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| Themselves and Me on the train up to Auckland |
We started September with a long weekend up to Auckland. It was fantastic getting to go up and back by train, long as it was, and the kids were great. I think a large supply of food, games and activities helped. Daniel was still on crutches, however that didn't stop us getting into town to see family and the Sky Tower. We decided to make the most of our Sky Tower trip though, as he wasn't really up to mile of walking, staying up there 2 hours so we could see look all over Auckland from a height.
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| Making the most of our time in the Sky Tower |
The day before we left for Auckland we did have a bit of sad news as we found out that one of herself's mice had cancer. It made leaving a little hard for the kids, harder still for our lovely neighbour who was feeding them, as they were so worried Fern would die while we were gone. Thankfully Fern was still in the land of the living when we arrived home and for another week. She passed away having snuggles with the kids and we said good-bye to another loved pet -giving her a memorial plant over top of her burial site. It has be interesting seeing the way the kids are dealing with their pets dying and with each passing there is a new level of grieving and questioning about the whole life / death process.
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| Fern in better days doing 'tricks' with Jasmine |
From the low of saying goodbye to Fern the mouse we went to the highs of Daniel turning 7. After much talk of parties he decided to have a fun day with just the family - relaxing at home with his presents in the morning followed by lunch out, chipmunks (indoor play area) and tea out. In the end he actually felt too unwell for tea out (may have been the getting up at 4.44am to open presents!) so we postponed our meal out until Friday. He had a great week though and I think he actually liked having his birthday 'treats' spread over a few days. :)
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| Birthday breakfast smoothies with twisty straws |
Spring has definitely sprung here and we have had some glorious days to get out and about. Liam has also got into the garden with the kids and planted all our veggies ready for Summer as well as raiding our grapefruit and orange trees for making marmalade. We have also used some of this fruit for Jasmine's fundraising to go to Jamboree next January and it has been very popular - nothing like fruit straight from the tree to tempt people :)
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| Themselves exploring the estuary creatures while the tide is out after riding along Cambourne Walkway. |
Well I'll leave it there otherwise it will be time to begin writing the Oct update!!
Hope this finds you all happy and healthy.
Arohanui'
Y
