Finding our feet

It has now been 3 weeks since we arrived on the coast.  It doesn't actually feel that long in some ways and then when I think about friends it feels like it has been years!

 The weather has been treating us very well, yes believe it or not, and apart from the downpours mentioned in the last post we have been able to get out and about...... without getting wet.  All the same we have invested in some wet weather trousers for the kids and a dryer. Not having had a dryer before with the kids I feel like I'm in the lap of luxury I can tell you.  Having an en suite only adds to this even though it is short lived.  Eventually we will have to find a place of our own as the viewings for this place continue to occur.

Frosty first morning in the new house.

Liam is loving his job and it is great having him home earlier and happier. He has had a bit of travel so far but in saying that we have been able to hitch a ride over to Mum's the other week and still spend time with him. The kids are so happy to have Daddy back and love being with him and all his antics. Fathers bring a whole different energy.... not one I can always be calm with but a whole other energy never the less ; )

Liam giving the boy a bike ride down the hill at home.

I don't think I have been outside in the bush so much in quite a while. It is great!!! Walking seems so effortless when you are surrounded by bird song and bush. Even the kids seem to think so and are the ones requesting more. We are just up the road from Lake Kaniere (hence the address) which supplies the town's water and we have explored around there a couple of times now. It is very picturesque as are so many places here. There are quite a few walks that are within the kids range so looking forward to exploring more in due course.

The kids at the secret beach on Lake Kaniere



We have begun with our 'homeschooling' or should I rather say we have regained our rhythm and routine to the day.  It is so nice being on our own timetable and I love having the time to be with the kids.  I really feel that I'm bonding again with Jasmine in particular as the pressure of being somewhere has gone and we have more quality time together.  Daniel loves having his big sister around too ....... I was never as much fun as her to play with.  They get up to all sorts outside now - climbing under the deck, collecting wool from the paddock fences, making mud pies and collecting weta.  We have hooked up the the homeschooling group here and they seem lovely - only 2 families but definitely no weirdo's insight ; ) Daniel and Jasmine were in their element being the centre of attention amongst the other kids who were very keen to mother Daniel.

Making wall hangings with the fleece we made from wool the kids collected.

So for now it is all falling into place and feeling like the move here wasn't so drastic or wrong.  To be fair I'm enjoying it, missing friends, but enjoying Hokitika never the less.

Hope this finds you all warm, happy and healthy.
Arohanui Y
www.becominghealthy.co.nz