Summer Fun

January has been busy and a real novelty too. Matt celebrated his birthday with a scorching hot day, boogie boarding, sandcastle building and barbeque! We attended the local 'beach blast' and Joe and Matt got some serious boarding done. Then came the sandcastle competition with a Wincott inspired F1 racing car - we came second !!!! (out of 28) ably assisted by Nana, Kate, Ash and Indy. We won a frisbee and a voucher for the flumes at the local pool. The nor-wester brought with it a really hot afternoon and we all retreated into the shade for a barbeque at Annie's.
Everyone back at work so the weekends have become busier. We went to a second beach blast and this time blew away the competition in the sandcastle stakes. This time we beat 41 other entries with 'The Black Pearl'. The kids dressed up as pirates and collected a prize from 'Alvin and The Chipmunks'! - this time a frisbee, 2 cinema passes and an electronic mat keyboard (to be kept at Nana's so they can share????).
The World Buskers Festival is in full swing and we have enjoyed some great entertainment. Joe joined in enthusistically with the drumming monkeys and can't wait to see them (and others) again when they come to Brighton next weekend.
We have visited the Antarctic Centre and experienced icy blasts at -18 deg C in their storm room. Ben was not keen and hunkered down inside his coat and in my arms until it was all over. Joe, Ash and Indy loved it and enjoyed sliding down a real ice slide! I liked the penguins!
More soon - and a pic of the Wincott racing car once I'm sorted, meanwhile frequency advertising have some on their website (pics 101-105)- Indy was even pictured in it in the local paper!
We've also visited a local wildlife centre and seen some real live kiwis! - of the feathered variety! It was really dark and the kids had to be quiet - bribed with chocolate. Also saw Tuatara and other native wildlife.