Another update from Us lot

Well, would you believe it..... another month gone and finally we in the Southern Hemisphere are heading into Spring.  The days are getting warmer and longer along with the blooming of daffodils and the bounces of new born lambs in the paddocks.

Enjoying the nearly Spring air up above Waikari, ready to view the Máori Rock Art

We have had a pretty great Winter weather wise, it has to be said, and we have been making the most of it with a few trips out and about.  The first of which was down to Fox Glacier - not to be forgotten after we visited Franz Josef. It was interesting to see signs, on the road into the Glacier, pointing out where the glacier had been in certain years and especially great that one of the signs was the same year their Nan was born.  It made the facts come to life a little and it was lovely to see their faces change as they registered where the glacier was when Nan was born and where it was now.



Fox Glacier

The walk up was short and a little steep however the kids raced up, somehow running up hills is more fun and easier than walking??!!!  Unlike Franz you can get really close to Fox which was a real treat. We were able to see the different colours and the tunnels made by the melting ice before heading back into town for lunch.  The kids also went around with Liam to sell a few soaps they had made which was a huge highlight for them.  One wee girl on holiday from China bought one from each of them and then got a photo of our two and herself :)  The kids thought it was great and her family thought it very funny when our kids then produced a 'business card' for her to keep!

This past week we have been over in Hanmer Springs enjoying my birthday. It was amazing to see how much the town has grown in the 30 years since I lived there.  Even though there has been a huge influx of houses, people, cafes and shops I was really impressed with the paths around town and the greater number of native birds which can be heard.  I guess with more people coming into town and planting native plants in their gardens the birds finally have somewhere to return to.

Themselves at St James Homestead (12 kms up from Hanmer)

On the way up to Hanmer we stopped in at Maruia Springs which was just amazing.  Two natural hot pools outside, the bush and mountains as a backdrop, just us there and a wee bit of snow to make it truly magical. For the same price as Hanmer it was very different experience and one we are very glad we made the time for. The Japanese bathhouse was a real treat too followed by a yummy sushi lunch.

Us at Maruia Springs

Well that is about all from us for now.  Hope this finds you all happy, healthy and enjoying the seasonal changes in your part of the world.

Arohanui

Y

I'm late, I'm late .....

Well the month, and then some, has flown by!!  The plan was to write an update on here around the middle of the month and here it is the beginning of August with no update for July anywhere in sight ;)  So to remedy things and without any further ado here is our quick week by week update - finally!

June 16 - June 22
After recovering from her surgery, Fluffy (our stray SPCA cat), was checked over, stitches removed and taken to her new home in Christchurch! While we were over the hill we also visited the Life Learners Camp in Stavely.  It was such an amazing day - weather wise - that it made the whole weekend really. We got to meet some new people and learn some new skills which is always good.  This was also our wedding anniversary week, 11 years this year, so it was lovely to be able to get the movies while my Mum watched the kids.

A new skill - making a manu tukutuku

June 23- June 29
With Liam's birthday looming at the end of the week, the kids were full of excitement. They spent the week making, creating and planning for Daddy's Birthday.  This year Matariki and birthday's fall on the same day so it was a busy week all round :)  As if there wasn't enough going on we also slipped in attending a Scout's awards night to watch Daniel get his first Kea (Junior Scouts group) badges - Well done Mr ;)

And he calls themselves savages!! :)

June 30 - July 6
Lots more making and creating this week with Jasmine having a 'Robot Party' at Brownies (Junior Girl Guides group).  The kids made fantastic outfits for themselves! They had such a good time designing and working out how to create their ideas from the meagre items we had here.  We also had a lovely visit with some friends and a quick visit on Saturday to the local bi-annual Ag Fest (Agricultural Festival). The highlight however was Sunday as the kids and I embarked on our trip over to Nan's via the Tranz Alpine!  Despite me wondering what I had set myself up for on Sunday morning it was such a great trip and the kids were amazing on it. :)

The Robots

July 7 - July 13
A week at my Mum's knitting by the fire - what could be better!!  The kid's loved visiting their 'museums' again. These are a collection of bits and piece's they have found at Nan's such as bones, bits of metal, bird's nests and all sorts of other things ;) It was also great to watch a bit of the World Cup Soccer action -very exciting!

My bit of fireside knitting while at Mum's

July 14 - July 20
Back into routine this week. We organized Daniel's flat traveller (a kind of pen pal exchange) to be sent to USA and both kids loved getting into some sewing.  Jasmine caught the bug so much that even when a friend came to visit she talked her into sewing too ;)  On the weekend we had a visitor and with absolutely magnificent weather we headed south to Franz Josef Glacier.  Such a great way to spend a weekend - sunshine, family, friends and beautiful scenery.

Us in the sun at Franz Josef Glacier

July 21 - July 27
After a trip to the Toy Library (yes the kids still love going and make the most amazing games out of the toys they get) we had a lot of puppet shows. From 6 am till 7pm there as a variety of casts, stories and ways of presenting - including puppets on feet and hands for one show!!  Once a month the kids also get a magazine and we spend the whole day doing activities from it. Jasmine is also up at the crack of dawn (well actually long before then at the moment with it being Winter) so that she can begin all the crafts.  It is also a nice change for a day where everything is from one place - games, stories, learning activities, craft activities and cooking - and it is all of themselves choosing.

July 28 - Aug 3
This week we have been in Westport with himself. Such a beautiful view from the place we stayed at - Daniel kept saying how much he loved the place and asking me if I liked it more that home.  I think if he had the choice he would have stayed on as long as possible ;)  We were lucky enough to have an afternoon of sunshine when we arrived and a dry morning on our day of departure to hunt for treasures on the beach, walk up to the lighthouse and also to see my brother.

Sun trying its hardest to shine for us. View from our accommodation

Pheewww.... well that's all folks - for now at least.  Till we meet again, I hope this finds you well and warm.

Arohanui

Y
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