Winning Streak

Parklands Under Six Blacks won again this weekend. A closely fought 9-8. It was a really fast moving game. Ben and I hadn't been for several weeks and I was amazed at the progress that the players had all made! They are starting to pass more effectively, sidestep and plan their routes! Joe was a star once more and scored another 3 tries! He launches himself when he tackles and was yet again the muddiest child on the pitch - gotta love it!
The team probably top their league now so everyone is rightly proud. It is very funny watching the adult supporters on the sidelines! Lots of stress!! Especially when the game is as tightly fought as it was this week. Not that the Dads are at all competitive - but they was some subtle fist punching when the final whistle blew!
Joe is attending a birthday party over the road at the moment and Ben is tucking into a sandwich. It is all very peaceful and lovely! Matt is still out after a night at Chris Ralph's. Probably nursing a hangover!

Part 2

Much, much, much , much better! Boys both feeling perky again, although can't say the same for their mother! Anyway, Joe and Ben had bundles of energy (zapped directly from me) which needed an outlet this week. We packed in the skate park, Orana Wildlife park, the park park, Science Alive, the cinema, botanic gardens (and play park), Rugby and lots more.
Joe continues his winning streak with his rugby team. They played brilliantly and won the match 12-8. Joe scored another 3 tries - seems like his lucky number! He was again the muddiest child on the pitch, thanks to his fearless tackling!
We spent the day with Nana, Kate, Ash and Indy at Orana. It was pretty chilly, but we saw most of the animals. Including some adorable baby cheetahs, that had to be raised by keepers. They are now on display and were just wonderful! Most of the adults are not ever on display as they run a really successful breeding program on a huge acreage behind the park.
Another highlight was the lion feeding, which the kids think is amazing. Luckily none of them are tall enough to experience that one yet - don't fancy being drooled on by an enormous lion!
We also visited the botanic gardens and followed a trail around the glass houses. They had made lots of model 'plants' hidden amongst the displays, and you had to look at them, read the stories and guess what they were called - very clever and Joe loved the puzzles.
Science alive was busy. We went to a talk/show about sound waves and music which Joe enjoyed, especially the practical demonstrations that they were allowed to try out afterwards. He also made the most of the vertical slide! Wheeeeeeeeeeee. (That's Ben in the background yelling 'Joey'). Ben liked the reaction time games best and the 20 metre sprint! He can really move!
Today was back to school, playcentre and swimming lessons. 10 weeks to go!

School Holidays - bleurghhhhh

So far - What a write off! Ben came down with all sorts of lurgies on the last day of term and was dosed up with antibiotics and eye drops. He spent several days lying on the sofa, developing a 'whoopy' cough and experiencing up and down temperatures. We managed to get to see the Scooby Doo Stagefright show but otherwise did very little for the first week. On his 7th day, feeling much brighter we headed off to Carole and Annissa's house to help celebrate Carole's birthday. Happy Birthday Carole! Joe opted on a visit to the museum with Nana instead but went rapidly downhill from there, even falling asleep (NO I DIDN'T) on the bus on the way home. His turn!
We are now into week 2 and hopefully things are coming right.
Despite the poorly boys we have managed to fit a few things in. The week started with the momentous job of moving a 'generous, 10 cubic metres of bark chippings at playcentre. Phew what a job!
We decorated gingerbread people at Louise and Josh's.
We went to the beach at Sumner (in the rain) and dug trenches in the caves.
Hopefully we'll fit in a few more activities this coming week.....watch this space.

Our Starring Role !

The video shows all the variations of the adverts. More of us in some than others!