013

Crazy Frenchy.

Olive: 1 year, 7 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  
15 September 2013

Olives first steps on snow. She was a little apprehensive at first. When asked about the snow later she points to her feet and says "wet!".

Olive: 1 year and 7 months
Tags:  Olive  
15 September 2013

Snow morning! Trying to find some gloves which fit!
14 September 2013

Olive loved following grandad every where this weekend. Mum, dad and Nan didn't get a look in.

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  
14 September 2013

Our first dinner out with Olive. It went well and was delicious. Luckily the restaurant owner had a basket of toys to keep her amused.

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  
14 September 2013

Spot Hat Head

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  
14 September 2013

Took a lovely stroll in Ohakune before the weather packed in.
13 September 2013

Had a great weekend in Ohakune. Olive slept well both ways and in her portacot. Makes a huge difference!

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
11 September 2013

Day 9 and we have tomatoes popping through. Radish was first followed by beet root and then cucumber.

Tags:  Garden  
09 September 2013

A lovely 21 degree day so we were outside playing with bright green water. Got really interested in pouring from one container to another. Loved the sandpit too, is it nearly that time of year? Could summer be around the corner?

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
08 September 2013

Olive helps

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
08 September 2013

Enjoyed the sun at the dog beach with popo, granny & myah. Olive found all sorts of pebbles and shells on our wander.

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  

Favourite words of the week: "Up High" - when in the baby backpack or going for a ride with Granny and Grandpa (a RAV4) or up her steps or holding a toy up high "Cut" - pointing at Dad's head after he got a haircut - this went on for a good week "Heem Hee" - iPad. Not sure why she pronounces it this way. We have had to hide it from her for a number of weeks now as she gets very obsessed even by the sight of it. "Mine" - a word learnt in Melbourne - when tightly holding a toy or pointing at something that's obviously not hers, like Dad's beer or phone "Odive Sit" - when Olive sits, or "Sits" when she sits a toy "Tip Tap" - when walking on tippie toes "Good" - when asked "how are you?" She immediately responds with good.

08 September 2013

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  
07 September 2013

Just the usual up and over walk with the family.

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
06 September 2013

Gym jam with Ellie and Vincent, they were all sitting and eating for once! Olive then ate everyone's leftovers too.

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 September 2013

The farm is in town. We have tried riding the horse... We love lining them all up... Feeding them is fun and roger loves riding horse too.

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 September 2013

My beautiful magnolia!

Tags:  Garden  
04 September 2013

Tiptoe, Quickstep

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 20 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
02 September 2013

Finally my gorgeous magnolia flower has arrived!

Tags:  Garden  
02 September 2013

Planting our heritage seeds, not sure which seeds went into which box though!

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  Garden  
01 September 2013

A busy Father's Day starting with a brisk walk up Wrights Hill with Granny and Grandpa, followed by croissants and a Prosser invasion back at home and finishing with Nan and Grandad round for dinner and Olive cuddles!
30 August 2013

Olive can finish our book sentences with a few of her favourite books, like Rudie Nudie and Hairy Maclary. So all those nights of reading she was listening after all!

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 15 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
29 August 2013

"Help, help."

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  

Words of the week: "Bop" (bump) - said when she falls over or bangs into something. "Help" - said when she needs help with something (opening a door) or when she is helping us (brushing Lyon, moving large pieces of furniture, sweeping). "Two" said after picking up two similar objects, or when asked "How many sheep are there?" in a book, she will point at each one and say "two, two, two, two, two!". =

29 August 2013

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 August 2013

Enjoying story time on the new couch (Tom's parents old one) the lounge is coming along slowly. Most of the painting is done though!
26 August 2013

Even though Olive hasn't been very well this past week she still looks after her soft toys. Womble wanted water on a walk, the whale seesaw likes gingerbread men, Lyon has to eat fabric leaves as well. Such a kind and caring wee poppet.

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 11 days
Lyon: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
24 August 2013

Lovely walk up Mt Kaukau with the Foo's to try out our new baby backpack. All went well until Lyon embarrassed us by rolling in a cow pat.

Lyon: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Lyon  

Lately Olive has at random started walking on tippy toes. Also loves trying to 'bounce' or 'jump' without leaving the floor.

23 August 2013

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  

Olive has started feeding Elmo popcorn a few weeks back, and water to foxy on the plane. Today we brushed playmobil lady's plastic hair.

20 August 2013

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 5 days
Tags:  Olive  
17 August 2013

Fishing for ducks, looking in mirrors, playing cafe, digging for balls at science museum in Melbourne.

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  
16 August 2013

Our second day in Melbourne and met some furry feathered friends at Collingwood farm. Olive had no fear by going up and patting all the animals and pointing at eyes. Loved the chickens the most.

Olive: 1 year, 6 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
15 August 2013

Olive chases Lyon for a change!

Olive: 1 year and 6 months
Lyon: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  Lyon  
15 August 2013

After the best flight you could ask for (got an extra seat for olive) with an 18month old we arrived in Melbourne to see our cousins. We surprised Ali at play group and had a run in the sun at a park nearby. Olive and baby Lachie played with locks too.

Olive: 1 year and 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
12 August 2013

Olive's dance moves are getting funky

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
11 August 2013

Olive House - Version 1.0. Thanks Nan and Grandad for the box!

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 August 2013

We are back into climbing out the dog/ olive flap. She only came back inside for "pop pop" (popcorn) and then I found her sitting quietly with sidekick Lyon (or scabber) munching on her snack enjoying the great outdoors. I think we have outdoors kid on our hands, every chance she gets, she is out there.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 25 days
Lyon: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
08 August 2013

Olive tastes ice cream. Or does she?

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  

Big day - today Olive had her first day away from mummy and daddy - including a two hour nap at Granny and Grandpa's!

07 August 2013

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
06 August 2013

What is with the half eaten gingerbread men Olive? Yesterday at play centre was the first time she was happy sitting without mummy for morning tea, so proud.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  
06 August 2013

Enjoyed the sunshine at the park. Loved meeting the park cat and wearing in her new shoes by walking all the way to the park. After many failed attempts at the steps leading to the big slide (decided climbing the bank was a much more direct route) followed by "no no no" when mama helped. We slid solo after a few "hands hands" first with mama.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 August 2013

We are starting to wonder if Olive can recognise colours now. She is also saying two when she picks up two things. A genius in our eyes!

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
04 August 2013

A lovely walk along Petone Beach with Granny (deedee) and Grandpa (poppop).
03 August 2013

Nudie bum up to mischief after sneaking out the dog flap.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 19 days
Lyon: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
02 August 2013

It's lucky we have a tolerant dog at the moment.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 18 days
Lyon: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
01 August 2013

Curtain peekaboo!

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
29 July 2013

Hello, Mooj speaking...

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 July 2013

Waiting for Grandad to return with dinner.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 July 2013

Play date with Anthony.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 July 2013

Out for a "walk walk" with Bee and Lyon.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 12 days
Lyon: 2 years and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
24 July 2013

A trip to the letterbox with Nan on Nan morning! Second time and she is happy to stay without mum. She is still an anxious wee poppet so we have stopped kids world for this term until we are both happy.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 July 2013

Baking mini muffins with mum. My little helper.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 July 2013

This seems to be the game if the week. We usually get a big grin once she is standing on the table. Has just conquered the couch. What next?

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
21 July 2013

Awesome birthday cake at Lucy's first birthday party! It was party, party, party today. Followed by some shaking …
21 July 2013

Family photo at Violets birthday party.
21 July 2013

Olives little cousin Violet turned one! Olive enjoyed all her birthday toys especially the rocking horse (again) after a nap we went to Lucy Harris's birthday party too!

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  
21 July 2013

"Pordchir" is a favourite at the moment. So nice to see Olive using her spoon properly. Always have to keep some left in our bowls in case the "more more" happens.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 July 2013

We enjoyed lunch out in the sun on the deck. Love those crisp sunny winter mornings. Olive is such a wriggle bum these days. On and off again within seconds, getting her to sit and eat is still proving impossible!

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  
18 July 2013

Where's Olive? There she is!

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  
18 July 2013

Olive was quite taken by violets rocking horse, hor hor hor!. She has quite a lot of words now. (Which mum and dad only understand) she gets really excited when she says boy and I go and get her playmobil boy, just so happy that I have understood her. A few half words have developed... Moon, bus but teddy is still the clearest by far.

Olive: 1 year, 5 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  
16 July 2013

We have a new cousin and niece! Milla Grace arrived yesterday (15th). Well done Graham and Lisa!!! Very exciting.
14 July 2013

I'm not sure if mama playmobil will ever be quite the same again. She has been moojed.

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
14 July 2013

Family selfie.
12 July 2013

Tried everything at gym jam today modeling Nan's new cardi creation!

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 July 2013

Lyon the wolf on our morning walk.

Lyon: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Lyon  
09 July 2013

Olive's house in the middle of our lounge. She spent a good 45mins going around and up and down

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
08 July 2013

Who's the king of the castle?

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
08 July 2013

Tunnel time at playcentre followed by icing cupcakes. Loved saying tunnel all the way through.

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
07 July 2013

Happy birthday Louis! Olive loved the party with balloons and lots of kids.

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  
07 July 2013

A very happy but tired Olive after the fourth time the candle was blown out for Louis. Lovely party Lisa!

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  
07 July 2013

What I love to do most in the world is sit and pull out everything in the kitchen cupboard.

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  
06 July 2013

We have spoon action! Some great scooping with morning porridge.

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 July 2013

Riding around the hall at gym jam with Vincent.

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 20 days
Tags:  Olive  
02 July 2013

This week Olive has taken it upon herself to order Lyon around. Out! Bed! And while walking him sit!

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 17 days
Lyon: 2 years and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
29 June 2013

Snack time with Alex

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 June 2013

Olive gets a new table and chairs! After her nap (3hours amazing!!!) she sat on it for a good 40mins having her afternoon tea, apples and yoghurt. She loves it, still needs help getting up on the chair and loves pushing them in too.

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 June 2013

A lovely catchup with Lisa and her boys, Rico & Louis, the horse ride was such a hit, we wanted another go.

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 June 2013

Some of the storm damage to our dog walk. A row of massive pines toppled.
27 June 2013

In the last few months, olive has been really into her books. Loves finding cats, birds, buckets, mice, grasshoppers (hophop), even the moon and stars to name a few. Rudie nudie and who stole the moon are favorites last week.

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  
25 June 2013

So emo.

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  

Olives day sleeps have been amazing since we returned from Fiji, 2 to 3 hours a pop! And she is so much happier! Long may it continue!

25 June 2013

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
25 June 2013

Reminded me of London on the dog walk this morning. 0.4 degrees outside!
16 June 2013

Family peck brunch with all the kids mobile!

Olive: 1 year, 4 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
12 June 2013

Up down action with feeding Lyon thrown in for fun!

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 28 days
Lyon: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Olive  Movie  Lyon  

While away in Fiji... We had 6 amazing nights in conjunction with 2 hour naps at midday from our transformed Fijian Olive. First night home we paid for it dearly with 3 hours of sleep, but things are on the up with a 3 hour nap today!

12 June 2013

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 June 2013

Bye bye wonderful pool and a wonderful warm holiday with great friends!
08 June 2013

Dinners in and out in Fiji.
05 June 2013

Fun at the pool in Fiji.
04 June 2013

Olive survived the flights to Fiji remarkably well. The resort we are staying in is pure amazing. Time to enjoy a week away!

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 20 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 June 2013

Bubble head. Wasn't so sure about the bubbles until Dada put some on his head and Lyon licked some.

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 June 2013

The chalkboard is getting some action, with plenty of room for the growing olive twig!

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  
02 June 2013

A windy walk along the beach for Lyon.

Lyon: 2 years and 1 month
Tags:  Lyon  
01 June 2013

Dancing? Singing? and a lost Pengi

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
29 May 2013

Olive managed to build a very long tower! As well as stepping up a step by herself! well with two soft friends in hand.

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
25 May 2013

We had a teething gremlin in our bed last night. One of those nights where any sleep is good sleep. We seem to be having them too often lately.

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  

Another late night, bedtime at 10.30pm last night, 8.30 the night before with 11.30 after dinner at the Foos on Sunday. Damn that tooth!

22 May 2013

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  

Last week Olive had her 15month plunket checkup. Weighting in at 10.8kg and length 79.4cm. 75th for both!

22 May 2013

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 May 2013

Dinner at the Foos. Rice everywhere (sorry guys) and lots of interest in the cat! Fun in the bath followed by a story with Harry.

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 May 2013

Our little world.
18 May 2013

Lyon love before we head on our holiday

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 3 days
Lyon: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  

I think a little bit of us died inside when Olive woke at 12 and then again 30 minutes after going back down at 1.30am and didn't go back to sleep until 3.30am. Canine teeth suck!

18 May 2013

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  
17 May 2013

Olive loves shimming up next to Lyon for cuddles.

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 2 days
Lyon: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
16 May 2013

Bucket head.

Olive: 1 year, 3 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
12 May 2013

Another lovely walk along Lyall Bay on Mother's Day with Helen and Robin.
12 May 2013

Getting a lot better with spoony on Mother's Day!

Olive: 1 year, 2 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
11 May 2013

King of the castle and lyon is a dirty rascal! New kiddy gate.

Olive: 1 year, 2 months and 26 days
Lyon: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
11 May 2013

Teddee is very popular this week, loads of cuddling and trolley rides for Mr Ted. Morepork owl & womble weren't so lucky. Olive wouldn't even go near them, we think the eyes are too scary.

Olive: 1 year, 2 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  
08 May 2013

With daddy away, we popped over to turner grandparents for dinner... It would seem our flurry friends had a dinner of their own! I suspect Lyon was the ring leader.

Lyon: 2 years
Tags:  Lyon  
08 May 2013

First time the ice alert has come on!
05 May 2013

Beautiful morning for a stroll along Lyall bay with Lyon and Myah, who is staying for a few weeks.

Lyon: 2 years
Tags:  Lyon  

A year ago today, we received the keys to our very own house! This marks the first time in which we have lived in the same house together for over a year! Our nomadic past has been put to rest. For the time being, at least.=

04 May 2013

We went to thorndon new world for an upgraded experience! Wow! Park for families out front and the fish was gorgeous and piled high. I asked Olive if she had done a poo and then she stated the rest of shop poo poo poo.

01 May 2013

Olive: 1 year, 2 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
29 April 2013

Happy ducky in the morning.

Olive: 1 year, 2 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 April 2013

A happy birthday eye gouging from Olive. Lyon is two today!

Olive: 1 year, 2 months and 12 days
Lyon: 2 years
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
25 April 2013

Took Lyon on an afternoon stroll at Lyall Bay for the first time. Lovely dog beach full of an assortment of breeds. Must go again.

Lyon: 1 year, 11 months and 29 days
Tags:  Lyon  

I may have just been kissed (bitten) and spotted some new eye teeth, one already broken through! May explain the 5amers? Normally our Olive is an angel sleeper ;-)

25 April 2013

Olive: 1 year, 2 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
24 April 2013

A slow walk around karori park. We made it half way around. Footballer perhaps?

Olive: 1 year, 2 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  
21 April 2013

Olives first puddle. Conquered.

Olive: 1 year, 2 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  
21 April 2013

A lovely autumnal walk in Ohakune.
17 April 2013

A bit sad that Space (play centre) has come to an end, It has been a lovely way to meet new mums and talk about our babies with! Faith & Max, Fiona & Elma, Michelle & Victoria, Coco & Neil, Michelle & Noah, Megan & Xantie. Meripa & Steph (course tutors).

Olive: 1 year, 2 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  

Since daylight saving finished our dear sweet olive decided to wake at 4.30am-6.00am but mostly 5.30am for the last few weeks but... Last night 12 hours and up at 7.15am! There is a god!

17 April 2013

Olive: 1 year, 2 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  
15 April 2013

A lovely work meeting with our youngest colleagues.

Olive: 1 year and 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 April 2013

Olive takes a ride on Myah at the grandparents, this time it was Lyon who had a play date with Myah.

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 30 days
Lyon: 1 year, 11 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
14 April 2013

Olive says Mum.

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
13 April 2013

Having fun with the big boys at Nige and Lana's house warming.
12 April 2013

First time at laugh a lot play area, lots of fun with Lucy.

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 April 2013

Our mornings since daylight savings have consisted of a 5am wake up call followed by non stop action in the lounge. We are not sure where Olive gets her energy from and her ability to survive off little sleep.

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
08 April 2013

Best buds.

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 24 days
Lyon: 1 year, 11 months and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
07 April 2013

Story time at Granny and Poppas.

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 April 2013

Caught up with anti natal group which has got a little smaller since a few have gone in a different direction. Just lovely to see them all so much bigger! Three more on the way too!

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  
04 April 2013

Penny pink is a favorite this week as she wasn't posted out the dog flap. We have had more interest in the little door that is perfect for little olives to pop through. We often find a pile of toys on the doorstep too.

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 20 days
Lyon: 1 year, 11 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
04 April 2013

We already have two children! Olive's best friend.

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 20 days
Lyon: 1 year, 11 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
03 April 2013

Story time!

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 April 2013

Olive just adores her big fur brother, especially on his bed and his nose. Lying backwards on him is cuddling too.

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 19 days
Lyon: 1 year, 11 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
31 March 2013

A couple of photos from Dad from Rainbow Springs. The log flume was great!
31 March 2013

Had a fun day out at rainbow springs. Should have taken more photos, however.
30 March 2013

Swimming with the Prossers in Taupo. Fantastic pool complex.
30 March 2013

Fun on the "lawn" in Taupo.
30 March 2013

The extended Peck family. Difficult to choreograph with 3 little ones and two dogs!
28 March 2013

Hanging in Taupo.
25 March 2013

Olive and Lyon's door

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 10 days
Lyon: 1 year, 10 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  Lyon  

It finally had to happen with a nappy free noodle bum who is a crawling tott....

25 March 2013

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
22 March 2013

Just a normal day in the Peck household... I think olive has a thing for shoes..

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  
22 March 2013

Catchup with not so little Thomas and Sara, lots of lovely toys to play with too!

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  
22 March 2013

Olive takes some steps!

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
20 March 2013

Uncle James is in town and olive shows off her gorgeous olive dress to the cuzzies.

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 5 days
Tags:  Olive  
20 March 2013

Olive gets to meet her Uncle James and Hannah!

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 5 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 March 2013

Nosey.
16 March 2013

Sleeping and standing.

Olive: 1 year, 1 month and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
13 March 2013

They are all standing at the water baths now! Last term for space :-(

Olive: 1 year and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  
12 March 2013

Too slow mum... Trying to get a photo of Lucy and olive... Olive off to play with the boys outside.

Olive: 1 year and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 March 2013

Fun at Days Bay with the Prosser's. There were sand spiders and crabs and lamingtons!

First time for standing in her cot and then having 200mls of cows milk!

06 March 2013

Olive: 1 year and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  
02 March 2013

A fantastic day of supporting IronDan and KatRox completing the Taupo Ironman! Amazing effort guys!
02 March 2013

The race is on! Go Dan and Kat! Nicky, Lyon and I braved an early start to see (what looked like a wildlife doc on penguins migrating) the start of the ironman.
01 March 2013

Two little buddhas.
01 March 2013

A gorgeous day spent at Lake Taupo. Felt like we were on a tropical island!
01 March 2013

Fun times hanging with Ben on holiday.

Olive: 1 year and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 February 2013

Speedster in the making.

Olive: 1 year and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 February 2013

A fun day of biking between the local vineyards. Lots of wine tasting, biking, and a little bit of Olive falling asleep on the back of the bike drama ...

Olive: 1 year and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  
26 February 2013

Had a delicious lunch at Craggy Range vineyard in Havelock North with Andy, Nicky and family.
26 February 2013

Munchkin tunnel action at the havelock north playground with daddy.

Olive: 1 year and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 February 2013

Who's a big girl now. Someone has the car seat facing the right way finally!

Olive: 1 year and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 February 2013

Sharing cookies and grapes at Anthony's. Happy birthday Ant for Thursday!

Olive: 1 year and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
22 February 2013

Walking with the trolley at 12 months

Olive: 1 year and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  

Olive has a new cousin! Lachlan John Turner (Gnocchi) was born on the 18th of Feb. Well done, Lauren and Paul.

22 February 2013
21 February 2013

Lyon's New Trick

Lyon: 1 year, 9 months and 25 days
Tags:  Movie  Lyon  
20 February 2013

Getting down paint dirty with the space kids. Wasn't to sure about gooply paint under foot.

Olive: 1 year and 5 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 February 2013

Olive enjoying splashing in Khandallah pool in the hot sun!

Olive: 1 year and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  

Bottom left molar has broken through to the other side, top left molar just peeking through and bottom right molar is making its appearance, man that has gotta hurt... Poor peach. But only seems to hurt at night? Worst night in a long time, we all slept in the big bed and the little one said my mouth hurts!

18 February 2013

Olive: 1 year and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  
16 February 2013

Olives 1st Birthday Party Timelapse! P.S. See the entry for photos.

Olive: 1 year and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
16 February 2013

We made it to one! A happy birthday with little Bug Blue.

Olive: 1 year and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2013

Olive's birthday cake this year is an original design entitled "Half Eaten By Dog".

Olive: 1 year
Tags:  Olive  

We have some new arrivals to welcome, by the looks of it, 4 molars are joining Olive's mouth party! Making bedtime not fun for M&D! Poor twig.

13 February 2013

Olive: 11 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
13 February 2013

Bullseye! Never have a seen a more perfect blob of yoghurt.

Olive: 11 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
11 February 2013

Getting the hang of the trolly pretty quick smart!

Olive: 11 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
11 February 2013

Olive with her early birthday present from Nan and Grandad!

Olive: 11 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 February 2013

Olive's first birthday present from Mummy and Daddy!

Olive: 11 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
10 February 2013

Olive and the water snake!

Olive: 11 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
09 February 2013

Olive plays with Louis (5months her junior but the same size) and leece at Anna's lovely new home!

Olive: 11 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 February 2013

Today we went for a walk up Johnson's Hill to test out Kate and Josh's macpac. It went well! Olive enjoyed being up high and enjoying the views.

Olive: 11 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 February 2013

Olive says Woof!

Olive: 11 months and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
02 February 2013

Such a helpful little laundry sorter.

Olive: 11 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  

After nearly a week of fever then rash then major grumps, Olive finally seems back to her happy exploring self this morning. In other news, her first word has been spoken - Woof!

02 February 2013

Olive: 11 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 January 2013

Hey guys! What's going on?

Lyon: 1 year, 9 months and 4 days
Tags:  Lyon  
30 January 2013

The latest hairdo fashion : raspberry yoghurt. Tasty!

Olive: 11 months and 15 days
Tags:  Olive  
30 January 2013

The noodle bum escape.

Olive: 11 months and 15 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 January 2013

Another beautiful day, another fine BBQ. Unfortunately Olive was under the weather, but seems to be on the mend after an early night.

18 days of sleeping through the night! So proud.

27 January 2013

Olive: 11 months and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 January 2013

Ant got the grand tour of our house by Olive

Olive: 11 months and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  
26 January 2013

A spot of garden spotting in waikanae.
25 January 2013

Enjoyed a lovely cafe lunch with Amy, Jo and baby Lucas! So much bigger buddy!

Olive: 11 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 January 2013

Eleven months and crawling and pulling herself up on the couch and coffee table.

Olive: 11 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 January 2013

Olive has started climbing up the furniture now that she is a little crawler. She hasn't quite figured out why she suddenly falls on her bum when she lets go though.

Olive: 11 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 January 2013

My first step! Hmm now how to get down!

Olive: 11 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
22 January 2013

More backyard fun. So nice to see.
22 January 2013

No need to panic, gangles was found this morning, after a long weekend without our orange recycled friend.
21 January 2013

An hour and a half walk to the river along the Orongorongo track. Buggying all the way! Lovely lunch and the kids were our entertainment! Olive ate Ants whole punet of raspberries in one sitting.

Olive: 11 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  
20 January 2013

The gummies are getting a new home with our new planter!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
19 January 2013

Hanging with her mates at Jess's birthday BBQ.

Olive: 11 months and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 January 2013

A blustery pano from the top of Makara Peak! Quite a hike, but worth it for the views. And the croissant's.
17 January 2013

Olive's First Outdoor Adventure

Olive: 11 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  

Day six with no night feeds, third night olive sleeping through the night. May it continue!

16 January 2013

Olive: 11 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
16 January 2013

Well, hello in there!
14 January 2013

Olive & Lyon at play. The first time they have properly interacted with each other.

Olive: 10 months and 30 days
Lyon: 1 year, 8 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  Lyon  
14 January 2013

Bath time has become a more difficult affair with a clambering tot.

Olive: 10 months and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  
12 January 2013

Elvi meets olive! Lovely catching up with you elvi!

Olive: 10 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  
08 January 2013

Delirious Alfresco Dining

Olive: 10 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
06 January 2013

Making the most of the lovely holiday weather, Nigel, Lana and Anthony joined us for a tasty BBQ feast.
06 January 2013

Turner family 2013 - 32 degrees on our weather station! A pizza farewell for the extended Turner clan. Another hot one on the deck.
05 January 2013

We enjoyed a sun soaked BBQ at Rup and Becs.
05 January 2013

Destroyer of Sand Castles!

Olive: 10 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
05 January 2013

Got away for a night at the Moofun bach in Peka Peka, Amazing crackling on the pork and great company.
05 January 2013

Morning in peka peka. Olive hanging with her boys.

Olive: 10 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  
04 January 2013

Just enjoying another blue and sunny day on our grass. sigh….

Tags:  Garden  
04 January 2013

A beautiful blue & still day, what better way to spend the early hours hanging out our washing on the new clothes line! Great job daddy and uncle G Dog.

Tags:  DIY  
02 January 2013

Olive's new game, we build the towers and she knocks them over!

Olive: 10 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
01 January 2013

Ten months old!

Olive: 10 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 December 2012

Wellington put on a beautiful day for our New Years Eve bash. A fun day / night had by all and there were 8 of us left to sing in the new year at midnight.
29 December 2012

Bath time with the Prosser cousies!

Olive: 10 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
29 December 2012

Enjoyed lunch and a dip in the taupo lake. Beautiful day!

Olive: 10 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
29 December 2012

Burgers and sun at Lake Taupo on Pauls birthday.
28 December 2012

A random selection of photos from up at the Mount over Christmas. We didn't get our camera out as much as we should have.
27 December 2012

A lovely day at the Mount for a spot of tennis. Even Ali had a go.
25 December 2012

Christmas day at the Mount. A great day had by all, including the 20 who were there for a Christmas day feast.
24 December 2012

Corn Cob Muncher.

Olive: 10 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  
20 December 2012

We had a lovely pre-Christmas stopover in Taupo with Alan and Trish.
19 December 2012

Made it to waiouru for lunch on our first Christmas road trip as a family, lovely and warm!
17 December 2012

The sand goes into the sand pit!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  

I think Olive's sleeping is improving. Two nights in a row of only waking at 5am. Alas. Short lived, it would seem bumping your head on your cot wakes you up! Poor little twig. I can feel it is close though. ;-)

16 December 2012

Olive: 10 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
16 December 2012

Olive the Musician.

Olive: 10 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
15 December 2012

Olive gets her second early Christmas present. A cool xylophone from Nan and Grandad.

Olive: 10 months
Tags:  Olive  
15 December 2012

And more pointing. This time at mitre 10 picking up the weekly supplies!

Tags:  DIY  
15 December 2012

Olives new trick: pointing.

Olive: 10 months
Tags:  Olive  
13 December 2012

We took Lyon to Petone for a swim to remove a poo dag. It was successful!

Lyon: 1 year, 7 months and 16 days
Tags:  Movie  Lyon  
13 December 2012

Could really get used to this fantastic weather.
12 December 2012

We shall call her, Pasta Head.

Olive: 9 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
12 December 2012

Olive gets wet at her last day of playcentre this year.

Olive: 9 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 December 2012

Jo Jo finally gets to meet little Olive! All smiles here!

Olive: 9 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 December 2012

Playing with her first ever Christmas present. Rosie the tank engine from the Prossers.

Olive: 9 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 December 2012

We hosted a little Peck / Prosser Christmas BBQ. The weather played ball and it was a great success. Pity about the facial expressions in the group photo!
09 December 2012

Christmas Beef Fillet BBQ with Berry Tiramisu for dessert with the Peck/ Prossers.
08 December 2012

Enjoying our efforts with a port we carried home from Porto. Yum.
08 December 2012

We had a fun catchup at Hamish and Toni's place to celebrate Hamish's birthday.

It has happened! Olive has officially slept through the night! Bedtime at 7.30pm - 6am so very proud of our little twiggy.

08 December 2012

Olive: 9 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
07 December 2012

It would seem fur child and olive are already fighting over toys (or wrapping rolls) Lyon won in the end but olive gave a good fight.

Olive: 9 months and 22 days
Lyon: 1 year, 7 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
06 December 2012

Fun with Photo Booth
06 December 2012

Curious little cat, loves looking and peering over things.

Olive: 9 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 December 2012

Azlan the lion. It is a hot one today!
01 December 2012

Had lovely tea and scones at 50 Homewood Ave open day with the Thomspons.
29 November 2012

Gorgeous roses! I loved them all! Hmm where to put more roses in our garden...

Olive: 9 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
29 November 2012

The top lawn grass, 18 days old. Really getting some height now - but rather patchy.

Tags:  Garden  
28 November 2012

Our little Oompa Loompa after spaghetti bolognaise.

Olive: 9 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
25 November 2012

Today we ventured to the zoo with friends for a walk and a picnic.
24 November 2012

We met the new Thompson munchkin Liam and Olive had fun in Bens sand pit! Must get Olives sandpit finished...
24 November 2012

Fun in the bed with Mr Stinkle.

Olive: 9 months and 9 days
Lyon: 1 year, 6 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
21 November 2012

The new babies - day 10.

Tags:  Garden  
20 November 2012

Sushi lunch in Grandad's office

Olive: 9 months and 5 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 November 2012

8 days after chucking the grass seed down on our backyard, these tiny suckers have appeared! (Not to mention the odd weed ..). Much relief in the Tang household.

Tags:  Garden  
17 November 2012

Nine months old, my my you have grown little twig.

Olive: 9 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  
15 November 2012

Nan & sun for lunch on Oriental Beach.

Olive: 9 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 November 2012

Afternoon tea picnic on the mat. Eating my pear quite well thank you!

Olive: 8 months and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  
11 November 2012

Olive egged him on...

Olive: 8 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 November 2012

After three trailer loads of topsoil, the grass is ready to sow! We think. Or is it?

Tags:  Garden  
09 November 2012

Fur Brotherly Love. Lyon has become rather close to Olive lately. Sometimes too close.=

Olive: 8 months and 25 days
Lyon: 1 year, 6 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  Lyon  
05 November 2012

Seeing eye to eye with Lyon

Olive: 8 months and 21 days
Lyon: 1 year, 6 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
04 November 2012

Out of the blue, Olive decides to start clapping. Now she won't stop!

Olive: 8 months and 20 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
03 November 2012

We celebrated Jens 30th at the Pecks with a lovely meal and a 1am home time! Luckily Olive played along, sleeping well both ends of the night.

Olive: 8 months and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  

First time I've come in for Olive's AM feed to find her on her tummy and facing a different direction!

02 November 2012

Olive: 8 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 October 2012

Two of gremlins new teeth caught in the wild.

Olive: 8 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 October 2012

We fit a record 11 around the table for a BBQ lunch.

Four top teeth all breaking through at once! Didn't think to check the bottom but two more below as well! Poor petal.

26 October 2012

Olive: 8 months and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  
24 October 2012

Eight months and I can use an iPad!

Olive: 8 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 October 2012

Where's Mr Lyon?

Olive: 8 months and 8 days
Lyon: 1 year, 5 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  

Home sweet home, we couldn't have asked for a better return flight, olive slept on me for 3hours!!

22 October 2012

Olive: 8 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  
22 October 2012

Home sweet home with Mr Stinkle who had a fantastic time while we were away with Granny, Grandpa and Myah.

Lyon: 1 year, 5 months and 25 days
Tags:  Lyon  
21 October 2012

Last day in Melbourne and a walk along the waterfront and lunch at a lovely cafe.
19 October 2012

Alex chilling with Lyon in Taupo while we were away on holiday.

Lyon: 1 year, 5 months and 22 days
Tags:  Lyon  
19 October 2012

Sandcastles, sun and a sleeping Mexican at Number 16 Beach, Mornington Peninsula.
19 October 2012

A few iPhone pano's from Number 16 Beach.
18 October 2012

Fish and chips at the quaint old town Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.
17 October 2012

Wine and tasty food at a lovely vineyard I can't quite remember the name of.
15 October 2012

Bath, dinner and story time with Cousin Ali!

Olive: 8 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 October 2012

Olive and Ali have a story with pauly.

Olive: 7 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
14 October 2012

Tom and Graham after the Melbourne marathon. A surprising race - perfect conditions, almost enjoyable the whole race. Tom finished with 3hrs 39mins, Graham edging away in the final k's to finish with 3hrs 37mins.
13 October 2012

Fun in Ali's new sand pit thanks to Uncle Paul's handiwork.

Olive: 7 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  
12 October 2012

All aboard our first flight with Olive! Here we come Melbourne!

Olive: 7 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
08 October 2012

Olive has her first swim!

Olive: 7 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
07 October 2012

Must … have ….. BEER!

Olive: 7 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  
04 October 2012

Lyon uses the poof to taunt us to play.

Lyon: 1 year, 5 months and 7 days
Tags:  Lyon  

I love that Olive is the only person in the world that gets away with pulling my hair and squeezing my nose.

04 October 2012

Olive: 7 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  

Zoooozoooo sounds and blowing raspberries combo is Olive's cry of the week.

04 October 2012

Olive: 7 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 October 2012

Lots of fun with Spaghetti!

Olive: 7 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 October 2012

Off to buy pots was brought to a stop as Olive enjoyed Nan's comforty car seat. An hour and a half later, we emerge quite rested.

Olive: 7 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  

Longest morning sleep on record: two and a half hours while mummy got some work done! A lot happier today, cheeks have gone down

02 October 2012

Olive: 7 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  
02 October 2012

First taste of lamb - lamb rack. Yum yum yum.

Olive: 7 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  
30 September 2012

Olive's not 100% sure about Gini's My Little Pony.

Olive: 7 months and 15 days
Tags:  Olive  

Top teeth must be on their way, we can see the shapes forming in the gums

29 September 2012

Olive: 7 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 September 2012

Olive hanging with her bigger buddies Flex & Isabelle.

Olive: 7 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 September 2012

7 Months old. Rolling, Sitting and eating really well, so proud.

Olive: 7 months and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  
26 September 2012

The completed deck, in all it's glory!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
25 September 2012

The deck builders extraordinaire. A job well done.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
25 September 2012

Olive just hanging in her new room.

Olive: 7 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
24 September 2012

Lyon, King of the Castle.

Lyon: 1 year, 4 months and 28 days
Tags:  Lyon  
24 September 2012

A sleepy Mr Stinkle after a day spent annoying the deck builders.

Lyon: 1 year, 4 months and 28 days
Tags:  Lyon  
23 September 2012

A beautiful day to celebrate the opening of the nearly completed deck. Oh, and Tom's birthday.

Felt like Christmas as I couldn't sleep last night because I was so excited about our new deck! Thanks Dave -amazing job.

22 September 2012
22 September 2012

I'm a big girl now! Sitting up and choosing my toys!

Olive: 7 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  
22 September 2012

We prep the 90% completed deck ready for the day's visitors.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
21 September 2012

A slightly snotty nosed sitting baby. Can sit happily for longer periods of time now.

Olive: 7 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  
20 September 2012

Dave works out the angles on version three of the steps! Sorry Dave!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
19 September 2012

The decking almost all down! Looks amazing! Seat and steps construction begins.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
18 September 2012

Olive gets her own ID! Not sure how she will look like that in five years though!

Olive: 7 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  
17 September 2012

Dave creates us a landing strip as the deck takes shape.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
17 September 2012

Bearers and joists all laid down for the deck foundations.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
15 September 2012

Mucking around at the Southward Car Museum, Raumati, including 3 buggy chain stair traverse!
15 September 2012

A fantastic time to be had by all 14 adults and 7 babies at a long weekend Raumati escape.
12 September 2012

Mmmmmm, beer.

Olive: 6 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  
12 September 2012

The piles all concreted in and ready to go on the deck.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
10 September 2012

Work fully underway on the deck with the pile holes being dug with the help of a pile hole borer!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  

Renovations & Babies seem to go hand in hand. Dave, Alan & Tom start the deck today. Olive is sleeping like a baby through the noise of destruction!=

10 September 2012
07 September 2012

Olive was a great help at the computer!

Olive: 6 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 September 2012

The early morning reno's return, as Olive's room redo is in full swing. First night in the portacot and Olive slept "like a baby".

Olive: 6 months and 21 days
Tags:  DIY  Olive  
02 September 2012

Happy Fathers Day!

Olive: 6 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
02 September 2012

We were treated to a beef fillet feast at Nan and Grandad's! Yum.

Olive: 6 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
01 September 2012

Olive decides it's time to roll over from back to front.

Olive: 6 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
30 August 2012

Sometimes I get the serious munchies.

Olive: 6 months and 15 days
Tags:  Olive  

Three mornings of long sleeps! Two and half hours on Sunday, two hours on Monday & one and a half hours on Tuesday. Bliss.

28 August 2012

Olive: 6 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
26 August 2012

So instead of one of the million things we had to do around the house, we decided to relocate a tree. Will it survive the move? Who knows!

Tags:  Garden  

Olive Eliza's behaviour today was unacceptable. No sleeps in her cot, biting my nipples followed with a smile and not going to bed well tonight. Humpf.

25 August 2012

Olive: 6 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
25 August 2012

We took little miss for a trip to Mitre 10 Mega to give her a snooze and to stock up on supplies!

Tags:  DIY  
25 August 2012

I'd much rather watch Mummy prepare a slow cooker than sleep in my cot, thanks Daddy!

Olive: 6 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  

Last night was Lyons first night in the "big boys" bed. Which in his case is free range of the lounge. Not a peep all night. Unlike our other problem child....

25 August 2012

Lyon: 1 year, 3 months and 29 days
Tags:  Lyon  
24 August 2012

Olives sound repertoire now include goos, gahs, frog croaks and her new one - a disconcerting throat clearing cough.

Olive: 6 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  

Happy 2nd birthday Alex Turner! Have a fantastic borthday party. We wish we were there. We are all looking forward so much to seeing you in October.

24 August 2012
21 August 2012

Olive and the Chicken Drum Stick. Olive's first taste of meat seemed to go down a treat.=

Olive: 6 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
19 August 2012

Hanging with my cuzzie bro and Grandpa.
16 August 2012

Jolly jumper jiggles with a problem fur child.

Olive: 6 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
16 August 2012

Olive's Four Fingered Monster and the Peanut Butter Toast.

Olive: 6 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
15 August 2012

6 Months half year birthday! Where has the time gone?

Olive: 6 months
Tags:  Olive  
13 August 2012

Fun in the bath with Duckie.

Olive: 5 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
12 August 2012

Lyon looking rather chuffed with his day of digging with the parents.

Lyon: 1 year, 3 months and 16 days
Tags:  Lyon  
11 August 2012

Sitting pretty. Only lasts a few seconds at a time, but she sure looks cute before she topples.

Olive: 5 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
11 August 2012

Backyard Pano #1. Retaining wall number 1 is complete, a muddy mess remains. A deck at this stage feels a long way off.

Tags:  Garden  
10 August 2012

First successful shot of teeth in the wild.

Olive: 5 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 August 2012

The drain proves it's worth - as it diverts the torrent of water away from under the house. Quite chuffed we are feeling today after a torrential downpour puts it to the test. Here's hoping the office stays dry!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
05 August 2012

A great turn out for digging our drain to stop leaking water into the office and the start of the deck prep work!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
05 August 2012

A smilie Olive with her new best friend Lambo from Grandad. Not a great night but with one smilie it is forgotten.

Olive: 5 months and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 July 2012

Raw vegetable munchies.

Olive: 5 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
30 July 2012

Our attempt to catch the two baby teeth in action… unsuccessful!

Olive: 5 months and 15 days
Tags:  Olive  
29 July 2012

Last night I slept for 12 hours with only one feed at midnight. Coffee with mum and Dad time.

Olive: 5 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 July 2012

We are joined by a bear for breakfast on a bitterly cold winters morning. A well slept bear! Perhaps the sleeps are on the mend (touch wood!).

Olive: 5 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 July 2012

Getting the hang of the jolly jumper. Stinkle wants in on the action too.

Olive: 5 months and 12 days
Lyon: 1 year and 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
24 July 2012

We meet the gorgeous and so very tiny Baby Violet. Olive isn't the baby anymore!

Welcome to the world, Violet Prosser! Born at 6.30am, weighing in at a healthy 4kg! How exciting, a girl cousin for Olive.

23 July 2012
22 July 2012

The stage is set as we get underway on the first task for the back yard - the second tier retaining wall. The posts are now in place!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
20 July 2012

Getting jolly on the jolly jumper. Not really jumping yet but still jolly!

Olive: 5 months and 5 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 July 2012

She had it for a few seconds! That tooth is coming in handy!

Olive: 5 months and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  
18 July 2012

Strawberry fields.

Olive: 5 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  
17 July 2012

Enjoying the sunny toes

Olive: 5 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  
15 July 2012

For Olive's five month birthday she got carrots and broccoli to play with. Lovely having her at the table with us.

Olive: 5 months
Tags:  Olive  

A two hour nap, while the mad parents dig in the rain! Finished off with a special bath with mummy. What a fantastic Saturday, living the dream.

14 July 2012

Olive: 4 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
12 July 2012

Sore toothed, thumb sucking gremlin.

Olive: 4 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  

Not a growth spurt but her first tooth! A sharpie little guy too. Bonjela here we come!

11 July 2012

Olive: 4 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 July 2012

Finally asleep on the way to the supermarket, after another sleepless morning, with fist in eye. Doing what ever it takes!

Olive: 4 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  

5 month growth spurt? Woke at 9pm/ 11pm/ 3am/ 6am who needs sleep its so overrated!

10 July 2012

Olive: 4 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  

What has happened to my 2 hour olive loop hole from 7am to 9am!

10 July 2012

Olive: 4 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 July 2012

Molehill Creations is visited by a new prospective client. A pirate! Arrrh!
06 July 2012

Todays exciting outing - to the supermarket!
05 July 2012

I tried on my strawberry outfit and it fits! size 00 - mummy left it a bit late!

Olive: 4 months and 20 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 July 2012

Fast asleep after lunch with Lana & Antony in town, buggy facing out has gone down a treat.

Olive: 4 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
01 July 2012

Olive watches as she gets her name on the wall!

Olive: 4 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
01 July 2012

Happy Birthday Nan! Just before we dig into a lovely chocolate cake for mid morning birthday tea!

Olive: 4 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
30 June 2012

Farewell little Dylan and Emma & Glynn. My my they have grown!

Olive: 4 months and 15 days
Tags:  Olive  
30 June 2012

The carpet goes down in the office. So plush! It's like a real room now. Complete with "new room" smell.

Tags:  DIY  

Thanks Granny and Grandpa for babysitting Olive last night so we could enjoy a lovely meal out for Nan's birthday. She slept straight through to 6.15am thanks to your bottle!

30 June 2012

Olive: 4 months and 15 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 June 2012

Mummy?

Olive: 4 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 June 2012

Daddy?

Olive: 4 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  

Today marks the 5 year anniversary of our little journals page. We're both pretty proud we've managed to keep it going this long. Flicking back through what we have done over the last five years is mind blowing. As life gets more exciting by the day, we hope our journals will continue to keep us amused for another 5 years at least.

28 June 2012
27 June 2012

The Office takes shape. Only the carpet install left before move in date!

Tags:  DIY  
27 June 2012

The wood fits in the new wood shed! That's a relief. Just have to re-do the roof (not enough over-hang) and we're done!

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
26 June 2012

Braving town in the carry sling big day!

Olive: 4 months and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  
25 June 2012

Bedtime story with two little bugs and two little feet.

Olive: 4 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  

Only a 4.30am feed, followed by an amazing 2 hour afternoon nap while the parents painted and hammered away outside!

24 June 2012

Olive: 4 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  
24 June 2012

The office and the woodshed take shape on a DIY extreme weekend.

Tags:  Garden  DIY  
24 June 2012

Lyon helps daddy with the framing!

Lyon: 1 year, 1 month and 28 days
Tags:  Lyon  Garden  DIY  
23 June 2012

The new home owners visit mitre 10 again for more supplies, olive has joined the gang in frenchie.

Olive: 4 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  DIY  
22 June 2012

Got wood? We've got wood! Just in the nick of time too.
21 June 2012

E.T. Fingers out for walk on a rainy & sunny day! Didn't feel like having her nap in the bassinet but 5mins into walk - asleep!

Olive: 4 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  

Bed at 7.00pm Feed at 4.30am Awake at 8am Mum & dad are feeling great today!

19 June 2012

Olive: 4 months and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  
18 June 2012

Olive decides not to sleep while Mum is at the supermarket and instead, laughs manically at Dad. Here's hoping the sleep troubles haven't returned!

Olive: 4 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
18 June 2012

This morning Olive wiggled a 180 off the sheepskin to get a better look at the fire.

Olive: 4 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  
16 June 2012

Today Stinkleton helped us cart-wheel some concrete slabs from the back garden to around the side of the house. So helpful.

Lyon: 1 year, 1 month and 20 days
Tags:  Lyon  
16 June 2012

Buggy and me on the gym

Olive: 4 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
16 June 2012

We still get comments on who Olive looks like. It seems to vary between both of us but we're not convinced it's either of us yet!

Olive: 4 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
15 June 2012

Stop checking out my builders crack, Mum!

Olive: 4 months
Tags:  Olive  
15 June 2012

Olive gets the 4 month munchies. 4 months old today! My how time flies.

Olive: 4 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
14 June 2012

Lyon is all bloopy after his playmate Myah returns home. No more wrestling in the lounge or digging holes in the back yard.

Lyon: 1 year, 1 month and 18 days
Tags:  Lyon  
12 June 2012

We managed to fit 9 around the table for dinner tonight (Lauren on camera, Olive asleep). A lovely evening of food, wine, and tower making.

Olive slept for a two hour afternoon nap, for the first time! While daddy babysat!

11 June 2012

Olive: 3 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
11 June 2012

Lunch with Aunty Lisa, cousin Ali and co. On a lovely warm winter still day.

Olive: 3 months and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 June 2012

Today we had a fun day out with a picnic and a walk at Staglands with the Turner clan.
10 June 2012

Some wonderful Staglands wildlife.

We both braved a night out with Jen babysitting Olive. Thanks Jen! Lucky we had a 150ml bottle of expressed milk for the 11pm wake up.

10 June 2012

Olive: 3 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 June 2012

Olive gets to meet her two Turner Uncles. Overwhelmed expressions ensue.

Olive: 3 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 June 2012

And also the adorable cousin Ali (Alex) - all the way from Australia! Such a big boy now.

Olive: 3 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 June 2012

Aunty Lisa and Aunty Lauren also!

Olive: 3 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
08 June 2012

Becs and a very excited Isabella popped around for a little Olive action.

Olive: 3 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  
08 June 2012

Smiling at Mr Stinkleton - who went in for a sniff test.

Olive: 3 months and 24 days
Lyon: 1 year, 1 month and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  

Last night Olive slept for 8 hours straight. That's two nights in a row. Three nights and it's a routine, right?

08 June 2012

Olive: 3 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  
07 June 2012

Nudie alert!

Olive: 3 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
07 June 2012

Our carpet takes a hit as Lyon finds some fresh holes to dig.

Lyon: 1 year, 1 month and 11 days
Tags:  Lyon  
07 June 2012

We've been getting a few smiles, giggles and dribbles during tummy time lately.

Olive: 3 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
04 June 2012

We catch up with JaM after they arrive home after three months of travelling on their way home from London. Welcome home guys!
03 June 2012

We hosted a lovely brunch - for 10 oldies, 5 youngies and 2 dogs - with a spread table of goodies.
02 June 2012

Hanging with Mummy (and Mr Stinkle)

Olive: 3 months and 18 days
Lyon: 1 year, 1 month and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
02 June 2012

Floor time with the gorgeous Harry Foo.

Olive: 3 months and 18 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 May 2012

Riding the horsey with Daddy.

Olive: 3 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 May 2012

Finger snooze on the way to pin meeting

Olive: 3 months and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
30 May 2012

No more muddy footprints on the door handle or leaving the door open anymore as Lyon gets his own doggie door.

Lyon: 1 year, 1 month and 3 days
Tags:  Lyon  
29 May 2012

Olive gets afternoon tea from a bottle fed by Dad and slurps down every drop.

Olive: 3 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 May 2012

Mum, I think I've drunk too much… Hic!

Olive: 3 months and 13 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 May 2012

Sophie munching. Olive loves the texture of Sophie the giraffe, a present from Aunty Lauren and Uncle Paul.

Olive: 3 months and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 May 2012

Today Olive decided she doesn't want to lie on her tummy, thank you very much!

Olive: 3 months and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
26 May 2012

So we decided to replace the old (and broken) oven with a flash new one! Thank-you 50 months interest free at Harvey Norman.
23 May 2012

Olive wakes up. Such a chirpy wee thing.

Olive: 3 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
23 May 2012

Finally big enough to fit the funky French outfit from Anna and Perry! So cute.

Olive: 3 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 May 2012

Got stick. Please play.
20 May 2012

Look Ma, no wires!

Tags:  DIY  
20 May 2012

Snoozles in the sun on a Sunday morning.
19 May 2012

Today Olive surprised us with laughing for the first time!

Olive: 3 months and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
19 May 2012

Simultaneous breakfast followed by craziness around the lounge. Myah finally succumbs to Lyon's taunts.

Lyon: 1 year and 22 days
Tags:  Lyon  
18 May 2012

Out for a walk with a new member of the tang pad - Myah.
17 May 2012

Today Olive received a lovely painting from Cousin Ali - all the way from Melbourne! So creative!

Olive: 3 months and 2 days
Tags:  Olive  
15 May 2012

Out for a stroll in Granny's colourful blanket - thanks Granny!

Olive: 3 months
Tags:  Olive  
15 May 2012

Olive has some Tummy time!

Olive: 3 months
Tags:  Olive  Movie  
14 May 2012

I'm a happy little bunny this morning after sleeping in to 8am! Goodbye to virus and unhappiness!

Olive: 2 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
13 May 2012

A lovely wander around Staglands after Alex's birthday bash.
13 May 2012

Happy 2nd Birthday Alex! A fun party at the Barn at Staglands.
13 May 2012

Happy mothers day Mum! I was even nice enough to sleep better last night!
11 May 2012

False alarm. Not teeth. Doctor thinks she has a virus and maybe a mouth ulcer. Poor bubs. Still, we had a better night last night.

Olive: 2 months and 26 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 May 2012

We may have found the culprit for last nights fiasco. A tooth perhaps? Will know more tomorrow, if we make it.

Olive: 2 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 May 2012

Finally asleep on mummy after the worst sleepless night ever!

Olive: 2 months and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 May 2012

Somebody has sure made himself at home at our new house. Just have to patch up the gaps where he visits the neighbours - and eats crumbs off their kitchen floor!!
07 May 2012

Nom nom nom on fist.

Olive: 2 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  
06 May 2012

Enjoying some fire time at our new abode. So cosy and warm.
05 May 2012

Smurfs have a baby! Yummy M&S chips gorgeous baby clothes and a French spot book for olive! Thanks Nan & Grandad!

Olive: 2 months and 20 days
Tags:  Olive  
04 May 2012

The mothers and fathers were around to help with the big move. Fantastic helpers all round!
04 May 2012

Get that sun out of my eyes!

Olive: 2 months and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  
03 May 2012

The final days of squaller.
02 May 2012

We found ourselves a funny little elf creature. Barely a grizzle from the basinet at nap time today! Are we onto something?!?

Olive: 2 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  
02 May 2012

Olives first day at baby sensory with a few babies and mums from our anti natal group

Olive: 2 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  
30 April 2012

Lyon takes the wheel on car ride home

Lyon: 1 year and 3 days
Tags:  Lyon  
29 April 2012

Nowhere is safe anymore as Lyon has figured out how to open doors with handles.

Lyon: 1 year and 2 days
Tags:  Lyon  
29 April 2012

The end of a great holiday / marathon run in Taupo.
28 April 2012

Well done! Tom and Andy finished the marathon! 3.51 and 4.01 respectively!
27 April 2012

Lyon turned 1 today! Happy birthday Mr Stinkle! We still love you.

Lyon: 1 year
Tags:  Lyon  
26 April 2012

First bath with a boy! Anthony joins Olive for a splish splash.

Olive: 2 months and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  
26 April 2012

Playing a fun new board game - 7 Wonders. Olive helps Dad.

Olive: 2 months and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  
26 April 2012

Enjoying a run around outside at Taupo with Andy and Ben.
25 April 2012

Fun times in the new bouncer - it plays tunes and vibrates!

Olive: 2 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
24 April 2012

Hanging in the rose garden in Taupo. Another beautiful day here. No doubt it will turn to custard for the marathon on Saturday!
24 April 2012

Everything is giant in Taupo. Giant bath and giant bed!

Olive: 2 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 April 2012

Made it safe and sound to a beautiful Taupo afternoon. Olive slept well between two feed breaks.

Olive: 2 months and 8 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 April 2012

The road trip to taupo begins, boys in the front, Lyon riding shot gun and girls in the back, Olive a lady of leisure.

Lyon: 11 months and 27 days
Tags:  Lyon  
22 April 2012

Lovely day for brunch at Granny and Grandpa's.
21 April 2012

Coffee and cake, milk and water at our new local.
21 April 2012

Saturday morning climbing daddy's legs in bed

Olive: 2 months and 6 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 April 2012

A few faces. Worried, tonguey, bubbly and surprised!

Olive: 2 months and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  
19 April 2012

Hands and feetsies.

Olive: 2 months and 4 days
Tags:  Olive  
18 April 2012

After bath nudie relaxation in front of the heater.

Olive: 2 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  
18 April 2012

Just signed our lives away at the bank before a tasty first family brunch at D4.
18 April 2012

Some couch time with Mum & Mr Stinkle.

Olive: 2 months and 3 days
Lyon: 11 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
15 April 2012

All dressed up and ready to party in a cute dress from the Woods, about to go to Helen's baby shower!

Olive: 2 months
Tags:  Olive  
14 April 2012

Popped around to see Granny and Grandpa. Left them with the biggest poo!

Olive: 1 month and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  
14 April 2012

Hanging with Dadio in the sunshine.

Olive: 1 month and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  
14 April 2012

Sporting another Nan-made outfit.

Olive: 1 month and 30 days
Tags:  Olive  
13 April 2012

Breakdancing after bath time.

Olive: 1 month and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
12 April 2012

Bug Baby flies in for a feed.

Olive: 1 month and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  
12 April 2012

Looking pretty in a lovely new Nan-made outfit. Who turned out the lights!?!

Olive: 1 month and 27 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 April 2012

The coolest little iPhone holder.

Olive: 1 month and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
09 April 2012

Rocking out then chilling out with Anthony at brunch at Derek & Helen's.

Olive: 1 month and 25 days
Tags:  Olive  
08 April 2012

Walking the family on Easter Sunday! Brilliant blue sky day!
06 April 2012

Dancing. It really is a wonderful world.

Olive: 1 month and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  
06 April 2012

A lovely Easter Friday brunch and a walk at the Botanicals with Andy, Nicky and Ben.
06 April 2012

I slept from 8.30pm to 1.30am then 2.30am to 6.30am and am a very happy baby this morning! So are Mum and Dad.

Olive: 1 month and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 April 2012

We are now home owners!! We never thought this day would come, but we've now managed to get married, move flats, get a dog, have a baby and buy a house - all within the space of a year. We get the keys in early May … Watch this space!
05 April 2012

The last few nights Olive (AKA little gremlin) didn't want to go back to sleep after her early morning feed, and so she joined us for some much needed snoozles.

Olive: 1 month and 21 days
Tags:  Olive  
01 April 2012

Morning playtime in front of the heater.

Olive: 1 month and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 March 2012

Smiles for Daddy

Olive: 1 month and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 March 2012

What chu lookin at Willis?

Olive: 1 month and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 March 2012

The old Carrot in the Kong trick. A healthy alternative to cheese and peanut butter. Luckily Lyon loves his veges.

Lyon: 11 months and 4 days
Tags:  Lyon  
31 March 2012

Mum gets some nudie time with little miss freckle bum.

Olive: 1 month and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
31 March 2012

Olive gets her 6 week checkup and her jabs! A little sore at first, but she quickly recovered.

Olive: 1 month and 16 days
Tags:  Olive  
27 March 2012

Just chilling on the couch, watching me some TV.

Olive: 1 month and 11 days
Tags:  Olive  
25 March 2012

Just chilling with Mum in my cool bumble bee top.

Olive: 1 month and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
25 March 2012

Andy and Tom took to the mountains in a ridiculously hard Mt Lowry Extreme Challenge - 22km of slippery, mountainous paths.
22 March 2012

First family portrait. Even Lyon is smiling!

Olive: 1 month and 7 days
Lyon: 10 months and 24 days
Tags:  Olive  Lyon  
16 March 2012

It's official! Olive is legally a kiwi born baby!

Olive: 1 month and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
15 March 2012

Enjoying the new playground.

Olive: 1 month
Tags:  Olive  
14 March 2012

Trying out the Baby Bjorn from Uncle Graham and Aunty Lisa. Works a treat!

Olive: 27 days and 21 hours
Tags:  Olive  
13 March 2012

Father & daughter train for marathon around karori park
10 March 2012

Lovely weather for a brunch at the Thompsons. Two newborns, two toddlers, ten adults with three more babies on the way!
09 March 2012

Olives first play date - with the handsome Anthony.

Olive: 23 days and 18 hours
Tags:  Olive  
06 March 2012

Snoozles in the sun.

Olive: 20 days and 16 hours
Tags:  Olive  
05 March 2012

Sara, Luke and little Zac come to say hello.

Olive: 19 days and 5 hours
Tags:  Olive  
03 March 2012

The Barbers come to visit. Little Felix doesn't look so little anymore!

Olive: 17 days and 10 hours
Tags:  Olive  
26 February 2012

Olive's first car outing - to Granny and Grandpa's for brunch (which turned into lunch, as we didn't arrive until 1.30pm).

Olive: 10 days and 21 hours
Tags:  Olive  
25 February 2012

Olive getting all dressed up in the cute dress Aunty Lauren made.

Olive: 9 days and 21 hours
Tags:  Olive  
24 February 2012

Trying to take some attention away from Olive, Lyon impresses us with a new record - 4 toys at once! Now, back to Olive.

Lyon: 9 months and 28 days
Tags:  Lyon  
23 February 2012

Off to bed we go.

Olive: 8 days and 13 hours
Tags:  Olive  
22 February 2012

Lisa and Ricko come to say hello.

Olive: 6 days and 21 hours
Tags:  Olive  
20 February 2012

First full family outing. A few turns at the park on a lovely hot sunny day.
19 February 2012

Jo and Nicky pop around for some Olive action. Although there wasn't a lot of Olive action!

Olive: 4 days and 17 hours
Tags:  Olive  
19 February 2012

Granny and Grandpa visit the sleeping beauty. Fur child is also back home now!

Olive: 4 days and 17 hours
Tags:  Olive  
18 February 2012

Nige, Lana and Andy pop around to say hi.

Olive: 3 days and 14 hours
Tags:  Olive  
18 February 2012

Ann, our midwife, gives Olive her first bath and she loves every minute.

Olive: 3 days and 11 hours
Tags:  Olive  
17 February 2012

Home sweet home with sleeping beauty.

Olive: 2 days and 14 hours
Tags:  Olive  
17 February 2012

Granny, Aunty Jen and cousin Alex come to say hello.

Olive: 2 days and 12 hours
Tags:  Olive  
17 February 2012

Nan and Grandad are never far away!

Olive: 2 days and 12 hours
Tags:  Olive  
17 February 2012

First buggy ride around the park so mummy could get some much needed rest.

Olive: 2 days and 9 hours
Tags:  Olive  
17 February 2012

The car ride home - such a sleepy wee thing.

Olive: 2 days and 8 hours
Tags:  Olive  
17 February 2012

Olive ventures out into the big wide world!

Olive: 2 days and 8 hours
Tags:  Olive  
15 February 2012

Olive Eliza Peck joins the Tang family. Born at 2.30am, 15th of February, 2012, weighing 8lb's. So adorable.

Olive: 8 hours and 30 minutes
Tags:  Olive  
08 February 2012

Bean Baby at 38 weeks! Counting down the days now ...

Olive: -7 days and 2 hours
Tags:  Olive  
30 January 2012

Spend a lovely afternoon showering in baby talk, friends and lovely gifts for our baby bean to be!

Olive: -15 days and 12 hours
Tags:  Olive  
30 January 2012

Bean Baby at 37 Weeks!

Olive: -15 days and 16 hours
Tags:  Olive  
24 January 2012

A lovely morning for a post house viewing for the Turner-Peck-Prosser-Pant clan. Including the two Alex's and two dogs. We also played a game of find the poo!
24 January 2012

Bean Baby at 36 Weeks! Overdue for an update ….

Olive: -21 days and 17 hours
Tags:  Olive  
24 January 2012

Lyon's new trick - picking up as many toys as possible at one time. His record is three.

Lyon: 8 months and 28 days
Tags:  Lyon  
20 January 2012

Gini takes a break from work to Coffee with the TurnerPants.
08 January 2012

On our last holiday leg we met up with the Turner Pants in Ohakune for some much missed Ali time.
05 January 2012

Today we took a short bush walk to Cathedral Cove for a lovely swim.
04 January 2012

Bean Baby at 33 Weeks!

Olive: -1 month and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
04 January 2012

Where's Daddy? Where's Daddy??? There he is!
01 January 2012

Fun at Whitianga Beach. Finally we have escaped the rain!
29 December 2011

Boxing Day Christmas with Jen, Dave, Alex, Alan & Trish.
25 December 2011

Christmas Day. Sun, swim, croquet and a ham feast for four.
23 December 2011

Lyon gets to try out the Bean Cot - fully assembled and ready to go! Quite comfy thank-you very much.

Olive: -1 month and 22 days
Lyon: 7 months and 26 days
Tags:  Lyon  Olive  
23 December 2011

Lyon's first swim! He was more than happy to fetch sticks from the Hutt River.

Lyon: 7 months and 26 days
Tags:  Lyon  
20 December 2011

Today Tom took a wander up Makara Peak for the first time. Worth the slog!
17 December 2011

Today was dress up day at doggy classes and Lyon was best dressed in his manbug outfit. He also passed Level 1 Obediance!

Lyon: 7 months and 20 days
Tags:  Lyon  
17 December 2011

Bean Baby at 31 Weeks! (Oops, missed 30 weeks!)

Olive: -1 month and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  
15 December 2011

We just picked up four chairs to complete our table and chairs set. At least until something else takes our fancy!
11 December 2011

Felix goes flying with Lyon, as Rup and Becs pay us a visit.

Lyon: 7 months and 14 days
Tags:  Lyon  
09 December 2011

Tom bakes his first cake. Gini finally gets her 30th birthday cake!
07 December 2011

Bean Baby at 29 weeks!

Olive: -2 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 December 2011

Gini's second birthday dinner out - this time with Helen and Robin at the lovely Hippopotamus.
04 December 2011

From Christmas tree farm to our lounge. We finally start to look Christmassy. Just need to get lights and ornaments now!
04 December 2011

A lovely rose surprise on my doorstep for my birthday. Thank you Trish and Alan! They smell divine and will be the flower that keeps on blooming!
04 December 2011

The last treat - smoking marshmallows - after a 10 course degustation at the White House to celebrate Gini's 30th. So tasty.
02 December 2011

What happens to a golf ball once Lyon gets hold of it.

Lyon: 7 months and 5 days
Tags:  Lyon  
01 December 2011

Fish and Chips in the botanicals on a beautiful Wellington afternoon.
26 November 2011

Lyon, the attention seeker, steals a Christmas cracker.

Lyon: 6 months and 30 days
Tags:  Lyon  
25 November 2011

Bean Baby at 28 Weeks!

Olive: -2 months and 19 days
Tags:  Olive  
20 November 2011

Lyon makes a new buddy.

Lyon: 6 months and 24 days
Tags:  Lyon  
20 November 2011

We invite the Ngaio and Brisbane Turners around for a brunch in the Karori sun.
14 November 2011

Bean Baby at 27 Weeks!

Olive: -3 months
Tags:  Olive  
13 November 2011

A sunny Sunday afternoon makes up for the rest of the weekends less than average weather.
13 November 2011

Our beautiful wedding photos, framed in gorgeous frames get hung.
13 November 2011

Gini gets creative making a cover for our new Bean Bed! So comfy.

Olive: -3 months and 1 day
Tags:  Olive  
13 November 2011

A fun run in the yard with Charlie. A good catch up with Rup too!
11 November 2011

11:11:11 11/11/11. Somewhere a baby is born with an extraordinary birth date.
10 November 2011

Lyon, feeling much better after his surgery, decides to bring me a thank-you present for looking after him.

Lyon: 6 months and 14 days
Tags:  Lyon  
09 November 2011

Kiwi style BBQ in the rain.
07 November 2011

Lyon arrives home from the doctors after getting the snip. Poor little guy, keeps bumping into everything with his cone head.

Lyon: 6 months and 11 days
Tags:  Lyon  
07 November 2011

Another wedding gift for lucky us! A beautiful globe from the Turner+Turner+Turner+Pant siblings. Thanks guys!
06 November 2011

We found a nice calm spot up Brooklyn Hill to watch the Guy Fawkes fireworks (and to take some blurry photos). Was very pleasant.
05 November 2011

Lyon joined us for a much needed snooze in this morning before getting bored and stealing a sock.

Lyon: 6 months and 9 days
Tags:  Lyon  
05 November 2011

Bean Belly at 26 weeks!

Olive: -3 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 November 2011

Bean Baby at 26 weeks!

Olive: -3 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  
30 October 2011

Jen's birthday lunch at the Botanicals. Even Lyon joined us for a tasty lunch out.

Lyon: 6 months and 3 days
Tags:  Lyon  
28 October 2011

Death by chocolate cake. Even Lyon got a few drops.

Lyon: 6 months and 1 day
Tags:  Lyon  
28 October 2011

Bean Baby 25 weeks (nearly)

Olive: -3 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 October 2011

Bean Baby Belly 25 weeks (nearly)

Olive: -3 months and 17 days
Tags:  Olive  
28 October 2011

Yummy homemade pizza for dinner thanks to Gini's Italian cooking classes.
25 October 2011

This is the last time we are ever early! Tom gets to experience being 5 months pregnant at antenatal classes
24 October 2011

Watching the All Blacks scrape through to win the RWC 2011 at Andy and Nicky's. Nail biting stuff!
24 October 2011

Bean Baby 24 Weeks!

Olive: -3 months and 22 days
Tags:  Olive  
23 October 2011

Lyon shows his skills at tunnelling, we are so proud!

Lyon: 5 months and 26 days
Tags:  Lyon  
19 October 2011

Lyon seems to like the new carpet in Lyon's ahh, I mean, Bean's room.

Lyon: 5 months and 22 days
Tags:  Lyon  
18 October 2011

Bean Bump at 23 Weeks

Olive: -3 months and 28 days
Tags:  Olive  
17 October 2011

Bean Baby 22 Weeks!

Olive: -3 months and 29 days
Tags:  Olive  
17 October 2011

The new lawn mower struggled on the foot high stuff but was otherwise very good! Lyon helped out with the clumps left over ….

Lyon: 5 months and 20 days
Tags:  Lyon  
16 October 2011

Lyon "meets" Nigel & Lana's fluff balls!

Lyon: 5 months and 19 days
Tags:  Lyon  
16 October 2011

Pain setting in at the top of one of the many hills on the 22k Mountain 2 Sea race Andy and I were foolish enough to compete in. We came 5th though, so not a bad effort!
08 October 2011

Tom was lucky enough to go to the Rugby Quarter Finals between Wales and Ireland - thanks Hamish! Wales came on top on a blustery, but still fun evening.
08 October 2011

Bean baby - 21 weeks from the top! Tiny feet!

Olive: -4 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  
08 October 2011

Bean Baby, 21 weeks - and starting to kick!

Olive: -4 months and 7 days
Tags:  Olive  
08 October 2011

Fun at Petone Beach.
06 October 2011

Testing a new transport method for the fur child. So far so good!
04 October 2011

Lyon's new trick … Climbing onto tables! Now nothing is safe.

Lyon: 5 months and 7 days
Tags:  Lyon  
03 October 2011

I'm trying to work back in the office now - there are many distractions for Lyon to annoy me with trying to chew. This seemed to do the trick though!

Lyon: 5 months and 6 days
Tags:  Lyon  
01 October 2011

Pizza picnic dinner in the botanicals to soak up the last of a week of lovely sunshine.
01 October 2011

Bean baby at 20 weeks!

Olive: -4 months and 14 days
Tags:  Olive  
29 September 2011

Look who met me in the botanicals to grab the last of the sun and spring flowers!
28 September 2011

Lyon - you're playing it wrong!

Lyon: 5 months and 1 day
Tags:  Lyon  
26 September 2011

Lyon loses two more teeth - these one's didn't end up in his stomach! He has a number of adult teeth coming through now, but there is still the odd baby tooth hanging on (literally).

Lyon: 4 months and 30 days
Tags:  Lyon  
25 September 2011

Bean baby at 19 weeks!

Olive: -4 months and 20 days
Tags:  Olive  
24 September 2011

Ben builds up the courage to pat, stroke and pull at Lyon at Tom's Birthday BBQ Bash.

Lyon: 4 months and 28 days
Tags:  Lyon  
22 September 2011

Bean at 19 weeks! Everything looks to be as it should. Two legs, two hands, big brain, a nose!

Olive: -4 months and 23 days
Tags:  Olive  
20 September 2011

Lyon gets his first bath!

Lyon: 4 months and 24 days
Tags:  Lyon  
19 September 2011

Can't complain about the weather here in Brisbane. Back home, however...
18 September 2011

Relaxing day at Noosa's beautiful beach. Spot the whities.
17 September 2011

Breakfast in Brisbane! Great start to the day - and a barmy 20 degrees outside already.... It's gonna be hot, hot, hot.
16 September 2011

Bye bye Wellington. On our way to Brisbane for the weekend!
14 September 2011

Lyon has no teeth at the moment, so instead of chewing his bones, he buries them, then later digs them up to try lick them again.

Lyon: 4 months and 18 days
Tags:  Lyon  
13 September 2011

Just a couple more hail photos … Twas crazy.
13 September 2011

Just got hit by a crazy hail storm with hail the size of marbles … Lyon got caught in it going for a pee!

Lyon: 4 months and 17 days
Tags:  Lyon  
12 September 2011

Had to hose down naughty wet dog after he was caught digging up dirt in the rain …
11 September 2011

Bean Baby at 17 weeks

Olive: -5 months and 3 days
Tags:  Olive  
10 September 2011

Lyon meets his match with a very puppy friendly Gray. Endless laughs!

Lyon: 4 months and 14 days
Tags:  Lyon  
09 September 2011

Today we were lucky enough to have lunch with Alex - then a walk in the park with Trish and Mayah. The drizzle didn't stop us!
08 September 2011

Family portrait on the bed ….. Why? I don't know! Why not?
06 September 2011

Today Lyon's walk was cut short by a few menacing cows on the track.

Lyon: 4 months and 10 days
Tags:  Lyon  
04 September 2011

Sleepy dog on a Sunday family lie in.
03 September 2011

Bean Baby at 16 Weeks

Olive: -5 months and 12 days
Tags:  Olive  
02 September 2011

Beautiful day, beautiful walk, beautiful view. Up the back of Karori Park.
01 September 2011

Bounding about the park with long legged Sephie and scruffles (can't remember his name!)
29 August 2011

Lyon thinks he's the Rollo puppy.

Lyon: 4 months and 2 days
Tags:  Lyon  
29 August 2011

Lyon playing in a mud pool and looking pretty chuffed with himself afterwards!

Lyon: 4 months and 2 days
Tags:  Lyon  
28 August 2011

Skiing again - this time back at Turoa with Robin. Bluebird day again! So lucky!
26 August 2011

Fun in the sun with 4yr old Molly.
25 August 2011

Lyon's new game: digging hole's in the garden and walking muddy footprints through the house.

Lyon: 3 months and 29 days
Tags:  Lyon  
25 August 2011

Today Lyon got to meet a 9yr old Border Collie called Elie (sp?). Lyon's got a way to go before he's Elie's size!

Lyon: 3 months and 29 days
Tags:  Lyon  
22 August 2011

Apre Ski at the Cardrona Hotel - fantastic old pub.
19 August 2011

Amazing bluebird day at Treble Cone with Shane and Jo. Stunning views.
17 August 2011

Amazing views as we come into land at Queenstown.
15 August 2011

Lyon goes mad underneath the dining table. 4 months old.

Lyon: 3 months and 19 days
Tags:  Movie  Lyon  
14 August 2011

Snowing in Karori! Settling too! Too much to hope for a snow day tomorrow …
07 August 2011

Lyon's big day out. Lyon's (and Tom's) first outing to Makara Beach. Beautiful sunny day.

Lyon: 3 months and 11 days
Tags:  Lyon  
05 August 2011

Sleeping little Bean Baby

Olive: -6 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 August 2011

Bean Baby has hands!

Olive: -6 months and 9 days
Tags:  Olive  
05 August 2011

Introducing our first bean baby Peck to our family. Only 12 weeks preborn!

Olive: -6 months and 10 days
Tags:  Olive  
02 August 2011

From the top of the High Noon Express. Amazing view.
31 July 2011

We had the home run track all to ourselves! BlueBird day!
20 July 2011

Fun, sun and snow for Tang!
18 July 2011

A beautiful day up the mountain today. Absolutely stunning.
17 July 2011

Lyon Beanbag Mayhem

Lyon: 2 months and 20 days
Tags:  Lyon  
16 July 2011

Lyon gets his first taste of snow on a beautiful day at Mt Ruapehu.

Lyon: 2 months and 19 days
Tags:  Lyon  
08 July 2011

A lovely sunny afternoon for once. Lyon enjoyed munching on the deck, while I enjoyed a coffee on the deck.

Lyon: 2 months and 11 days
Tags:  Lyon  
30 June 2011

We just got Grandad's table back from having a complete makeover. Doesn't it look shiny! Lyon, no chewing!

Lyon: 2 months and 3 days
Tags:  Lyon  
24 June 2011

A tired Lyon Peck arrives home. So adorable and fluffy!

Lyon: 1 month and 28 days
Tags:  Lyon  
22 June 2011

We finally have a bed to sleep on! No more couch snuggling for us.
16 June 2011

In our lounge flat karori- moving in this weekend!
21 May 2011

A nice dusting on Mt Ruapehu. Bring on a fantastic ski season!
19 May 2011

Visited Lyon at 3 weeks old! So cute!

Lyon: 22 days and 11 hours
Tags:  Lyon  
16 May 2011

Took the parents (-1 sickly one) out to cook your own thai cooking class. Fun and tasty for all!
15 May 2011

Team Tang on the train for the City Safari. Leaving Petone bound for Karori. Go Team Tang!
14 May 2011

Jen cuts the Blues Clues footprint for Alex's first birthday party!
13 May 2011

After 6 long weeks the girls got to try our brie cheeses! Mine looked a bit green and smelt the worst! Oh well!
13 May 2011

Bye bye Dukey. You never came right after the long journey from London to Wellington. Now you've popped and smoked and can't be fixed. You will be missed!
11 May 2011

Lyon has opened his eyes! 2 weeks old and so cute!

Lyon: 14 days and 16 hours
Tags:  Lyon  
07 May 2011

Popped up to Otaki to meet Oliver the border collie pup... Watch this space!

Lyon: 10 days
Tags:  Lyon  
23 April 2011

Mr & Mrs Peck! - let the drinks flow and the party begins...
23 April 2011

Let the ceremony begin...
23 April 2011

Gini steps back in french time to get to the wedding!
23 April 2011

Tom ready to leave on time for THE WEDDING!
23 April 2011

The Tang Squirrels big day begins ....
22 April 2011

The Turner, Peck and Pant clan took a hike up Mt Kaukau today to say goodbye to Lara, the family dog.
15 April 2011

Look who arrived today - a much bigger than last time we saw him Ali! (Oh, and Lauren and Paul :-)
10 April 2011

Jo and Shane's beautiful wedding at Church Road vineyard in Napier. Congratulations guys!
02 April 2011

The girls in greytown making Brie cheese!
23 March 2011

This weekend we decided to resurrect an old family table that has been through the wars. The result is most pleasing!
12 March 2011

What a fantastic day it was for a wedding! Congratulations Derek and Helen - you both looked gorgeous and we both had an amazing day / night.
18 February 2011

Learnt how to make roses from fondant! For the wedding!
16 February 2011

The wedding invites of all wedding invites. All ready to go!
05 February 2011

Finally our beloved boxes arrive after a lengthy delay. It's like Christmas time in the Tang household!
29 January 2011

We took a trip to Weltec for a tour of the campus with the "Executive Dean". Took us back a few years! Thanks Dad!
08 January 2011

A couple of hardcore surfers emerge from the waves of Sumner Beach, Christchurch. Hardcore!
06 January 2011

We visited Ron Mueck's weird and wonderful exhibition at the Christchurch Art Gallery.
05 January 2011

Lisa and Graham shout us all lunch at Sticky Fingers in Christchurch for their third wedding anniversary. Yum.
03 January 2011

Geared up to do the Franz Josef glacier walk - unfortunately the weather was miserable (so no further photos), but was still a pretty cool experience.
30 December 2010

We also had a Boxing Day Christmas Dinner with the Pecks in Taupo (not in the photo: little sleeping Alex).
30 December 2010

This year we had a Christmas Eve Christmas dinner with the Turner entourage up at Mount Maunganui.
16 December 2010

We finally get to meet Nephew Alex 1! Such a happy little dude at 7 months.
13 December 2010

After a day biking the vineyards, we settle down to some more Malbec tastings in Mendoza, Argentina. Very tasty indeed!
13 December 2010

Enjoying a (badly translated) fried yam drink? at a pretty park with a view in Santiago, Chile. Fly home tonight!
07 December 2010

Gini celebrates her birthday with a few hundred flamingos on Laguna Colorada in Bolivia - just magical!
07 December 2010

Tom enjoys being a giant on the salt flats, west from Uyuni in Bolivia
07 December 2010

Visited one of the weird and wonderful floating islands on Lake Titicaca
01 December 2010

We missed out on the Inca Trail trek due to illness, but we still managed to get to the incredible Machu Picchu! Breathtakingly awesome.
28 November 2010

The old Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, near Cusco. It's amazing what these little Inca people did with these massive stones.
25 November 2010

Tearing up the dunes in a buggy in Huacachina near Ica. Massive adrenaline rush!
23 November 2010

Very interesting scenery on the bus ride from Lima to Ica.
22 November 2010

Didn't do much in the day we had in Lima, but we did have a super tasty sandwich in a nice flowery square!
21 November 2010

Just boarded a 5 hour Aerolingus Argentina flight bound for Lima, Peru, where the second half of our adventure begins.
21 November 2010

Today we ventured to Caminto, a fascinating area in La Boca, Buenos Aires.
19 November 2010

Wandering the peaceful lanes in Cementerio de la Recoleta and stumbled across Evita's family plot.
19 November 2010

Enjoying a fantastically large Argentinean cookie in Mayo Square outside the Pink Palace, Buenos Aires.
16 November 2010

Checking out the Portuguese colonial style houses in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
15 November 2010

Steak feast #2. This time from Uruguay! We arrived at Buenos Aires after a 17 hour bus ride and decided to ferry it to a small Urugruian town called Colonia de Sacramento.
14 November 2010

Getting wet at the Garganta del Diablo at the Iguazu Falls, Argentina side. Absolutely incredible!
13 November 2010

Fist Argentinian steak - from Puerto Iguazu, just over the border from Brazil. Many more to come!
12 November 2010

Tom makes a new heavy scratchy colourful friend at Parque das Aves near Foz do Iguacu, Brazil.
10 November 2010

Just boarded the Serra Verde Express from Curitiba bound for Paranagua on the coast. A train ride - exciting! Yesterday we survived our first long bus ride of 15 hours! It was surprisingly comfy.
10 November 2010

Munching on watermelon on our own beach on Ilha do Mel island. Fantastically quiet place where we've been for the last few nights.
07 November 2010

Amazing Escadaria de Selaron, tiled staircase in Rio by a Chilian artist. Features a few NZ tiles here and there!
06 November 2010

Flying high over Rio! What a thrill!
04 November 2010

Amazing views from the top of the "Sugarloaf" Mountain in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Great to have the singlets back on in 29 degree heat!
01 November 2010

Preparing the last of the boxes ready to be shipped to NZ tomorrow. All 20 of them!!!
27 October 2010

Aunty Gini and Uncle Tom meet Alex Turner. So adorable. Can we take him to South America?
25 October 2010

We missed out on the champagne region but we didn't miss out on buying a couple of bottles from Calais! London here we come!
25 October 2010

A Smurf sized spot in Calais as we prepare to spend possibly our last night together before ferrying to London tomorrow.
24 October 2010

Our last morning with Poo and moral support in a Cool Camping site. It got to -4 degrees last night!
24 October 2010

We put bottoms to seats in the freezing cold and cycled 56KM Echternach to Diekirch return and rewarded with a lovely river & forest ride and a hot soup half way!
22 October 2010

Today we limped our way to a small town in Luxembourg called Echternach. Wild camping with Cath and Si before we bikeride down the river tomorrow. Should be nice!
21 October 2010

Hitching a poo ride back to Stuttgart to pick up naughty Smurf through the enchanted black forest as it started to snow!
20 October 2010

Just purchased Tom's birthday clock! with a cockoo inside in a little town of Triberg, Black Forest. It was a hard choice! but it is in the post!
19 October 2010

Smurf was good for a week and then had oil diarrhea on route to the Black Forest but now off to Stuttgart to the VW specialists.
18 October 2010

A night out in Munich with Cath, Si and their friend (a local) Tom. Steins, meat and a trip to an over 30's club. Great night out!
18 October 2010

Awaiting a little Mozart at a little church in Salzburg. The lady who played had the most distracting facial expressions!
15 October 2010

Tom with his new hat in Residenzplatz, Salzburg. Tomorrow we see if the hills are still alive and hopefully see a Mozart piano concert.
15 October 2010

Tasty Edelweiss wheat beer and goulash at a restaurant overlooking Hallstatt - a massive one hour hike to get here!
13 October 2010

Decided to pop in to Hallstatt, Austria, on our way to Salzburg. Tomorrow we go a walking in the hills!
10 October 2010

Tom retrieves our left behind mat as we past Selce on our return journey & hopefully last coastal drive out of Croatia!
09 October 2010

We get Smurfy back finally! So Tom decides to do some quick maintenance on the tap before we hopefully leave Croatia for the last time. Here we come Slovenia!
07 October 2010

We decided to venture to Zadar's old town tonight to see the funky light show from in front of the waterfront sea organ. Pretty fantastic! Hopefully only one day left waiting for Smurfy before we head on out of Croatia for the last time.
03 October 2010

Porridge for two, at a small seaside campsite 1hr out from Zadar. Have to love Croatian weather!
01 October 2010

We are back in Croatia! We are taking the very long and slow road back to Zadar as Smurfy is still sick and his medic is back there. We've decided to extend our Smurf trip a few weeks to allow for the back tracking. Wish us and Smurf luck we get it sorted this time!
28 September 2010

Tom get's his Vienna Schnitzel birthday dinner - a day late, but well worth the wait!
27 September 2010

Tasty Viennese coffee (Melange) and chocolate cake for supper after a wander around town.
26 September 2010

Tom gets his birthday breakfast from a small town in Austria called Hartberg where we stayed last night to shelter from the downpour.
24 September 2010

Saying goodbye to Marin, our friendly Croatian mechanic, so we can leave the tent behind for Smurfy once again!
23 September 2010

Delicious (and cheap!) Goulash, Bread Dumplings and Chips at a pub in pretty Bled, Slovenia.
22 September 2010

Enjoying our hot tea at the top of peak Visevnik after a lost then found hard trail up in the Julian Alps.
21 September 2010

Camping old school at Bohinj Lake, Slovenia. Dropped in temperature but enjoying getting back to nature.
21 September 2010

Smurfy got over excited after spending time with Poo and had a heart attack on the way to Zadar :(. He's off to a spa retreat for a few days so we've hired a car to explore Slovenia - camping style! Get well soon Smurfy.
18 September 2010

Driving in convoy with poo & flatties to Zadar for some night action. First rainy day in 9 weeks!
18 September 2010

Taking a stroll through Plitvice National Park with Si and Cath. Remarkable place but a pity about all the tourists.
18 September 2010

Smurfy gets to catch up with Poo in Plitvice National Park, Croatia. Great to catch up with out old flatties Si and Cath on their van tour.
16 September 2010

An amazing dip or three in the Krka National Park waterfalls at Skradinski Buk - very refreshing followed by a spot of wine lunch
15 September 2010

Fantastic fish eye mirror near Camp Mario, Bol, Brac Island. Beautiful weather today so to the beach we go!
14 September 2010

Just jumped onto a car ferry to Brac island, destination Bol. Best white pebble beach ever! Bit of a whim but what the hay :). 
14 September 2010

The incredible view from Vosac peak on Biokovo National Park, Croatia. Worth the hike up!
12 September 2010

Walking the amazing walls in Dubrovnik. Loving this place!
11 September 2010

We woke up this morning with a new friend - Purry, pronounced "Perry". Can we keep her?
10 September 2010

Lunch with Em and Seb in pretty little Perast, Montenegro. One night here in Kotor before we return to Dubrovnik.
10 September 2010

Having fun with Em and Seb at the amazing views over Kotor Bay, Montenegro.
08 September 2010

Made it to the ferry bound to Dubrovnik. A little crazy finding where to go and get our tickets, but all relaxed now on the love boat.
08 September 2010

Last day on Amalfi coast before we drop the guests back at Naples before heading across country to Bari to overnight ferry to Dubrovnik.
07 September 2010

Sorrento's "free beach" with Marcus and Jess. Two nights of camping on the Almalfi coast with our new guests. Tomorrow we drive the coastline!
05 September 2010

A spot of spring cleaning as we take the airmattress out for an airing or washing? great fun wait for me Tom!
05 September 2010

Enjoying a beer on the beach after a lovely swim - just over an hour until Napoli to meet JAM
03 September 2010

We stop at another pretty lakeside town on our way south through Italy, this one Bolsena.
31 August 2010

Expresso macchiatto with the Turner parents in Bellagio, Lake Como.
31 August 2010

Waiting for the lake ferry in Menaggio to return to Bellagio after a day of visiting the pretty surrounding villages.
28 August 2010

Sunset swim and wild camping near Montepiller tonight. Beautiful beach. Back to the familiarity of France. 
28 August 2010

Caught up with Don and Salina in Barcelona for two nights. Lots of fun and great food!
26 August 2010

Smurfy spent last night at a police impound in Barcelona after getting broken into and noticed by police and towed away! So very lucky that nothing was stolen. Counting our lucky stars today.
24 August 2010

Stopped off for a night at a beautiful pebbly beach campsite on our way to Barcelona to catch up with The Don.
23 August 2010

Marveling at the incredible architecture in Valencia.
22 August 2010

Catching up with some old (Nat) and some new (Marcus) friends near Alicante. Two nights in a real bed in a real villa! What a treat!
21 August 2010

Enjoying some quiet time in Madrid's fantastic Parque del Retiro.
20 August 2010

Cool dude with his new hat and his cool spray fan. Swim time! Yay for the warm water of the Med!
19 August 2010

A spot of rain out the door this morning just south of Alicante. Pretty happy we're not in a tent at this point!
16 August 2010

Never far from a dip to cool off in, in Toledo, Spain. Campsite has a massive 25m pool! Delicious.
15 August 2010

Bye bye Portugal. Well hello there again Espanha!
14 August 2010

A quick stop at Lisbon's castle before we head out east, Spain bound (via a final Portuguese night in Evora).
13 August 2010

Biking through the mist of Parque Natural de Sintra Cascais on the way to Sintra Vile
12 August 2010

5* camping outside of Sintra? No, but it feels like it. Nice to have a pool to cool off in.
10 August 2010

Playing chicken with the big waves on a beach near Nazare, Portugal. The waves always win, but great fun.
09 August 2010

Delicious fish stew and quite possibly the best bread Tom has tasted. Aveiro, Portugal.
09 August 2010

Port tasting surrounded by vineyards at Quinta Nova vineyard. It's about 40 degrees here so we're looking forward to returning to the sea breeze! 
08 August 2010

Porto's porto with old town behind. Another beautiful day in paradise.
07 August 2010

Back to the coast we reach. This one the north coast of Portugal. Beautiful weather but cold seas!
06 August 2010

Tasty octopus and sangria at Santiago De Compostela. A little overrun by tourists so we're heading back to the coast tomorrow - bound for Porto!
05 August 2010

Amazing beach after amazing beach as we drive and swim our way west along Spains coast.
05 August 2010

Gini makes a new friend "Azreal" in Llanes, Spain. No, we cant take her with us.
03 August 2010

Opening the cork to our bottle of local cider, in Llanes, Spain. We had a quiet day in today to keep dry from the rain. (I thought it never rained in Spain?)
01 August 2010

Did a spot of "wild camping" last night in Elexalde as the campsite was too full to fit Smurfy.
31 July 2010

San Sebastian beach. Absolute paradise.
29 July 2010

At the beach at Biscarrosse. So far our favourite beach. Especially as we were swimming at 8.30pm. So nice.
27 July 2010

Stopped at a small beach outside La Rochelle for a quick dip. Very hot here today!
26 July 2010

Escargot entree in Blois before saying goodbye to Anna and Perry. Chewy garlic. Interesting.
25 July 2010

Lunch at Chateau Chambord. Baguettes and red wine. How French.
24 July 2010

Crepe preparation underway with Anna and Perry in Blois after a bike ride to Cheverny Chateau and back.
23 July 2010

Site 220 in Blois, Loire Valley right by the Loire river - parfais!
22 July 2010

Big day! Gini takes the Smurfy reigns for the first time.
22 July 2010

Crepes and wine for two in cute little Vitre.
21 July 2010

Very cool castle in Vitre. Can we have one?
20 July 2010

Returning from our bikeride to the impressive fortress Mont Saint-Michel.
19 July 2010

A well earned Cider after a day of sun and biking. Bit pink round the edges.
19 July 2010

Tasty baguettes on Omaha beach. No sign of the war.
18 July 2010

Dinner on it's way - night 2 - Bayeux, France. Nom nom nom. Biking to Omaha beach tomorrow for a swim with the mines.
16 July 2010

Our vw van was christened smurfy today ready for tomorrows adventure!
15 July 2010

Celebrating something new for all of us. Flat, baby and adventures.
14 July 2010

Celebrating 5 years of togetherness in style at Gordon Ramsey at Claridges. Yum yum full tum!
07 July 2010

I got my Clear Channel English teapot present from Fortnum & Mason
04 July 2010

Lauren gets a surprise afternoon tea party Baby Shower with all the London girls
01 July 2010

My last day at CCO Design & Marketing team, a bunch of lovely people to work with
27 June 2010

Guess who we saw tonight, on the hottest day in London! Sir Paul McCartney himself! Not showing his age one bit with a near 3 hour set with two encores. Amazing.
26 June 2010

Enjoying the hot sun and tasty food at our Leaving London BBQ.
25 June 2010

Rocking out to Pearl Jam in Hyde Park's Hard Rock Calling.
23 June 2010

A few cocktails on clear channel outdoor watching the English win!
20 June 2010

Took a hike up a hill from Aurland, Norway to see this amazing view.
14 June 2010

A Toast to New Zealand at the Toast Festival, Richmond Park.
04 June 2010

3 rows back at Mark Knopfler concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Fantastic!
03 June 2010

A spot of lunch and a walk around Chester with Uncle Peter on our way back from Ireland.
31 May 2010

A scenic spot of cliffs and some pretty pink flowers, aren't they Tom?
30 May 2010

"Wild camping" near Ballybunion, Ireland. Fish and chips for dinner and falling asleep to a beautiful sunset. What more could you ask for?
27 May 2010

The amazing view from near the top of Mount Snowdon. The weather gods surely shined upon us today!
25 May 2010

Beautiful morning here in Wales as prepare to climb Mount Snowdon.
23 May 2010

Two Captain America's and a Wonder Woman make it to the Sevens at Twickenham.
23 May 2010

Horse Riding in the Black Mountains in Wales with the kiwi girls!
19 May 2010

Last minute tickets took us to see the magnificent Wellingtonian duo tonight.
17 May 2010

My late surprise Birthday present from Tom, I just love it!
06 May 2010

Traveller Smurf spotted again - this time on the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland!
24 April 2010

CCO girls trip to the Dam, next to canal in the Red Light district.
19 April 2010

A Smurf was spotted in Clissold Park today - which can only mean one thing - summer has arrived!
19 April 2010

Enjoying a tasty coffee after a visit to the Columbia Road Flower Market (with Cath, Simon (flatties) and Jacko).
11 April 2010

Whole Pig (and one Trout) for 13 at the Albion. Super sunny tasty!
05 April 2010

Tom makes a hairy friend on our way through Glen Coe. Just outstanding scenery.
04 April 2010

In front of one of the many "mirror" Loch's in Scotland
22 March 2010

An infrared stroll through Clissold park
22 February 2010

Enjoying a spot of tea from our working gas hob in our smurf mobile in Bath, everything works! he passed the test!
14 February 2010

Guess what we bought! We call him smurfy the vw transporter! Bring on summer
07 February 2010

The four of us had an amazing day up at the Hintertuxer Gletscher (Glacier). The views were spectacular!
03 February 2010

Paul, with the incredible back drop of the Austrian Alps behind him. Magical!
25 January 2010

Tom making colour splatters on a digital screen at the decode exhibition, v&a museum.
24 January 2010

All moved in to our new flat just around the corner with our new flatties. No. 64 in an old Bakery!
20 January 2010

Moving day! Everything packed and waiting for "man with a van" to arrive. Easiest move ever.
07 January 2010

Just a light dusting of snow. No snow day I'm afraid!
31 December 2009

Jo and Dave join us for New Years Eve festivities in Istanbul.
29 December 2009

The heavens opened up on us in Cappadocia.
29 December 2009

On top of the world in Cappadocia!
26 December 2009

In front of the Blue Mosque at night in Istanbul.
22 December 2009

More snow! But will it last long enough for a white Christmas and not prevent us from flying out on boxing day?
19 December 2009

Free showing of the LSO at the Barbican thanks to soon to be flatmates. Fantastic finale with Ravel's Bolero (the only song we actually recognised)!
14 December 2009

Wine and cheese at Selfridges wonder bar. Tasty splodgy cheese with pear!
12 December 2009

Clear Channel's Xmas party in the Penthouse on Leicester square - where the sparkles begun! I even got best dressed! got the sparkle gold!
12 December 2009

Delete Christmas dinner at the Albion. Tasty, drunken, madness!
09 December 2009

Outside the Royal Albert Hall after a splendid Yasuf (AKA Cat Stevens) concert. Famous last words!
07 December 2009

Enjoying a festive egg nog around our first English Christmas tree. Bring on the season to be jolly.
23 November 2009

Tasty gluvine at the German Christmas market on the south bank.
02 November 2009

Pop off to Oxford for a Clear Channel Conference for the weekend and we all scrubbed up nicely for the evening out.IMG_9674.JPG
25 October 2009

Shunt club free wall running performance for rachel's birthday in London bridge
03 October 2009

250 tasty little coffee pods arrived, courtesy of Graham and Lisa :)
27 September 2009

James joins us for a tasty tagine birthday dinner, and umpteen drinks!
17 September 2009

A happy, blurry Tom outside the Brixton Academy about to see Massive Attack!
14 September 2009

The final night of drunken antic cabin fever aboard our Croatian vessel.
05 September 2009

Day one, Sailing Croatia - Fresh supplies! Beer, bread & wine
29 August 2009

Wray Castle was an unexpected surprise. They are looking for new residents too - perhaps we should apply?
28 August 2009

Packed lunch - part way through our 5 hour Paddy trek near Windermere.
28 August 2009

Mossy walls around lake Grasmere.
23 August 2009

Stopping for a rest with the magical back drop of Riomaggiorre in the background.
22 August 2009

Waiting for the bus in Pisa, on our way to the Cinque Terre walk!
17 August 2009

Crazy flower on our afternoon stroll around the park in the lovely English sun!
27 July 2009

About to be scared (and impressed by Andy's girly scream) at "Lady in Black"
26 July 2009

Best fish and chips in town at "The Rock & Sole Plaice"
25 July 2009

Andy and Nicky from Canada and Marcus and Jess from the south join us for drinks followed by dinner at a lovely pub in Islington after spending the day in Greenwich.
12 July 2009

Peter, Gini and Pat search for Darcy at Chatsworth. Nowhere to be found - luckily for Tom
10 July 2009

Outside Wembley stadium, about to see Kasabian followed by Oasis!! Last time we saw them was back in 98 at a short lived concert in Wellington.
05 July 2009

Picnic in the park at Hampstead Heath followed by a swim in the ponds and some Swedish music!
28 June 2009

Toast in Clapham Common with a slice of sun, wine, beer and Dobbyn. Heaven.
25 June 2009

The famous wine has arrived! Finally! Just in time for summer. Bottoms up!
19 June 2009

A spot of Lion King theatre with some friendly familar faces Sara & Luke. Costumes were amazing!
08 June 2009

F&C's date after a long week apart!
05 June 2009

Last day in paradise, Our villa in Pefkos, Rhodes Island in Greece
04 June 2009

St Pauls Greek Orthodox church - Tom wasn't there so I married a Greek instead!
03 June 2009

Just another day in paradise, by the pool, book in hand and of course in Greece!
02 June 2009

Lindos Ancient Roman ruins above the city, Turquiose sea below
01 June 2009

Our Fat Greek Dinner at Enigma - Yum!
31 May 2009

Swimming in the pool in the villa, miss you Tom Tom!
29 May 2009

The siblings in their sunday best for an old fashion English Wedding
29 May 2009

The whole Turner Family at Woody & Jo's Wedding
26 May 2009

A water lilly in Kew Gardens
25 May 2009

Kew gardens on the hot bank holiday definitely ice cream weather!
25 May 2009

Picnic in the Clapham common Antipodean style! Summer is here!
18 May 2009

Two Grahams, three Turners, one Jo and a Tom out to brunch at Ottolinghi's(sp) to help pass the jetlag.
16 May 2009

Found the royal opera house while finding our way home one winter night
15 May 2009

Found ourselves a new couch on the side walk! bargain!
03 May 2009

Let the long walk begin from the gates of Windsor Castle 5 km to be exact.
25 April 2009

Who ate all the pies in Highbury Fields? Tom did! Bring on the summer!
18 April 2009

Chilaxing in Victoria Park with our temporary flatties Marcus and Jess.
15 April 2009

Jen's big day and the three siblings together once again and looking mighty fine, might I add!
09 April 2009

Out celebrating Nigels 30th at a 9 course de-gustation at Citron. Love my photoshop work!
07 April 2009

Our New Zealand Engagement Party made it feel very real! Great excuse to catch up with everyone in NZ.
06 April 2009

A surprise visit from Brother and Sister, followed by a yum NZ dinner at Tinakori Bistro!
01 April 2009

Outside Nijô Castle in Kyoto. Amazing and very beautiful. Where can we get one?
31 March 2009

Munching on some tasty deep fried potato treat - coated in what tastes like the colonial's 11 secret herbs and spices!
30 March 2009

A bullet train to Kyoto leads to cherry blossom splendour!
27 March 2009

We have arrived! visited our local market and temple in Asakura, Tokyo
25 March 2009

A walk in Green Park
24 March 2009

It's Official, we have moved into Arsenal territory, Islington is definitely a step up!
23 March 2009

My first infrared photograph! A long way to go but a result!
14 March 2009

Saying our good byes to Fordwych Road, Here we come Islington!
02 March 2009

Is winter over yet?Winterleaf
02 February 2009

Just another day in kilburn, london. The most it has snowed in 18 years!
02 February 2009

Snowy night on Fordwych Road
21 January 2009

Proof that weather in London can be nice!
18 January 2009

Wondered around Guildford Castle on an out of London outing.
17 January 2009

Nibbled and feasted round Borough Markets with James and Kristy. Yum!
10 January 2009

First stop, hat shop, for a little Paris winter head warmer! Made on site by two young Parisians.
10 January 2009

A queue out the door, leading to no menu as steak and chips are it! Fantastic and worth the wait.
07 January 2009

Getting vertigo in the cheap seats with Jo & Shane at Oliver.
05 January 2009

Thanks Trish & Alan for the lovely new bed spread set care of Debenhams! The best day of the week 'Clean New Sheet Day'!
01 January 2009

Our last day in our lovely Riad Sabah in Marrakesh, 5 star living! Highly Recommended!
29 December 2008

Paul's 30th lunch at the fish market, Essaouira. You choose from the fresh fish and then they cook your fresh fish. Calamari and snapper were amazing. Very raw and gritty after the chow down.
28 December 2008

Relaxing on the Riad's roof terrace in the sunny Marrakesh. Off to Essaouira on the coast today!
25 December 2008

We braved the souks, food market for all our ingredients for Christmas dinner. Let just say it was really fresh chicken and I hope chickens don't have a long memory.
20 December 2008

We joined the masses for a London Christmas Shop. Madness! Pretty lights!
05 December 2008

Chateaubriand for two at Boheme Kitchen and Bar to celebrate Gini's birthday. Tastiest steak in town!
30 November 2008

Our last night in New York City which we finished with a bang, fine dining at Union Square cafe and apple martini's for dessert.
29 November 2008

We took a harbor cruise and meet the young lady herself.
28 November 2008

Tom's eyes light up as we near the 5th avenue's Apple store!
28 November 2008

Met up with an old Raroa Friend, Nichola for a lovely dinner in East Village followed by a few wines at the local on West side.
20 November 2008

A Design Christmas Dinner and dance to start the season!
19 November 2008

The opening night for somerset house skating! Moet in one hand, cosmo in another and caviar in the mouth. Rubbing shoulders with actors like Hermione and the famous Torvill & Dean duo. Just magical.
26 October 2008

Clear Channel Outdoor Conference Ball and my James Bond partner! Guess who?!
25 October 2008

Tom heads to Reading to watch Dons team (Reading). Game was average but the atmosphere was great.
20 October 2008

Lunch and Art at the Affordable Arts show.
18 October 2008

The end of a great Engagement Party at the Old Crown
13 October 2008

Our long legged, feathered friend by Hammersmith Bridge having a dip in the Thames
08 October 2008

Our last day in beautiful Barcelona was spent basking by the beach.
06 October 2008

On the roof terrace of the Gaudi designed apartments - Casa Batllo in Barcelona. Incredible!
29 September 2008

Tom grows a few more hairs for a good cause and runs 7km around London for Charity. ooga booga
12 September 2008

My taxi print job being screen printed & flocked - very exciting
07 September 2008

Today we ventured to unknown territory - Hatton Garden - where gems of all shapes and sizes tempted us with sparkles and price tags! We now feel better educated and a little closer to finding the elusive one ring.
29 August 2008

The Onslow girls together in london to celebrate our engagement! So surreal.. . Salut.
26 August 2008

After Tom pops the big question, we celebrate with Moules et Frites - avec Champagne et Bier at "Poules Moules" - Bruges style!
25 August 2008

Biked to Minnewater Park for our beer picnic and to relax in the beautiful flower gardens.
24 August 2008

Our first real bruges beer before our brugse zot beer tour. Quite tasty!
23 August 2008

Welcome to Bruges and the Lybeer Travellers' Lodge! Eurostar is definitely the way to travel.
21 August 2008

We had to sacrifice reddie to gods of the flats, it was a bloody... tasty bite! Can't beat home grown!
16 August 2008

A trolley ride home - the best type of transport we could find after the tubes closed. Highly recommended!
13 August 2008

For weeks we have admired the lush pears growing just out of reach from our window, so today at least one of us is getting some and what a cutie!
11 August 2008

Today we took a stroll down Leake Street which revealed a glimpse at London's underground street art.
09 August 2008

A little taste of summer sand on my way to work! Oh how i miss the beaches.
04 August 2008

Look how my T plant grows - 16 babies now!
29 July 2008

Last night we saw Twelfth Night at the Open Air Theatre in Regents Park. Great night until the heavens opened up 10 minutes till the end! The show went on, however.
25 July 2008

Caught up with a few ex Huttians in Green Park last night. Go the Hutt!
15 July 2008

Today, James and us caught a helicopter past the Hoover Dam and into the Grand Canyon. Incredible! We flew back via the Las Vegas strip.
12 July 2008

Apple martini and corona in Venice Las Vegas style.
11 July 2008

We're in the money with some Irish bonus spins in the Luxor casino.
09 July 2008

Today we missioned it to Clarion Alley in The Mission, near Mission Street, to check out some incredible painted murals.
07 July 2008

Today we spent 6 hours biking round SF on Tandem Bikes! Tiring great fun.
05 July 2008

Incredible Clam Chowder in a Sour Dough Bowl on one of the many SF Piers.
05 July 2008

Found a few more at Taylor's Automatic Refresher, Pier 1, SF
04 July 2008

On the plane to San Francisco, baby! Slightly delayed, but all good.
30 June 2008

Enjoying a cup of tea and sandwiches at the Dorchester for Mum's Birthday, very posh. Happy Birthday Mum!
15 June 2008

Just one of the many splendid views from a town called Lucignano
13 June 2008

Guess where we just landed?
08 June 2008

Having a sammie in Beer, Devon
07 June 2008

Enjoying the classic cornish pasty in the devon english sun. Yum.
18 May 2008

A spot of Cricket on Sunday at the Lords stadium, lots of wine and laughs to be had by all...
10 May 2008

Joined by the Nicholson + Wood party for a night in.
08 May 2008

Summer has hit us early as I don my shorts and jandles for the 6th day in a row!
27 April 2008

Tea & Anzac biscuits have never tasted so good. Remembering home...
25 April 2008

Vauxhill roller disco baby yea! Takes me back a few years, when bright tights and side ponytails were cool - go the eighties.
06 April 2008

What we woke up to in April why of course! Magical but cold!
22 March 2008

Day two at the Eden Project, Where giant honeycomb bubbles and bees protect eco friendly research environments - watch out Tom!
21 March 2008

Day one in the Cornish town of Penzance (pen sans) on the Land's End peninsula.
20 March 2008

On the train on the way to Penzance for Easter weekend! Not sure what were going to do?
19 March 2008

The end results of our first free sassoon haircut! Eekk we look like dollies. We are now world famous in japan.
15 March 2008

Getting the irish weekend off to a great guinness start! Cheers!
13 March 2008

In 6 sleeps time, this is our new address!! Assuming our references all check out...
08 March 2008

One of local lake residents of St Albans out for a bite to eat. I want one!
07 March 2008

Tom, looking pensive on his way to his first interview in 8 years. All the way in Gerrards Cross. Loving the overland though, so smooth and relaxing.
02 March 2008

After a yummy shout from brother James, upstairs at Electric. Fancy!
26 February 2008

Spring time in Queens Park with an oog da boog behind the tree. Out flat hunting - will the next one be the one?
24 February 2008

Enjoying a few drinks before shepherd's bush walk about.
21 February 2008

Made it to LA and decided to jump in a crazy taxi to the nearest Apple Store :). What an awesome way to whittle away our 6 hour stop over!
21 February 2008

Bye bye Wellington! On our first of three flights, this on to Auckland. Long road ahead of us!
21 February 2008

Saying goodbye to family at Wellington airport before our long flight to London.
19 February 2008

Bye bye sleepy bow-wow's. Stay furry.
18 February 2008

Playing "golf" at Lovelocks after a few beers with the boys. Cheers guys and see you in LV soon!
18 February 2008

See you laters, Cinta styles to the TBD crew. Chur guys!
17 February 2008

Another awesome Random B@stards weekend. Photos to come. Once the body recovers ......
14 February 2008

The little engine that could, affectionately known as Betsy. Unfortunately her latest repairs are causing us to say bye bye. Hopefully she finds new owners who can give her the TLC she needs :)
08 February 2008

Sleepy dog joins sleepy Tom on a night in.
03 February 2008

Having a laugh at Jen & Dave's engagement party. Congratulations guys!
26 January 2008

Two hatties do a scenic walk of the Eastern Walkway in Wellington.
19 January 2008

Josh finishes off his speech while preparing for his wedding. It was a fantastic day for a whisky on the deck!
16 January 2008

Enjoying Wellington's sunny warm weather with a Turner BBQ on the NEW deck!
14 January 2008

Tongariro Crossing before we climbed Mt Ngauruhoe for an added extra two hours to the Crossing
11 January 2008

A weekend in Martinborough to try the fine wine and weather with the Whanau
04 January 2008

The bridal party celebrating Graham & Lisa being married! The first for the Turner family!
31 December 2007

New Year's Eve welcoming in 2008 in 80s style! The Turner Family
30 December 2007

Straight off the plane and straight into the Hen's wine tour for Lisa's last day of freedom on Mt Tamborine!
30 December 2007

The boys prepare themselves for the "Worst Stag Do Ever". Stag in pink. Which was actually a pretty damn awesome day / night / morning.
26 December 2007

Meandering through Orchard Road Christmas lights in Singapore on Christmas night - full tummies from a buffet dinner.
22 December 2007

In London now next to Buckingham Palace. Cold but clear skies so can't complain!
17 December 2007

Paul's early birthday curry, cake and beer on Brick Lane. Gotta love those trick candles!
14 December 2007

Our last day in Krakow and it snows for us! Bags are packed and on our backs for the flight to London.
13 December 2007

Beer and vodka with Nick at a traditional polish beerhall in Warsaw in preparation for a "Glonka" - a massive pork knuckle!
09 December 2007

Enjoying the Christmas lights down Karl-Liebknecht-Straße in Berlin. Berlin has been awesome but we'll have to return to see everything! Tomorrow we head to Warsaw, Poland to meet up with Nick.
08 December 2007

Standing on both sides of Berlin - East & West side of where the Berlin Wall stood.
06 December 2007

Birthday desert for Gini in Prague's main square after a tasty dinner out. Went to a Christmas concert tonight which was cool. Off to Berlin tomorrow (if we can find accommodation)!
05 December 2007

Waiting for the astronomical clock in Prague's main square. Amazing place!
03 December 2007

More beer and sausage - this time at the Hofbrauhaus. Awesome food, beer and company.
03 December 2007

Beer and Sausage with Paul in Munich. On our way to the Disney Castle!
30 November 2007

Enjoying a Bratwurst sausage and Hotdog with the locals in Zurich.
28 November 2007

Loving the weather and reminded of NZ in Luzern. Beautiful. Old water tower / dungeon behind us.
26 November 2007

The view from one of Bern's towering bridges in Switzerland.
25 November 2007

Tom getting to know Juliet a little better!!! in return for good luck in Verona.
23 November 2007

La, la la la la la. Floating through the small canals of Venice on a Gondola. How romantic!
22 November 2007

The entire Piazza San Marco in Venice to ourselves!
21 November 2007

Up a crazy scary tower in Bologna. Open your eyes Gini!
20 November 2007

Nice good luck piggy in Florence. Feed him a coin and he gives you good luck. While dribbling on your hand.
17 November 2007

Outside Florence's incredible cathedral. Left Nige in Rome and continuing north.
15 November 2007

Munching on the best pizza in Rome. Thin base was good - but Naples thicker based toppings may have topped it!
14 November 2007

At a river on the base of Mount Etna! On our way up to the crater.
10 November 2007

At a Grotto on Capris - an island off the coast of Naples. Crazy beautiful place. Off to Pompeii tomorrow before night training it to Sicily.
09 November 2007

New addition to the Tang crew - Nige! Found him in Rome - now we're eating up large in Naples.
05 November 2007

Climbed to the top of Parc Chateau and were rewarded with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean and Nice below.
05 November 2007

Yesterday in Arles - following the Van Gogh scene trail - "Le Jardin de la Maison de Sante a Arles".
02 November 2007

On our way up to the Medieval City in Carcassonne! Blue skies and crisp.
28 October 2007

Hide and go seek in the Autumn leaves in Toulouse.
24 October 2007

On top of the biggest sand dune in Europe! Find out where.
23 October 2007

The last drop of St Emilion - one of Bordeaux's finest - before we head west to the coast in the morning.
21 October 2007

Visiting the cave where the 2006 vintage is fermenting for 2008 in the Bordeaux region.  
19 October 2007

Magical fountain in Bordeaux. Bit of a mission to get here due to train strike, but we're here!
17 October 2007

Enjoying a stroll around les Jardins de Marqueyssac, Dordogne. Rather lovely.
16 October 2007

From the dark medieval alleys of Sarlat-la-Canéda.
14 October 2007

Mingling with the masses in front of a massive out door tv screen in Limogen. Allez les bleus!
30 September 2007

We made it! 2300m high. What a trek.
30 September 2007

Lunch time! Half way up the mountain to the refuge where we stay tonight. Amazing vistas!
29 September 2007

Made it to Chamonix by bus. Enjoying burgers in the cold. Fantastic!
27 September 2007

Tom prepares to feast on his Birthday Lunch. HOM!
24 September 2007

Enjoying our spoils from our two days in Dijon. YUM
21 September 2007

Google maps showing where we live in Lyon (the green arrow). Pretty central!
18 September 2007

The view from our cosy apartment window. We've already settled in and enjoying the space and freedom!
15 September 2007

Our new french home for a month! Tres bon! Off to see if we can get into the rugby now.
10 September 2007

On day 12 we've picked all the grapes! It's party time but beforehand we visited this tiny church on top of the hill. What an experience!
01 September 2007

First break on day four. Never worked so hard in our lives! Sore and tired - but made new friends, eating awesome food 3 times a day and bottomless barrels of wine. A natural pain reliever!
29 August 2007

The pickers off to work on day one! Unfortunately the first day of rain!
29 August 2007

We made it! On the farm in Fleurie. We've seen the grapes - so many! Lot's of interesting people too.
27 August 2007

Picnic of all sorts of goodies - in the massive park, in lyon.
25 August 2007

Out for dinner in Lyon. An awesome salad for two (basket of bread is out of view) - including a "pot" of red wine. The menu usually has three wines - blanc, rose and rouge. We chose the rouge and found it most agreeable!
25 August 2007

Gini takes a swig from the first bottle we've bought. A 2 euro Syrah! Bit rough, but goes down well with cheese and funny sausage.
23 August 2007

Sitting in the square in Lyon eating a tartine. Yesterday was a travel day - without issues. Plane to paris, fast train to lyon and metro to hotel. Time to explore!
20 August 2007

Chilling outside the Sophie Ellis Bexter tent.
19 August 2007

On our way to V festival in a ... Pink Limo! Photo's to come.
16 August 2007

Paul, Tom and Gini at the "Great British Beer Festival" in Earls Court last Friday night.
16 August 2007

Squirrel! In Queens park, Kilburn.
16 August 2007

James, with food envy over Frenchies burger and chips (James had the junior burger). First GBK experience! YUM
15 August 2007

A delayed entry. 3 pecks and two other halves having a jug of pimms, darling, near the Thames.
10 August 2007

Guess where with who? Having a few and having fun in Brighton.
06 August 2007

Having a pint on the edge of the thames with jen, dave and james. This pint is for you dad.
05 August 2007

Two turkey's, i mean turners, at camdon market. Blue sky and sunshine - are we really in London?
03 August 2007

Tom's gone crazy at the massive apple store on Regent Street, London. This place is well cool.
31 July 2007

Crazy fish in the tv. Odd restaurant on big budda beach.
31 July 2007

Smoking from a massive bong on the beach. Apple flavour. Enjoying our second to last night on the island in style.
30 July 2007

On top of a view of an inland sea lake in Ang Thong National Park. Earlier we were snorkling at one of the many islands. Beautiful.
29 July 2007

This morning we woke early to watch the sun rise. Not as impressive as the sets, but still nice.
28 July 2007

Swimming at a waterfall on Koh Samui. Today we scooter round the island after 3 days at the beautiful beach.
26 July 2007

Sipping cocktails on Chaweng beach. This place is paradise. No wind, stars and a cool 29 degrees.
24 July 2007

Just pulling into Ko Samui on the ferry after 10 hours of bus, waiting and ferry. Exhausting, but after a 45 min taxi ride we should be in paradise. And eating. So hungry!
24 July 2007

Today we both got tatoo's. It's ok mum's - they will wash off over the next few weeks :). We bus and ferry to Ko Samui tomorrow morning for our final week in the sun.
22 July 2007

Phuket beach! Massive, warm watered, white sand, and not too crowded. If only i could find a laundry person.
21 July 2007

Today we fly from Ubon to Bangkok then onto Phuket. Leaving the east and venturing to the south of Thailand. Both looking forward to some beach side relaxation.
20 July 2007

3000-4000 year old cliff face paintings in the national park. Some old cave dude high on something went crazy.
20 July 2007

At a wat on the outskirts of Ubon. On our way to Pha Taem National Park on a motorbike. This one has gears! She'll be right.
19 July 2007

Huge golden candle in Ubon Ratchathani. Off exploring the town now. And eat!
19 July 2007

Another bus day today. Our bus tickets to Ubon Ratchathani from Nakhon Phanom. Stayed here last night - a relatively english speaking free town with views of Laos' mountain ranges.
18 July 2007

Crazy bus station at nong khai. Waiting for 10.40 bus to take us to Ubon Ratchathani down the Mekong. First bus experience so wish us luck!
17 July 2007

Relaxing at what seems like a ghost hotel - but with a huge and clean pool.
16 July 2007

Biked to crazy bizaro giant sculpture garden. Some as high as 50 meters! 35 degrees and feeling it.
16 July 2007

Made it to nong khai. 15 hour train! Not sure why it was 3 hours late. Very quiet and peaceful here for a change. Lunch time - we're starving!
16 July 2007

A room with a view. On the train to Nong Khai with our own room! A nice suprise - but explains why our tickets were 1300 baht each! Depart in 25 mins, arrive in 12.5 hours. Should be fun.
15 July 2007

Today we head back to bangkok for the day. Waiting for the train at Ayutthaya station. Where's Gini?
14 July 2007

A picnic, kiwi style by the river. Bread, peanut butter and fanta. Way too hot for hot food!
14 July 2007

Drinking fresh tasty coconut at a ruin in Ayutthaya - the old capital. Delicious! And refreshing.
13 July 2007

Waiting at the train station for our 2.50pm ride out of chaing mai. Unfortunately no air-con left, only fan! We've stocked up waters :-P
13 July 2007

Just left hotel in a tuk tuk, on our way to the train station to sort out leaving chaing mai! It's been fun.
10 July 2007

Relaxing with a beer next to the mae ping river in chaing mai. The heat tires you quickly!
06 July 2007

Sorry for the lack of entries .. Unfortunately my cellphone can TXT but not PXT .. So there goes the whole thing! This is sent from a dodgey little internet cafe in Bangkok .. Having a great time, will update when we can :). Feel free to text Tom.
03 July 2007

This is for you, derek. Big mac at darling harbour. Yum.
03 July 2007

Last day in Sydney today before venturing into un-chartered territory.
02 July 2007

Our shadows, at manly beach. Another beautiful day in sydney.
01 July 2007

Correction... Bondi beach! My bad. On our way to lunch.
01 July 2007

A new addition to the little red racer! Lauren! Now off to manly for long walks along the beach.
30 June 2007

Holiday beer number one at sydney's oldest pub. Cool markets too. Cept for the chili.
30 June 2007

Breakfast on the way at brothers.
30 June 2007

Landed! It now feels like we're on holiday.
30 June 2007

Bye bye! It's sleepy fly time.
30 June 2007

2 hours sleep, eyes - they are burning. But we're off to the airport!
29 June 2007

It's a miracle! We're both packed. Not without some sacrifices, however...
29 June 2007

Will it all fit? We will know soon...
29 June 2007

The packing continues... I need an easier to use filter system.
28 June 2007

Bat dog Paddy to the rescue.
28 June 2007

Old fashioned trifle!
28 June 2007

Mia
28 June 2007

Dinner at the Peck's. Yum.
28 June 2007

Wine and cheese at niges. Had to say goodbye to Betsy too!
28 June 2007

Frantic packing. What to take!
28 June 2007

On our way to TBD to print Gini's portfolio. Counting down the hours!