The boys have now set a line in the sand as far as their future careers are concerned. Oddly enough, both in sport.
First we see Joe in the bars section of his gymnastics routine!
Next, we see Ben on the gallops training for his next race - local pundits are doubting he can make race weight in time.
Sunday 25 May 2008
Heading West
This weekend saw us exploring a little further and heading west to Lake Brunner. We packed Thursday night and rushed around on Friday to fit in all the last minute jobs + kindy, playgroup and Joe's swimming lesson so that we could leave promptly on Friday afternoon. Needless to say we left a little later than anticipated!
The journey is a real stunner though and we took our time crossing the mountains at Arthur's Pass (more about this later). The car had to work really hard at the hills, both up and down, suffering brake fade for most of the trip down! We made it safely to the relative flat surrounds of Lake Brunner and began the last leg in rapidly fading light. We found the cafe that had the key to the Bach and searched for it in the dark. After dumping our belongings and switching on the heat and water we headed back to the cafe for dinner. The boys were late to bed, but unfortunately their internal clocks were not fooled by morning.
Saturday was just glorious and we woke to a fantastic view of the lake from the upper floor of the bach. We wandered through the township to the lake, it was fine and clear and the lake was like a mirror - just beautiful.
The coal train passed under the footbridge and Ben was thrilled that the driver waved to him! The boys even braved the cold water for a little paddle, but that didn't last long! Unfortunately our planned boat trip on the lake had to be cancelled because the operators had all taken their boats to a neighbouring lake to search for a missing canoeist. No joy on Sunday either as the search continued.
The change of plan meant that in the afternoon we headed into Greymouth. Matt and Joe spent an hour living it large by going off roading on a go-kart (while Ben slept on oblivious in the car). Of course they brought back a field full of mud on their clothes, which are now soaking in a bucket!
Once the adrenalin junkies had regained their composure we headed along the coast (Tasman Sea) to Shantytown. This replica gold rush town filled Ben's requirements for a good day out because we had a great ride on a steam train and even got to stand in the cab. Joe pulled the whistle and made us all jump - even though we were expecting it!
We panned for gold and carried away our few flakes in a bottle - Joe is taking his in for show and tell at kindy tomorrow! The boys played with 19th century toys (stilts and hobby horses) and explored the jail, stocks and tried to lift a ball and chain - no they couldn't.
Funny how children can persuade you to stop at every photo opportunity!?
Sunday was a more relaxed affair as we took our time returning to Christchurch, making several stops along the way. We lunched at the Wobbly Kea in Arthur's Pass, but decided not to walk to the Devil's Punchbowl because of the rain! Unusually the west coast had had the drier weekend! - lucky for us! (No keas bothered us - much to Joe and Ben's disappointment.)
A short, windy, steep drive later we stopped again and spent a couple of hours working off lunch by climbing hills and boulders at Castle Hill.
Couldn't dislodge them though !
Can't wait to see the mountains fully capped with snow - the first tantalising glimpses could be seen through the cloud so it will not be too long now!
The journey is a real stunner though and we took our time crossing the mountains at Arthur's Pass (more about this later). The car had to work really hard at the hills, both up and down, suffering brake fade for most of the trip down! We made it safely to the relative flat surrounds of Lake Brunner and began the last leg in rapidly fading light. We found the cafe that had the key to the Bach and searched for it in the dark. After dumping our belongings and switching on the heat and water we headed back to the cafe for dinner. The boys were late to bed, but unfortunately their internal clocks were not fooled by morning.
Saturday was just glorious and we woke to a fantastic view of the lake from the upper floor of the bach. We wandered through the township to the lake, it was fine and clear and the lake was like a mirror - just beautiful.
The coal train passed under the footbridge and Ben was thrilled that the driver waved to him! The boys even braved the cold water for a little paddle, but that didn't last long! Unfortunately our planned boat trip on the lake had to be cancelled because the operators had all taken their boats to a neighbouring lake to search for a missing canoeist. No joy on Sunday either as the search continued.
The change of plan meant that in the afternoon we headed into Greymouth. Matt and Joe spent an hour living it large by going off roading on a go-kart (while Ben slept on oblivious in the car). Of course they brought back a field full of mud on their clothes, which are now soaking in a bucket!
Once the adrenalin junkies had regained their composure we headed along the coast (Tasman Sea) to Shantytown. This replica gold rush town filled Ben's requirements for a good day out because we had a great ride on a steam train and even got to stand in the cab. Joe pulled the whistle and made us all jump - even though we were expecting it!
We panned for gold and carried away our few flakes in a bottle - Joe is taking his in for show and tell at kindy tomorrow! The boys played with 19th century toys (stilts and hobby horses) and explored the jail, stocks and tried to lift a ball and chain - no they couldn't.
Funny how children can persuade you to stop at every photo opportunity!?
Sunday was a more relaxed affair as we took our time returning to Christchurch, making several stops along the way. We lunched at the Wobbly Kea in Arthur's Pass, but decided not to walk to the Devil's Punchbowl because of the rain! Unusually the west coast had had the drier weekend! - lucky for us! (No keas bothered us - much to Joe and Ben's disappointment.)
A short, windy, steep drive later we stopped again and spent a couple of hours working off lunch by climbing hills and boulders at Castle Hill.
Couldn't dislodge them though !
Can't wait to see the mountains fully capped with snow - the first tantalising glimpses could be seen through the cloud so it will not be too long now!
Tuesday 13 May 2008
Ben is 2!
Happy Birthday Ben!
Ben turned 2 this week and we had a couple of small celebrations - a gathering of family and friends on Sunday afternoon, complete with pass the parcel, trampoline fun, food and a cake. Ben's friend Annissa from playgroup and Jumping Beans came with her parents and we were really pleased to see the Ralph family, recently arrived from the UK!
Then on the actual day, a fesh and chups tea, cake and present opening too!
A bit of a train theme was involved - he received some trains and accessories for his train set including a barrel loader and truck from Joe. He loved the train cake,
complete with extra truck for Kate who celebrated a slightly bigger birthday last week. 
Needless to say he took to the present opening with enthusiasm and even joined in the singing! He spent the whole day in his new Sheffield United outfit (a gift from Grandma and Grandpa) and we had to prise the new hat off his head whenever we went indoors.
Joe is now looking forward to his big day! But is proud to announce to anyone who listens that he is now 4 and two thirds!
Ben turned 2 this week and we had a couple of small celebrations - a gathering of family and friends on Sunday afternoon, complete with pass the parcel, trampoline fun, food and a cake. Ben's friend Annissa from playgroup and Jumping Beans came with her parents and we were really pleased to see the Ralph family, recently arrived from the UK!
Then on the actual day, a fesh and chups tea, cake and present opening too!
A bit of a train theme was involved - he received some trains and accessories for his train set including a barrel loader and truck from Joe. He loved the train cake,
complete with extra truck for Kate who celebrated a slightly bigger birthday last week. 
Needless to say he took to the present opening with enthusiasm and even joined in the singing! He spent the whole day in his new Sheffield United outfit (a gift from Grandma and Grandpa) and we had to prise the new hat off his head whenever we went indoors.
Joe is now looking forward to his big day! But is proud to announce to anyone who listens that he is now 4 and two thirds!
Thursday 8 May 2008
Ben's transformation
Today was the day that Ben finally left behind the baby stage and turned into a 'real little boy'. It has been a busy couple of weeks for the littlest one. He moved into his big bed 2 weeks ago, still in his sleeping bag, and consented to a pillow and the duvet last week. We find him on top of the covers most nights so he is in extra thick 'footed' pyjamas!
Then today he had his first haircut.
Gone are the golden curls (and matted tangles) and out came a proper little boy. Even though his hair is now quite short, he still has little curls, taking after Matt we think.
He was very good, there were no tears and he was most pleased with the lolly that the barber gave him!
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