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August ski weekend

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 15:00:00 +1200

The weather up on Mt Ruapehu was just coming to the end of a 3 week epic storm with a 2.4m base to show for it. We hoped we would get a little snow action over a weekend.

Leaving on a Thursday after school (trying to pick the best time that suits 3 different ages is never easy!) we arrived around 8pm and bedtime didn’t come until 10.30pm so let’s not do that again! (as we had 3 sleeping in the last hour to Ohakune).

We clearly liked punishing ourselves because we booked a private lesson at 9am for the 3 girls (Olive, Iris and cousin Milla). While kids running wild way past their bedtime, Graham and Tom were trying to figure out car chains (just incase they were needed) and wishing we had watched Dad all those times growing up, I have a new appreciation for all these things now I’m a parent.

We were out of the house at 7.30am (that doesn’t even happen on a school day – oh wait it was a school day) and in the top carpark by 8am – Doesn’t that make you proud Dad?!

This was our first experience of ‘skiing with kids’ it went pretty smoothly getting boots and skis, Milla and Olive were super keen to get going with the instructor – Iris was not. So I went along for encouragement and basically helped her while the other 2 got a lesson. But at the end of the 2 hours, they had gone up the pommas a number of times, Milla managing to stay on well, Olive falling most times but laughing so a win win. Iris and I just practiced together and she caught the pomma a few times before finishing with ‘floppy leg syndrome. It gave me the confidence to give teaching them a go next time, but Olive is a lot stronger physically than Iris and that has a lot to do with it too. All in all, I think it went really well. Olive is keen for more!

We had some lunch, everyone enjoyed some sledging and we finished the kids day with each of them going up on the Parklane chairlift. (I wear I was never going to let my babies on one of those things) They loved it.

Juni’s nap approached so Tom took one for the team and took the kids back to Ohakune for a lazy afternoon, while Graham taught Milla for a little bit longer, Archie played in the snow. Lisa managed 2 lessons, so by 1.30 Lisa was off on a lesson and I was skiing alone for the first time – ever?! It was very cold, windy but sunny and with no queues, I quickly warmed up after the first run, it was great. 2.5 hours of skiing for mummy.

The next day, the mountain was a white out so we didn’t bother, but instead hit the carrot park and Cypress tree café. There was a ‘bacon buttie’ incident which will go down in history (and possibly has scarred the owner) with the wrong bacon sandwich arriving for Iris and then Olive followed suit. All was sorted by the lovely owner, but the tired, hangry kids were starting to show their cracks.

We had a lovely 3 nights, 2 days with the Turner whanau with great cousin action. Archie and Juni’s friendship is adorable. Next year maybe for those two!

Weekend in Wairarapa

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 19:00:00 +1200

A surprise 70th Birthday weekend away for the Peck Grandparents - Granny and Poppa.

Sunny Nelson Camping

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 16:00:00 +1200

It sure was sunny...

There was a clown.

Waterslide.

Berry picking.

Bumper boats.

Drive to a nearby beach.

Fancy lunches.

4 families.

Hill sliding.

Turere Tramp

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 17:00:00 +1200

Olive is Five

Sat, 18 Feb 2017 16:00:00 +1200

Camping Greytown

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:00:00 +1200

Sunshine Brisbane

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 15:00:00 +1200

Childless in Queenstown

Fri, 12 Aug 2016 13:00:00 +1200

A childless weekend in Queenstown with friends, enough said.

Queen Elizabeth Park Camping

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 19:00:00 +1200

Olive & Iris's Ohakune Ice Experience

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 16:00:00 +1200

Olive Turns Three

Sun, 15 Feb 2015 10:00:00 +1200

With the new year done and dusted and the summer months upon us, we decided to plan Olives birthday party. This year, we teamed up with Lana and Nige to create a special joint birthday party for Olive and Anthony at Staglands.

Staglands has this great barn you can hire out - Alex had his 2nd birthday party here, and it seemed perfect to host Olive and Anthony's 3rd birthday party.

Gini and Lana begun discussing ideas for food, decorations and most importantly, the cakes! A month or so ago, we asked Olive what she wanted for her birthday party cake and it was always the same answer "a purple bunny rabbit!". She was so adamant that this is what she was getting that it's what she told everyone who asked her what she wanted for her birthday. "I want a purple bunny rabbit cake with M&M's!". No pressure Mummy! Always up to the cake challenge, and with a tiny little bit of help from yours truly (chief finishing icier and purple white chocolate ganash maker!), the bunny was ready to go in the fridge by 9pm! The earliest night before cakeathon yet.

Anthony had decided on a digger cake. How PC our kids are! Of course Lana couldn't just do any old digger cake, it had to be angle striped yellow and black on the inside with a pop in your mouth chocolate topping! Amazing.

We all divvied out the food responsibilities and had the grandparents to each bring a plate or two to help feed the littlies and the biggies. We had three different types of sausage on the BBQ (thanks for cooking Poppa!), mini quiches and ginger nut animal cookies (thanks Nan!), sammies and cheese poofs (thanks Granny!), mini meatballs (thanks Anthony's Gran, Lyn!) and a host of other goodies by Lana, Nige, Gini and myself.

Iris, being Iris, was just happy being Iris. Either sitting in the highchair and watching everyone, or sitting in the buggy, or being passed from grandparent to grandparent. Not a single cry the whole day.

All in all, it was a great day. We had a good mix of family, friends, anti-natal friends and playcenter friends all making the journey out. Olive was initially overwhelmed by everyone arriving and getting all these presents given to her (which we decided to leave most of the present opening till after we got home and over the coming days). Once she warmed up, she had a blast. Running round with the kids, showing off her purple bunny rabbit cake to everyone and lighting up with pure joy as we sung happy birthday to her and Anthony.

After the festivities we all took a stroll to see all the animals. We had quite a troupe going! Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the weather managed to stay mostly dry, albeit a little chilly.

We won't talk about the accident at the cafe after holding on all day, as apart from this, it was such a perfect day.

Happy birthday to our beautiful Olive! Let the planning begin for your 5th!

T

Mt Maunganui Beach & Sun

Sun, 21 Dec 2014 07:00:00 +1200

Ohakune Snow Getaway

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:00:00 +1200

We decided to head up to Ohakune for a long weekend - our yearly pilgrimage to the snow gods. This time it was just us and Myah who was still staying with us.

It was our first road trip with both the girls, so it we were a little unsure how it would go. We decided the best approach was to pick Olive up from daycare at 12.30 and head off straight from there and make a day of it. Unfortunately it didn't quite work out that way, as I had a mission of a time trying to get the roof box to attach to our new roof rack. It turned out I needed new bolts to fit over our wider than usual roof rack. I also had to drill new holes in the roof box to fit on our more spaced out than average roof rack! After that crises was averted, we managed to hit the road around 2.30pm.

Travelling with a 2 1/2 month old is like travelling with a time bomb. You don't really know when or where she was going to go off, requiring a one hour stop for refreshments. We also had Olive, who can be a ticking time bomb of her own - luckily one that can usually be reasoned with. First stop - Levin!

The playgrounds at Levin are fantastic. There are different sets of equipment for different ages. There is even a little dog run around area. Olive loved it, so much so that getting her back into the car took some persuasion. We were only an hour out of Wellington, and by now it was after 4.30pm. So we hit the road again, not sure really where to set our sights on. Soon enough it was past dinner time, and near to when Iris has her nightly unsettled time, so we decided to stop again at Taihape Mc'ds around 6.30 for a quick dinner. Olive was tired, Iris was unsettled and didn't really want to feed and we wondered what the heck we were doing, but we managed to get both kids back in the car and back on the road - reaching Ohakune after 8pm. Phew!

With the fire lit, Olive happily off to bed in her new pink portacot, we contemplated how we could do it better on the return journey.

First day in Ohakune we decided to take the long walking route into town. It was lovely to get out and get some exercise in the fresh Ohakune air. We wandered passed the horses and cows, and ended up having a well deserved lunch at the local Utopia cafe. Both girls were well behaved and the promise of seeing the giant carrot kept Olive moving on the walk home. She loved the giant carrot - telling everyone at KCC (daycare) about it the following week.

We took a chance on the local popup pizzeria for dinner. Olive and I ventured down to place our order and watch the pizzas be expertly made. She loved seeing them flipping the dough in the air and pulling them in and out of the woodfire oven. Unfortunately she had a meltdown when I said we had to then take the pizzas home so Mum could have some too - she was determined to eat them there and then. Fantastic pizzas, despite the meltdown. Would eat again.

Our second day in Ohakune and the weather was looking promising for a trip to the snow. So we all donned our snow gear and headed up the mountain! The clouds all cleared and we were left with a beautiful blue sky day. We snuck up into the second row of the top carpark (after saying we were just dropping off). We then hired a sled and took it to the beginner slopes. We had a blast. Olive loved making a snow man, then repeatedly wanted to go on rides down the hill on the sled with both of us. It really worked out well. Iris was happy to snooze in the front back. We finished the snow experience with a picnic in the boot of the car - just relaxing in the hot sun. We couldn't have asked for a better day. Olive was pooped - and had a snooze on the way back to the house.

With a successful day at the snow, we decided to head back home the following day - leaving at a much more respectable 10am. The drive home was much better planned. We stopped at Flat Hills for a bite to eat and to stretch our legs. This is a great place to take kids as they have lots of animals to look at. Bunnies, chickens, ducks, lambs and Olive's favourite - pigs. It was a good place to break up the journey. After this stop, we managed to make it all the way back to Andy and Nicky's place in Paekakariki before Iris had had enough. Olive got to play with Ben for an hour and we got to relax with a drink on their new patio.

Another short ride, and we were home, sweet home. A lovely weekend away. Next time we will just plan the voyage there a little better!

T

Iris our new flower

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 10:00:00 +1200

Camping Kaitoke

Sat, 05 Apr 2014 11:00:00 +1200

Turner Melbourne Wedding

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 20:00:00 +1200

A Week in Wanaka

Sat, 19 Oct 2013 09:00:00 +1200

Family Fijian Resort Getaway

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:00:00 +1200

Wine, Sun and an IronDan

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:00:00 +1200

That time again - holiday time!

This time we decided to head up north to spend 3 nights in Havelock North with Andy, Nicky and their two little ones, Ben and Liam. Then the 8 of us (including Lyon) ventured further north to Taupo where Derek, Helen and little Harry joined us for another few nights.

We were fortunate enough to travel in style this time, in the Turner Peugeot - with a roof box to boot. Everything you need for a week with a little one and a dog was piled into the car, no sweat. Aircon, oh, sweet, aircon.

Upon reaching Havelock North, we dropped Lyon off at his concrete retreat, wished him well, and hoped there wouldn't be any permanent mental scarring before continuing on to the Woolshed Apartments where Andy and Nicky had just arrived. It was a lovely 3 room apartment with a private deck. We were sharing a bedroom with Olive, which we hadn't done for a while, and caused a few late night sleeping issues which we blame the molars for. Damn molars! Olive always seems to be teething when we head away on holiday.

We spent the days in Havelock North mostly at the various vineyards. We had a delicious lunch at Craggy Range one day, then hired bikes to bike between a few more the next. Olive's first time in a bicycle seat went well - she enjoyed the morning - but the afternoon was a little much for her and she ended up falling asleep against Gini's back! Luckily Andy wasn't far away in the car and we managed to transport sleepy into Ben's carseat and continued on our way!

The evenings were spent putting feeding the kids, then slowly, one by one, getting them to bed and to sleep. After this was adult time! Dinner, followed by drinks and a couple of games of Seven Wonders - our board game of the moment. Bedtime was usually around midnight, which is quite an achievement given we rarely last past 10pm back home.

On our way to Taupo, we picked up Lyon from his 3 night stay at the kennels, and apart from a little twitchy around the edges and a croaky voice, he seemed ok.

Taupo, as per usual, was a relaxing, sun filled stay. Andy and Nicky stayed in the new "Guest House" with their little ones, which worked out well, giving them some space to spread out, and leaving enough bedrooms in the house so Olive could have her own room. Not that it helped her sleeping so much .. With a mixture of molar pain and a nasty cold just set in, poor little thing didn't have a lot of fun at night (which meant we were a little shattered by the end of the week).

Derek, Helen and Harry joined us for the weekend - and after quickly teaching them Seven Wonders, Derek reigned as champion the games we played. Beginners luck or something else? Not sure. Have to read up on some strategy guides.

Saturday came, and was one of the main reasons for the trip to Taupo - the Ironman was on! We were IronDan's official supporters. Dan's girlfriend Kat (KatRox) was also competing. The atmosphere in town was amazing. Gini and Nicky managed an early start to walk to the start of the swim by 7am. Andy and I walked in with the kids to meet them shortly afterwards. We managed to have brunch before seeing Dan fly through on leg 2 of the bike stage before walking home again for a relax and some lunch. In the afternoon we ventured out again and made camp at the bottom of the hill to watch the running leg (a full marathon) in which they passed by several times on a three loop run.

Finally, Nicky, Derek and I drove back into town to watch the finish - and only just made it in time to run a few hundred meters to catch Dan finish, in an incredible time of 12hrs 15mins. To think that we had a tiring day just trying to follow the race. A pitstop at KFC to get dinner for the troops and the day had come to a close.

Sunday was leaving day. Derek cooked us a tasty breakfast then both families said their adieu's before hitting the road. We were left with peace and quiet. Which felt odd, so we to decided to get packed up and hit the road after lunch. Leaving sunny, hot Taupo behind us, until next time.

All in all, a great but exhausting week away - now we just need some time to recover!

T

Olive's First Birthday Bash

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +1200

We've made it! Olive turned the big o-n-e on Friday the 15th so on Saturday we held a bit of a birthday bash for her.

All of her family and friends were there except for those overseas who sent lovely messages, there was an amazing cake (Little Bug Blue) created by Mummy, a slide, a sandpit and a swing which were all put to great use - especially by the older friends. The grandparents came with tasty treats and nibbles to keep the guests happy and Wellington put on a hot sunny day to help with the celebrations, yet again. Lyon managed to eat half the first chocolate cake Gini made and left cooling on the back of the kitchen bench. He also managed to steal a couple of the cupcakes Granny had made (and lick the icing off a few more). He's never one to miss out!

It's hard to imagine we've had Olive with us for a year now. It has gone so quick! But she has certainly changed so much in such a short time. Especially in the last couple of weeks, when she has found mobility, a greater understanding of what we are saying (she loves defying "no") and the occasional word (woof! being a favourite, although "dada" seems to be her word for most things). She is such a happy wee thing, a joy to watch as she plays with her toys, toddles around, clambering over anything in her path - including Lyon, who she loves to climb up on and pull his hair (and occasionally give some "nice patting" to). She beelines to any open door leading to the deck (has used the dog flap once), and heads straight for the steps up to the grass (or reverse traversing the slide). She still needs to work on coming back down, however!

Sleeping is still a bit of a trial and error, with periods of great sleep (we managed to get her sleeping through the night at 11 months, which lasted a good couple of weeks), followed by very inconsistent periods (such as at the moment), more than likely due to more teeth coming through (there are at least two molars that have breached the gums).

She has gone from crawling to standing holding onto something to walking with the trolly to kamakaze standing unaided for a few seconds at a time in a couple of weeks. She has started using a spoon if we pile the food on, then after licking clean, either throws the spoon to the floor or starts stabbing the rest of the food in her bowl with it. Mealtimes are a mixed bag. Some things get scoffed down in minutes such as risotto, macaroni cheese, mushroom soup, couscous, broccoli, eggplant, rice bubbles (in yoghurt), bananas, raspberries, blueberries and most things that are coated in yoghurt. She usually throws other things on the floor without it even touching her lips - which can be a little embarrassing when we are out and don't have Lyon to clean up after her.

She wiggles to music, claps, waves, points, cuddles, rolls balls to you, sorts stuff, posts stuff and makes it an impossible mission every nappy change.

Happy Birthday Olive! We are so enjoying the little person you have become and can't wait to see what delights await us around the corner.

T