The end of online updates

Kia ora all

I am not sure how many of you are still getting these blog updates as it looks like there are more and more setting changes which may be stopping my blog updates getting through. 

So as a consequence, and after almost 7 years of writing these updates online, I have decided it is time to stop using this platform.  I will continue to do an update each month in a document and send it to those who wish to see/hear what we've been up to.

If you want to still get updates from me then please e-mail me at becominghealthynz at gmail dot com  ......  please be sure to put a quick hello message in so that I know who it is :)

Hope this finds you all warm and snuggly as we have snow swept winds blowing all around us here.
Arohanui
Y

Another update from Us lot

Wow, into February already and less than a week till we are off visiting friends and family up North!  The last month has seen Jasmine turn another year older, the kids grow in swimming abilities, lots of sunshine, lots of walking, creating, cooking, making and of course .... baking ;)

Jasmine making breadsticks to go with the 'Shelly' Soup that she was making for tea.

Yes, you read correctly.... Jasmine is another year older and some days I can't believe that she is 7 now - combination of years going quickly and behaviour it has to be said ;). Every odd birthday (1yr, 3yr etc) the kids get to invite friends over or have a party if they wish, with the other year being just a family day out with a meal of the birthday person's choice.  This year being one of Jasmine's odd year birthdays she decided to have 2 wee friends over, with her choice of mince pies - crazily this is a real treat for her ;) - and home-made pizza for tea. Prior to her big day she was busy telling me all about the 'Princess' pavlova cake that I had to make and I was trying to imagine how I would be creating a 3 tiered pav....... however when we were down at the supermarket her wee eyes spied a gingerbread house kit complete with icing and lollies so you can guess the outcome.  Yep, we had a birthday girl decorated ginger-bread birthday house ;)  I'm all for the easy life!

The kids and their friend decorating the birthday gingerbread house cake.

Every year Hokitika has fantastic Driftwood and Sand event which runs a during Jasmine's birthday week which we love to visit.  This year they had a special treasure map making session on her actual birthday so down we all headed dressed as pirates to create a map!  The best part was that the local pirate (The Red Moki from Hoki) turned up and lead all the kids on a real treasure hunt with bars of gold hokey pokey at the end.  Jasmine was absolutely delighted by it all and it made for a great relaxed birthday treat for her without any hassle for us!  Now that has to be good doesn't it? ;)

The Red Moki from Hoki checking out Jasmine's treasure map.

She really is growing up in many ways and the past month has been filled with her little events, achievements and success.  Jasmine has always loved being out in the garden with Himself and this year they planted lots of veg for us to enjoy, some of which were some cucumbers grown from seed and some potatoes.  When the A and P show arrived here we decided to enter the produce section for judging.  It was an early start to drop off the veg and enter along with a long wait till judging was finalised, however it was well worth the wait as herself won first prize for her cucumber as well as a second and third for her 2 different kinds of spuds.  We still have the certificates up for the world to view ;)  She was so happy and never fails to tell us where the certificates are or that the spuds and cucumber we are eating are so delicious because she grew them.

The proud produce place getter with her wares.

The weather here has been great not just for growing veg though as we have been able head out on a few walks over the sun-filled weekends when Himself has not been painting or repairing houses.  The kids are getting better and better at the longs walks so it is great to be exploring the West Coast beyond the 30 min return tracks.  It is such a beautiful and unique part of the country and we are loving making the most of it especially when the sun shines. 

Himself and the kids on the Coastal Walkway near Hari Hari.

So till we see some of you face to face I Hope this finds you all bathed in sunshine and enjoying life. 

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz