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!
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Mount Hutt and Rakaia Gorge
Anzac day gave us an extra long weekend so we did a little bit more exploring after all the chores were done! With Nana, we took the ferry from Lyttleton over to Diamond Harbour. Once there we climbed the hill up to the Godley Hotel and had some light refreshments (jug of beer for 2!!!!) and a hot chocolate for Sarah. Joe and Ben made friends and played in the hotel garden climbing over logs and making dens. Ben managed the walk both up and down the hill by himself - little Mister Independent!
On Sunday we took a drive out to Mount Hutt and climbed up towards the ski fields. We couldn't get all the way as the gate was closed but got up to 1740metres (according to the altimeter in the truck).
Needless to say it was quite chilly and blowing pretty hard. There was still some snow lying in patches from last weeks fall, so we managed to get in a snowball fight. Both boys are crack shots! After a short walk and a windswept picnic the weather started to obscure the view and we beat a retreat onto the plains.
We stopped at Rakaia Gorge
and decided to treat ourselves to a jet boat trip! It was pretty amazing - the sun came out so we could take in the beautiful scenery and the ride was thrilling. Joe yelled with excitement and Ben smiled for the whole trip, his hair blown back off his face for the first time ever! Our guide spun the boat round 360 degrees and we got a little wet. Joe couldn't wipe the grin off his face for hours! 
After the trip we spent an hour or so by the river skimming stones and the boys tried to alter the course of the river with as many stones as they could splosh.
On Sunday we took a drive out to Mount Hutt and climbed up towards the ski fields. We couldn't get all the way as the gate was closed but got up to 1740metres (according to the altimeter in the truck).
Needless to say it was quite chilly and blowing pretty hard. There was still some snow lying in patches from last weeks fall, so we managed to get in a snowball fight. Both boys are crack shots! After a short walk and a windswept picnic the weather started to obscure the view and we beat a retreat onto the plains.We stopped at Rakaia Gorge
and decided to treat ourselves to a jet boat trip! It was pretty amazing - the sun came out so we could take in the beautiful scenery and the ride was thrilling. Joe yelled with excitement and Ben smiled for the whole trip, his hair blown back off his face for the first time ever! Our guide spun the boat round 360 degrees and we got a little wet. Joe couldn't wipe the grin off his face for hours! 
After the trip we spent an hour or so by the river skimming stones and the boys tried to alter the course of the river with as many stones as they could splosh.
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
New Wheels, New Wheels, New Wheels
April has seen some serious spending. We have now fully paid for the house and are finally mortgage free!!!!!!!!. The mortgage company in the UK has finally sorted out its mistakes and the new owners of Wood House have the deeds at last!
We parted company with Big ED as we couldn't get 3 people on the back seats! A very tight squeeze and a third car seat was just impossible! Therefore he has been replaced by 2 (new to us) cars - a 10 year old Toyota Landcruiser (12000Km !!)
and a 10 year old (56000km) Toyota Granvia aka 'the bus' in a fetching shade of 'lavender'? Seats 8! - so plenty of room for all our visitors!!!
The boys (all of them) are excited about the new motors and can't wait to put them to the test. I'm sure it wont be long before 'the bus' is full of hoards of noisy boys! and Matt is looking forward to off-roading in the truck. No names for this beast yet - suggestions welcome!
They've spent more time on the driveway than first anticipated as Joe has become a keen cyclist with his 'new wheels' after outgrowing the starter bike. He has taken a few dives but clambers back on and has another go. Ben loves riding on the back of Sarah's bike, although he is starting to rock from side to side and thinks it is very funny! (Sarah doesn't).
We have cycled home from kindy on a couple of occasions - a good lengthy trip for Joe. Luckily there are wide pavements on most of our routes which allows for the odd wobble. Ben likes to wave at passers by and is especially animated by dogs, shouting excitedly at them as loudly as he can, then waving bye bye as we pass.
We are still able to get to the beach a couple of times a week. The lovely weather is holding and the high summer winds have dropped making it pretty nice. We are planning a weekend away soon so I'm sure it will change by then!
Sarah's birthday was lovely with a lunch in town, watching some street performers and then a walk through the botanic gardens to the childrens play area.
Joe has succumbed to the Chicken Pox this week, after avoiding it all term. His best friend had been off kindy for 2 weeks and the day he returned Joe developed the spots. Luckily it is now school holidays so he isn't missing much. We are on day 6 now and he seems to be recovering quickly so we are hoping to be out and about soon. Ben had the vaccination a month ago, but we thought Joe had already had CP in the UK! oooops!
More soon!
We parted company with Big ED as we couldn't get 3 people on the back seats! A very tight squeeze and a third car seat was just impossible! Therefore he has been replaced by 2 (new to us) cars - a 10 year old Toyota Landcruiser (12000Km !!)
and a 10 year old (56000km) Toyota Granvia aka 'the bus' in a fetching shade of 'lavender'? Seats 8! - so plenty of room for all our visitors!!!
The boys (all of them) are excited about the new motors and can't wait to put them to the test. I'm sure it wont be long before 'the bus' is full of hoards of noisy boys! and Matt is looking forward to off-roading in the truck. No names for this beast yet - suggestions welcome!
They've spent more time on the driveway than first anticipated as Joe has become a keen cyclist with his 'new wheels' after outgrowing the starter bike. He has taken a few dives but clambers back on and has another go. Ben loves riding on the back of Sarah's bike, although he is starting to rock from side to side and thinks it is very funny! (Sarah doesn't).
We have cycled home from kindy on a couple of occasions - a good lengthy trip for Joe. Luckily there are wide pavements on most of our routes which allows for the odd wobble. Ben likes to wave at passers by and is especially animated by dogs, shouting excitedly at them as loudly as he can, then waving bye bye as we pass.
We are still able to get to the beach a couple of times a week. The lovely weather is holding and the high summer winds have dropped making it pretty nice. We are planning a weekend away soon so I'm sure it will change by then!
Sarah's birthday was lovely with a lunch in town, watching some street performers and then a walk through the botanic gardens to the childrens play area.
Joe has succumbed to the Chicken Pox this week, after avoiding it all term. His best friend had been off kindy for 2 weeks and the day he returned Joe developed the spots. Luckily it is now school holidays so he isn't missing much. We are on day 6 now and he seems to be recovering quickly so we are hoping to be out and about soon. Ben had the vaccination a month ago, but we thought Joe had already had CP in the UK! oooops!
More soon!
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Happy Easter
Mummy is writing this but I am telling her what to write.
We did lots of things at Easter so I will tell you. We went to Hanmer Springs with Nana for the day. It was colder than at Christmas so the hot pools were the nicest. Afterwards I persuaded Mummy and Daddy and Nana to hire a big bicycle. Ben and I had a special seat on the front where we could wave to everyone as we pedalled past. It was good fun and hard work (for the grown-ups) up the hills! I chose the blue bike.
We went for dinner at Robbie's and Ben fell asleep
in the high chair!
On Easter Sunday we went to Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch. They had a special day with all the trams and steam trains running. Ben kept shouting woo woo! and we all jumped when the whistles blew. We also saw a magician, clowns and a 'lollie cannon' that blasted sweets into the air. All the children had to search for them. I found 2 but I gave one to Ben (without being asked!!!!).
We have been to the beach and done some boogie boarding. I am getting better at swimming and we go every week to the QEII pool. I had my face painted at the mall. Ben and I chose to be tigers and I frightened Uncle Malc.
Today I went to a farm with kindy. We saw cows being milked and a museum too. Afterwards my friend Alex came to play. We jumped on the trampoline and rode scooters. Tomorrow I am going to play at Josh's house after kindy.
Hope you have good fun. Love from Joe XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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