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On This Day in Tang

February 3

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.

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.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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.

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.

2018

iPad time. Going to need a third one soon!

iPad time. Going to need a third one soon!

iPad time. Going to need a third one soon! 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?!" 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?!" 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?!"

2017

Tom's gone crazy at the massive apple store on Regent Street, London. This place is well cool.

Tom's gone crazy at the massive apple store on Regent Street, London. This place is well cool.

Two turkey's, i mean turners, at camdon market. Blue sky and sunshine - are we really in London? Having a pint on the edge of the thames with jen, dave and james. This pint is for you dad. Guess where with who? Having a few and having fun in Brighton. Squirrel! In Queens park, Kilburn. On our way to V festival in a ... Pink Limo! Photo's to come. Chilling outside the Sophie Ellis Bexter tent. 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. Picnic of all sorts of goodies - in the massive park, in lyon. We made it! On the farm in Fleurie. We've seen the grapes - so many! Lot's of interesting people too. We made it! On the farm in Fleurie. We've seen the grapes - so many! Lot's of interesting people too. The pickers off to work on day one! Unfortunately the first day of rain! Waiting for the astronomical clock in Prague's main square. Amazing place! Beer and vodka with Nick at a traditional polish beerhall in Warsaw in preparation for a "Glonka" - a massive pork knuckle! In London now next to Buckingham Palace. Cold but clear skies so can't complain! A new addition to the little red racer! Lauren! Now off to manly for long walks along the beach. Correction... Bondi beach! My bad. On our way to lunch. Our shadows, at manly beach. Another beautiful day in sydney. This is for you, derek. Big mac at darling harbour. Yum. Sorry for the lack of entries ..&nbsp; 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 :).&nbsp; Feel free to text Tom. Relaxing with a beer next to the mae ping river in chaing mai. The heat tires you quickly! Just left hotel in a tuk tuk, on our way to the train station to sort out leaving chaing mai! It's been fun. 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 Drinking fresh tasty coconut at a ruin in Ayutthaya - the old capital. Delicious! And refreshing. A picnic, kiwi style by the river. Bread, peanut butter and fanta. Way too hot for hot food! Today we head back to bangkok for the day. Waiting for the train at Ayutthaya station. Where's Gini? 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. 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! Biked to crazy bizaro giant sculpture garden. Some as high as 50 meters! 35 degrees and feeling it. Relaxing at what seems like a ghost hotel - but with a huge and clean pool. 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! 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. Huge golden candle in Ubon Ratchathani. Off exploring the town now. And eat! 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. 3000-4000 year old cliff face paintings in the national park. Some old cave dude high on something went crazy. 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. Phuket beach! Massive, warm watered, white sand, and not too crowded. If only i could find a laundry person. 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. 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! Sipping cocktails on Chaweng beach. This place is paradise. No wind, stars and a cool 29 degrees. Swimming at a waterfall on Koh Samui. Today we scooter round the island after 3 days at the beautiful beach. This morning we woke early to watch the sun rise. Not as impressive as the sets, but still nice. 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. Smoking from a massive bong on the beach. Apple flavour. Enjoying our second to last night on the island in style. Crazy fish in the tv. Odd restaurant on big budda beach. On our way to TBD to print Gini's portfolio. Counting down the hours! Frantic packing. What to take! Dinner at the Peck's. Yum. Mia Old fashioned trifle! Bat dog Paddy to the rescue. Wine and cheese at niges. Had to say goodbye to Betsy too!<br /> The packing continues... I need an easier to use filter system. Will it all fit? We will know soon... It's a miracle! We're both packed. Not without some sacrifices, however... It's a miracle! We're both packed. Not without some sacrifices, however... 2 hours sleep, eyes - they are burning. But we're off to the airport! Bye bye! It's sleepy fly time. Landed! It now feels like we're on holiday. Breakfast on the way at brothers. Holiday beer number one at sydney's oldest pub. Cool markets too. Cept for the chili. On our way up to the Medieval City in Carcassonne! Blue skies and crisp. New addition to the Tang crew - Nige! Found him in Rome - now we're eating up large in Naples. At a river on the base of Mount Etna! On our way up to the crater. Munching on the best pizza in Rome. Thin base was good - but Naples thicker based toppings may have topped it! Outside Florence's incredible cathedral. Left Nige in Rome and continuing north. Mingling with the masses in front of a massive out door tv screen in Limogen. Allez les bleus! Magical fountain in Bordeaux. Bit of a mission to get here due to train strike, but we're here! The last drop of St Emilion - one of Bordeaux's finest - before we head west to the coast in the morning. On top of the biggest sand dune in Europe! Find out where. 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! 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! Our new french home for a month! Tres bon! Off to see if we can get into the rugby now. Google maps showing where we live in Lyon (the green arrow). Pretty central! Made it to Chamonix by bus. Enjoying burgers in the cold. Fantastic! Lunch time! Half way up the mountain to the refuge where we stay tonight. Amazing vistas! We made it! 2300m high. What a trek. The "combo"s you could choose from in the gun range - I chose the World War II package. Not sure why. Vauxhill roller disco baby yea! Takes me back a few years, when bright tights and side ponytails were cool - go the eighties. A little taste of summer sand on my way to work! Oh how i miss the beaches. A trolley ride home - the best type of transport we could find after the tubes closed. Highly recommended! Welcome to Bruges and the Lybeer Travellers' Lodge! Eurostar is definitely the way to travel. Our first real bruges beer before our brugse zot beer tour. Quite tasty! Biked to Minnewater Park for our beer picnic and to relax in the beautiful flower gardens. The Onslow girls together in london to celebrate our engagement! So surreal.. . Salut. A Design Christmas Dinner and dance to start the season! Tom's eyes light up as we near the 5th avenue's Apple store! Sleepy dog joins sleepy Tom on a night in. 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 :) See you laters, Cinta styles to the TBD crew. Chur guys! Playing "golf" at Lovelocks after a few beers with the boys. Cheers guys and see you in LV soon! Bye bye Wellington! On our first of three flights, this on to Auckland. Long road ahead of us! 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! Enjoying a few drinks before shepherd's bush walk about. Enjoying a few drinks before shepherd's bush walk about. Enjoying a few drinks before shepherd's bush walk about. Spring time in Queens Park with an oog da boog behind the tree. Out flat hunting - will the next one be the one? The boys prepare themselves for the &quot;Worst Stag Do Ever&quot;. Stag in pink. Which was actually a pretty damn awesome day / night / morning. On the plane to San Francisco, baby! Slightly delayed, but all good. We're in the money with some Irish bonus spins in the Luxor casino. Apple martini and corona in Venice Las Vegas style. 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. Caught up with a few ex Huttians in Green Park last night. Go the Hutt! 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. Enjoying the classic cornish pasty in the devon english sun. Yum. Guess where we just landed? After a yummy shout from brother James, upstairs at Electric. Fancy! 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. One of local lake residents of St Albans out for a bite to eat. I want one! In 6 sleeps time, this is our new address!! Assuming our references all check out... Getting the irish weekend off to a great guinness start! Cheers! The end results of our first free sassoon haircut! Eekk we look like dollies. We are now world famous in japan. On the train on the way to Penzance for Easter weekend! Not sure what were going to do? Summer has hit us early as I don my shorts and jandles for the 6th day in a row! Joined by the Nicholson + Wood party for a night in. 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 &amp; Dean duo. Just magical. My taxi print job being screen printed &amp; flocked - very exciting Our street Camden Passage, night walk Out celebrating Nigels 30th at a 9 course de-gustation at Citron. Love my photoshop work! Delete Christmas dinner at the Albion. Tasty, drunken, madness! In front of the Blue Mosque at night in Istanbul. On top of the world in Cappadocia! Picnic in the park at Hampstead Heath followed by a swim in the ponds and some Swedish music! Please note: You cannot reply to this message via email.Testing that these still work. Saying our good byes to Fordwych Road, Here we come Islington! We have arrived! visited our local market and temple in Asakura, Tokyo A bullet train to Kyoto leads to cherry blossom splendour! Munching on some tasty deep fried potato treat - coated in what tastes like the colonial's 11 secret herbs and spices! The final night of drunken antic cabin fever aboard our Croatian vessel. A happy, blurry Tom outside the Brixton Academy about to see Massive Attack! James joins us for a tasty tagine birthday dinner, and umpteen drinks! Clear Channel Outdoor Marketing group, 2010 Did a spot of "wild camping" last night in Elexalde as the campsite was too full to fit Smurfy. Gini makes a new friend "Azreal" in Llanes, Spain. No, we cant take her with us. Amazing beach after amazing beach as we drive and swim our way west along Spains coast. Back to the coast we reach. This one the north coast of Portugal. Beautiful weather but cold seas! Porto's porto with old town behind. Another beautiful day in paradise. 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!  Delicious fish stew and quite possibly the best bread Tom has tasted. Aveiro, Portugal. 5* camping outside of Sintra? No, but it feels like it. Nice to have a pool to cool off in. Biking through the mist of Parque Natural de Sintra Cascais on the way to Sintra Vile A quick stop at Lisbon's castle before we head out east, Spain bound (via a final Portuguese night in Evora). Never far from a dip to cool off in, in Toledo, Spain. Campsite has a massive 25m pool! Delicious. A spot of rain out the door this morning just south of Alicante. Pretty happy we're not in a tent at this point! Cool dude with his new hat and his cool spray fan. Swim time! Yay for the warm water of the Med! 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! Enjoying some quiet time in Madrid's fantastic Parque del Retiro. 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. Caught up with Don and Salina in Barcelona for two nights. Lots of fun and great food! Sunset swim and wild camping near Montepiller tonight. Beautiful beach. Back to the familiarity of France.  Waiting for the lake ferry in Menaggio to return to Bellagio after a day of visiting the pretty surrounding villages. Expresso macchiatto with the Turner parents in Bellagio, Lake Como. We missed out on the Inca Trail trek due to illness, but we still managed to get to the incredible Machu Picchu! Breathtakingly awesome. Visited one of the weird and wonderful floating islands on Lake Titicaca Tom enjoys being a giant on the salt flats, west from Uyuni in Bolivia Gini celebrates her birthday with a few hundred flamingos on Laguna Colorada in Bolivia - just magical! After a day biking the vineyards, we settle down to some more Malbec tastings in Mendoza, Argentina. Very tasty indeed! Enjoying a (badly translated) fried yam drink? at a pretty park with a view in Santiago, Chile. Fly home tonight! We finally get to meet Nephew Alex 1! Such a happy little dude at 7 months. We also had a Boxing Day Christmas Dinner with the Pecks in Taupo (not in the photo: little sleeping Alex). My last day at CCO Design & Marketing team, a bunch of lovely people to work with Our vw van was christened smurfy today ready for tomorrows adventure! Dinner on it's way - night 2 - Bayeux, France. Nom nom nom. Biking to Omaha beach tomorrow for a swim with the mines. Tasty baguettes on Omaha beach. No sign of the war. A well earned Cider after a day of sun and biking. Bit pink round the edges. Crepes and wine for two in cute little Vitre. Big day! Gini takes the Smurfy reigns for the first time. Site 220 in Blois, Loire Valley right by the Loire river - parfais! Crepe preparation underway with Anna and Perry in Blois after a bike ride to Cheverny Chateau and back. San Sebastian beach. Absolute paradise. Lunch at Chateau Chambord. Baguettes and  red wine. Escargot entree in Blois before Anna and Perry head back to London. CCO girls trip to the Dam, next to canal in the Red Light district. Horse Riding in the Black Mountains in Wales with the kiwi girls! Took a hike up a hill from Aurland, Norway to see this amazing view. Rocking out to Pearl Jam in Hyde Park's Hard Rock Calling. The amazing view from near the top of Mount Snowdon. The weather gods surely shined upon us today! Amazing Escadaria de Selaron, tiled staircase in Rio by a Chilian artist. Features a few NZ tiles here and there! Fist Argentinian steak - from Puerto Iguazu, just over the border from Brazil. Many more to come! Tom makes a new heavy scratchy colourful friend at Parque das Aves near Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. 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 the trip - 15 hours! Was surprisingly comfy.  Getting wet at the Garganta del Diablo at the Iguazu Falls, Argentina side. Absolutely incredible! 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. Checking out the Portuguese colonial style houses in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Enjoying a fantastically large Argentinean cookie in Mayo Square outside the Pink Palace, Buenos Aires. Wandering the peaceful lanes in Cementerio de la Recoleta and stumbled across Evita's family plot. Today we ventured to Caminto, a fascinating area in La Boca, Buenos Aires. Didn't do much in the day we had in Lima, but we did have a super tasty sandwich in a nice flowery square! Tearing up the dunes in a buggy in Huacachina near Ica. Massive adrenaline rush! The old Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, near Cusco. It's amazing what these little Inca people did with these massive stones. 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! Porridge for two, at a small seaside campsite 1hr out from Zadar. Have to love Croatian weather! 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! Tom retrieves our left behind mat as we past Selce on our return journey & hopefully last coastal drive out of Croatia! Decided to pop in to Hallstatt, Austria, on our way to Salzburg. Tomorrow we go a walking in the hills! Tasty Edelweiss wheat beer and goulash at a restaurant overlooking Hallstatt - a massive one hour hike to get here! Tasty Edelweiss wheat beer and goulash at a restaurant overlooking Hallstatt - a massive one hour hike to get here! Tom with his new hat in Residenzplatz, Salzburg. Tomorrow we see if the hills are still alive and hopefully see a Mozart piano concert. Awaiting a little Mozart at a little church in Salzburg. The lady who played had the most distracting facial expressions! 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! 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! A Smurf sized spot in Calais as we prepare to spend possibly our last night together before ferrying to London tomorrow. 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! We stop at another pretty lakeside town on our way south through Italy, this one Bolsena. 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! Last day on Amalfi coast before we drop the guests back at Naples before heading across country to Bari to overnight ferry to Dubrovnik. 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. We woke up this morning with a new friend - Purry, pronounced "Perry". Can we keep her? Walking the amazing walls in Dubrovnik. Loving this place! Having fun with Em and Seb at the amazing views over Kotor Bay, Montenegro. The incredible view from Vosac peak on Biokovo National Park, Croatia. Worth the hike up! Just jumped onto a car ferry to Brac island, destination Bol. Best white pebble beach ever! Bit of a whim but what the hay :).  Fantastic fish eye mirror near Camp Mario, Bol, Brac Island. Beautiful weather today so to the beach we go! 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. Driving in convoy with poo & flatties to Zadar for some night action. First rainy day in 9 weeks! 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. Camping old school at Bohinj Lake, Slovenia. Dropped in temperature but enjoying getting back to nature. Enjoying our hot tea at the top of peak Visevnik after a lost then found hard trail up in the Julian Alps. Delicious (and cheap!) Goulash, Bread Dumplings and Chips at a pub in pretty Bled, Slovenia. Saying goodbye to Marin, our friendly Croatian mechanic, so we can leave the tent behind for Smurfy once again! Taking a stroll through Plitvice National Park with Si and Cath. Remarkable place but a pity about all the tourists. Tom gets his birthday breakfast from a small town in Austria called Hartberg where we stayed last night to shelter from the downpour. Tasty Viennese coffee (Melange) and chocolate cake for supper after a wander around town. Jo and Shane's beautiful wedding at Church Road vineyard in Napier. Congratulations guys! Introducing our first bean baby Peck to our family. Only 12 weeks preborn! Amazing views as we come into land at Queenstown. Amazing bluebird day at Treble Cone with Shane and Jo. Stunning views. 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! The wedding invites of all wedding invites. All ready to go! 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. Lisa and Graham shout us all lunch at Sticky Fingers in Christchurch for their third wedding anniversary. Yum. A couple of hardcore surfers emerge from the waves of Sumner Beach, Christchurch. Hardcore! We visited Ron Mueck's weird and wonderful exhibition at the Christchurch Art Gallery. In our lounge flat karori- moving in this weekend! This weekend we decided to resurrect an old family table that has been through the wars. The result is most pleasing! Lyon has opened his eyes! 2 weeks old and so cute! Visited Lyon at 3 weeks old! So cute! A nice dusting on Mt Ruapehu. Bring on a fantastic ski season! A fun run in the yard with Charlie. A good catch up with Rup too! A fun run in the yard with Charlie. A good catch up with Rup too! Gini gets creative making a cover for our new Bean Bed! So comfy. Gini gets creative making a cover for our new Bean Bed! So comfy. Our beautiful wedding photos, framed in gorgeous frames get hung. Our beautiful wedding photos, framed in gorgeous frames get hung. A sunny Sunday afternoon makes up for the rest of the weekends less than average weather. A sunny Sunday afternoon makes up for the rest of the weekends less than average weather. We invite the Ngaio and Brisbane Turners around for a brunch in the Karori sun. We invite the Ngaio and Brisbane Turners around for a brunch in the Karori sun. Lyon makes a new buddy. 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! Fun at Petone Beach. Fun at Petone Beach. Lyon "meets" Nigel & Lana's fluff balls! Lyon shows his skills at tunnelling, we are so proud! Lyon shows his skills at tunnelling, we are so proud! Lyon shows his skills at tunnelling, we are so proud! Lyon shows his skills at tunnelling, we are so proud! This is the last time we are ever early! Tom gets to experience being 5 months pregnant at antenatal classes Yummy homemade pizza for dinner thanks to Gini's Italian cooking classes. Death by chocolate cake. Even Lyon got a few drops. Death by chocolate cake. Even Lyon got a few drops. Death by chocolate cake. Even Lyon got a few drops. Sleepy dog on a Sunday family lie in. Today Lyon's walk was cut short by a few menacing cows on the track. Bye bye Wellington. On our way to Brisbane for the weekend! Look who met me in the botanicals to grab the last of the sun and spring flowers! 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! Saturday morning climbing daddy's legs in bed Made it safe and sound to a beautiful Taupo afternoon. Olive slept well between two feed breaks. Well done! Andy and Tom finished the marathon! Around 4 hours!!!! Well done! Andy and Tom finished the marathon! Around 4 hours!!!! Lyon takes the wheel on car ride home Fun in the bath with Duckie. Olive's Four Fingered Monster and the Peanut Butter Toast. Jolly jumper jiggles with a ferrel Lyon. Olive and the Chicken Drum Stick. Olive's first taste of meat seemed to go down a treat.= Olives sound repertoire now include goos, gahs, frog croaks and her new one - a throat clearing cough. Fun with Photo Booth Fun with Photo Booth Fun with Photo Booth Fun with Photo Booth Olive gets wet at her last day of playcentre this year. Olive gets wet at her last day of playcentre this year. Olive the Musician. Fast asleep after lunch with Lana & Antony in town, buggy facing out has gone down a treat. She had it for a few seconds! That tooth is coming in handy! She had it for a few seconds! That tooth is coming in handy! She had it for a few seconds! That tooth is coming in handy! She had it for a few seconds! That tooth is coming in handy! Getting jolly on the jolly jumper. Not really jumping yet but still jolly! Getting jolly on the jolly jumper. Not really jumping yet but still jolly! Lunch with Aunty Lisa, cousin Ali and co. On a lovely warm winter still day. Olive gets the 4 month munchies. 4 months old today! My how time flies. 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! 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! Braving town in the carry sling big day! Father & daughter train for marathon around karori park It's official! Olive is legally a kiwi born baby! Finally asleep on mummy after the worst sleepless night ever! 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. Out for a stroll in granny's colourful blanket - thanks granny! Olive has some Tummy time! Lyon goes mad underneath the dining table. 4 months old. Today Olive surprised us with laughing for the first time! Olive wakes up. Such a chirpy wee thing. Today Olive decided she doesn't want to lie on her back, thank you very much! 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. Out of the blue, Olive decides to start clapping. Now she won't stop! Seeing eye to eye with Lyon Fur Brotherly Love. Lyon has become rather close to Olive lately. Sometimes too close.= Nan & sun for lunch on oriental beach. Gorgeous roses! I loved them all! Hmm where to put more roses in our garden... Gorgeous roses! I loved them all! Hmm where to put more roses in our garden... Gorgeous roses! I loved them all! Hmm where to put more roses in our garden... Off to buy pots was bought to a stop as olive enjoyed Nan's comforty car seat, an hour and a half later, we emerge quite rested. All aboard our first flight with Olive! Here we come Melbourne! Wine and tasty food at a lovely vineyard I can't quite remember the name of. Fish and chips at the quaint old town Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. Sandcastles, sun and a sleeping Mexican at Number 16 Beach, Mornington Peninsula. Fun in Ali's new sand pit thanks to Uncle Paul's handiwork. Fun in Ali's new sand pit thanks to Uncle Paul's handiwork. Where's Mr Lyon? Happy Fathers Day! Olive decides it's time to roll over from front to back. I'm a big girl now! Sitting up and choosing my toys! I'm a big girl now! Sitting up and choosing my toys! I'm a big girl now! Sitting up and choosing my toys! I'm a big girl now! Sitting up and choosing my toys! Olive hanging with her bigger buddies Flex & Isabelle. 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 says Mum. A slow walk around karori park. We made it half way around. Footballer perhaps? Curtain peekaboo! 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! 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's dance moves are getting funky Olive tastes ice cream. Or does she? 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. 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 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 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 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! 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 pun nets at the supermarket. Apples are plentiful too, might need to clip off a few! Tag: garden 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 pun nets at the supermarket. Apples are plentiful too, might need to clip off a few! Tag: garden 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 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. Dinner with the grandparents while daddy has Christmas drinks. Another speed purchase at mitre 10 with mama's Christmas present! Picked up a baby olive at a bargin price too. Managed a short walk in the karori dog park, olive enjoyed walking which is good practice! Dresses Olive's First Outdoor Adventure Olive says Woof! Olive says Woof! Olive and the water snake! Getting the hang of the trolly pretty quick smart! Olives 1st Birthday Party Timelapse! Olive enjoying splashing in khandallah pool in the hot sun! Sent from my iPhone Olive's first birthday present from Mummy and Daddy! Olives 1st Birthday Party Timelapse! P.S. See the entry for photos. Lyon's New Trick Delirious Alfresco Dining Destroyer of Sand Castles! We took Lyon to Petone for a swim to remove a poo dag. It was successful! Olive & Lyon at play. The first time they have properly interacted with each other. No need to panic, gangles was found this morning, after a long weekend without our orange recycled friend. The latest hairdo fashion : raspberry yoghurt. Tasty! Olive and Lyon's door Olive's house in the middle of our lounge. She spent a good 45mins going around and up and down Family selfie. I'm not sure if mama playmobil will ever be quite the same again. She has been moojed. I'm not sure if mama playmobil will ever be quite the same again. She has been moojed. Alex chilling with Lyon in Taupo while we were away on holiday. "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. Dancing? Singing? and a lost Pengi Reminded me of London on the dog walk this morning. 0.4 degrees outside! Up down action with feeding Lyon thrown in for fun! Sleeping and standing. Olive takes some steps! 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. Bucket head. Bucket head. Bucket head. 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! My dark purple iris has finally come through, 4 more to come hopefully! The light purple and white ones have finished. Daddy Close the Door! Daddy, close the door! Chipmunks at the pool. We enjoyed the sun and getting our feet wet at the beach followed by sneaky milkshakes and muffins. 31 degrees today! nothing like a game of ball just before bed, Lyon enjoyed getting in on the action too. ________________________ Gini Peck Graphic Designer BDes (Hons) Molehill Creations Ltd M/ 021 081 17399 Broc broc! It has finally got heads! Baby broc as olive explained to me. Shoe fedish contines.. Olive's counting is really coming along, If you we ask what time it is, it is always either six o'clock or four. She always seems to miss five? and when asked how many of something it is always two, two, two. ________________________ Gini Peck Graphic Designer BDes (Hons) Molehill Creations Ltd M/ 021 081 17399 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 did hold up our wall (which is now gone) and say 'Dave'. 'Tools'. So now Dave is the noisy one in the family - fits doesn't it. ________________________ Gini Peck Graphic Designer BDes (Hons) Molehill Creations Ltd M/ 021 081 17399 An array of football skills present here. 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 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!= 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 helps Olive chases Lyon for a change! Tiptoe, Quickstep Olive and Ben get into a spot of Football in Martinborough, there sure is some talent there. ________________________ Gini Peck Graphic Designer BDes (Hons) Molehill Creations Ltd M/ 021 081 17399 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 really got into this toy from the library. She spent long periods just pushing the buttons and dancing. So cute. 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 love playing catch with her hands out ready and kicking the ball around spontaneously. 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 enjoying being a bee. Two years of taking a photo with the iPhone every so often. Sack Heads 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' 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' 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' 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. 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! It was over 28 degrees today and no wind. Can't beat it. Just about to enjoy f&c on our lawn with our new friend Hilda the hippo (Gini's birthday present) 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. Bouncy Iriee. She loves jumping about. Also loves watching Lyon and especially olive. It was over 28 degrees today and no wind. Can't beat it. Just about to enjoy f&c on our lawn with our new friend Hilda the hippo (Gini's birthday present) Olive still says 'No' to most questions even when she means yes. A recent conversation about her sibling and our visit to the midwife. 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. 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. Popped in to see Anthony for brunch. We were going to check out the trains in Silverstream but will save it for another day! To wake up Iris this morning, Olive showered her with 'baby' soft toys. To wake up Iris this morning, Olive showered her with 'baby' soft toys. 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. A lovely story was posted to Olive's day care website today. A lovely story was posted to Olive's day care website today. Day 16: It's official! Iris Ann Peck. Starting to wake for night feeds. Sleeping pretty well day and night, may it last! 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 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. Cuddles with Nan. 3 weeks old and still a happy little sleepy baby. May it last! Doro comes the meet little Iris. Slept the whole time! > > 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. > > Caught Olive in her own little world, telling me what she is doing while she was doing it. > 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!' My little garden helper. Olive was always up for helping with the gardening. Loved spotting potatoes too. Lyon Tunnel Greytown Playground fun. 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. Sara & Tom and Anna & Eva came to visit little Iris and bought some tummy treats and gifts for her. Lovely chaotic morning ladies! Waiting patiently for the doctor at A&E. Olive woke with a rash from head to toe at 4am and it just kept getting worst so we had our first trip to hospital. 4 hours later it has started to go down, what a mission. All very shattered today. 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. Olive and Bunny Piano duet. Just the four of us. Enjoying our family. And spotting hairy maclary dogs at the beach. After a terrible night sleep, We are ready for home! Olive very excited about bring little sis iris home. The Milkrowave 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. 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. 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. 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. Jolly Jumping Iris 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. 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! We enjoyed the afternoon sun with a walk down to the park and a attempt at scootering again. Caught up with Freya and Scarlett at the playground after a yummy ice block. An exciting morning - Iris joins us at the table for her first taste of food. Apple! Iris Timelapse. Testing fun new iPhone feature. 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! 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. 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. 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 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 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 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. It has taken us ages to catch this on video but Richard Scary has been teaching Olive a few songs! We setup the iPad on record so Olive could see herself in the mirror while doing her makeup this morning. Caught iris laughing today, which she has just started doing. Just magical and heart warming. 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. Caught Iris laughing today, which she has just started doing. Just magical and heart warming. The side comes off! Big day. We join the Foo's at the botanicals for Dutch Tulip day. Tasty food, fun entertainment and of course the beautiful tulips. We join the Foo's at the botanicals for Dutch Tulip day. Tasty food, fun entertainment and of course the beautiful tulips. We join the Foo's at the botanicals for Dutch Tulip day. Tasty food, fun entertainment and of course the beautiful tulips. Olive helped bake and decorated daddy's birthday cake. 35 years today. Olive sung a lovely birthday song too. We have rolled over from back to front. She was happy under the gym one second and then the next smiling on her tummy! Olive takes bubble bath to a new level, Iriee thinks it is hilarious. We finally had a trip into the city by bus! Olive enjoyed the popup beach in Civic Square. It is a wonder to watch Iriee Ann playing. She is so fascinated by everything. This kept Iris amused for a good 30 minutes. Iris tunnel of love! The baby iris's are out! Just a few of the irinee antics. 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 :). Iris gets an early present from olive, super pleased with the drink bottle. 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. A Dinner with Iris 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. 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! 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! 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! 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. Iriee's laugh is just gorgeous. Its a real chuckle. Olive is getting more adventurous with her jumping. Iris Carrot Top Head. Olive is getting on board with the Iris entertaining. Very easily amused. So cute. The home made kayak cover/ pink tutu is working wonders on keeping our lobster clean! Easy for Iris to find her food too. The home made kayak cover/ pink tutu is working wonders on keeping our lobster clean! Easy for Iris to find her food too. The home made kayak cover/ pink tutu is working wonders on keeping our lobster clean! Easy for Iris to find her food too. 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. 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. Forward Determination. Iris is certainly no sitter like her sister was. Don't get caught with egg on your face... 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. 4 fingered carrot! Tag: Garden Backyard Swinging! Not the best spot for the swing, but it works for now. Iris the Musician. With a flourish to finish! 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).  Iriee's New Tricks. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. So far Iris has been a very good eater. Here's hoping it continues! Olive Goes Sledding Toy Library Toy Fun 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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? Iris and I popped into town for sushi with daddy. Love these sunny winter days. Christmas came early this year! And has already been pooped on by a bird who'd eaten too many berries! 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. 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. My girls 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! 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! 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! 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! 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! Christmas nuts for kindy decorated by olive. 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. 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. 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. 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. A few frames from 2012-2016 of our back yard. How far we've come! 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 kindy group! Hanging with Iriee. Quite the little potterra. Happy cruising and finding things to do. Now she follows everything olive does and so it begins... 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. Tag: garden Olive brought home a sunflower seedling from kindy and look at this bad boy now! Tunnel Slide Fun. Iris led the way on doing loops of the tunnel slide at Aotea Lagoon playground. No fear! First full day with nan and grandad! They had a lovely day and mummy and daddy got 7 hours in the garden! Sore now! 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. Olive and Freya got the hang of these ramps at Waitangi park, happy doing this for ages! Iris has been really interested in photos of late... Iris Gate Escape. Luckily we have two gates between the deck and a full escape. 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! Finally it is feeling like autumn! The Karori Playcentre 75th memorabilia has arrived... Hope everyone likes them! 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 does Gym Tots! Iris does Gym Tots! 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?... 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?... F&C's with seven girls! The dads got quite a surprise when faced with 7 girls as they arrived for dinner. 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! 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! More zoo photos More zoo photos Happy birthday daddy cake! Decorated by your girls. Jessie's fifth birthday! Olives best friend at Kindy. Our ballerinas. 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. Ballerina Sisters 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 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. Play date with Mia & Amy at the botanical gardens to check out tulips and baby ducklings. Play date with Mia & Amy at the botanical gardens to check out tulips and baby ducklings. Play date with Mia & Amy at the botanical gardens to check out tulips and baby ducklings. Play date with Mia & Amy at the botanical gardens to check out tulips and baby ducklings. Ballet Battles Beach Bunnies Ballerina Sisters. The Washing Ballerina Sisters 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. The kids peg painting boards are done! Just waiting on pegs now... The kids peg painting boards are done! Just waiting on pegs now... A catchup with jonty and tiff. A private ballet class (no one else turned up!) for both the girls. A private ballet class (no one else turned up!) for both the girls. A private ballet class (no one else turned up!) for both the girls. 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. 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. 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. We had lunch at the Hamilton gardens and walked through the amazing garden rooms. Sun and sand. A glorious day so we had f&c's on the beach. 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. 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. 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. Milla came over for a cousin play date. Cookie cutting, tea party and playing shop. Busy morning but lovely to see three playing together. Milla came over for a cousin play date. Cookie cutting, tea party and playing shop. Busy morning but lovely to see three playing together. 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. Not bad! Milla came over for a cousin play date. Cookie cutting, tea party and playing shop. Busy morning but lovely to see three playing together. Milla came over for a cousin play date. Cookie cutting, tea party and playing shop. Busy morning but lovely to see three playing together.

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.

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'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. Yay for bath time! 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! 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! 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!

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!

The thumbs up from Pixel saying everything is A-O-K at the 20 week scan. Hard to believe we are halfway there already!

The thumbs up from Pixel saying everything is A-O-K at the 20 week scan. Hard to believe we are halfway there already! 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.

2010

2007

BBQ at Newtown

BBQ at Newtown

Great Deck, great weather, great company High Chair for Nige My what pretty glasses you have