Testing our video uploading skills

OK, not sure exactly what is going on here. Kids are dancing and I think both have their own little routine going on. I think Madeleine may need a few more rehearsals before she picks up the routine. Glad to see I have sussed out how to upload videos now...I know it's taken me some time.

Homai trip in Auckland

Molly and I just returned from a very successful trip up to Homai School in Auckland where she and I met lots of really interesting therapists and Molly was put through the grill once again. I should add that it wasn't too stressful for Molly, who actually thoroughly enjoyed the three days of one-on-one attention. Molly was out to impress and that's exactly what she did. The last visit up to Homai was two years ago so the therapists were amazed at how much progress Molly had made, especially how comfortable she now is in her body and the speech therapist said she had the language skills of a six and a half year-old! We are obviously very proud parents and just delighted to see her reaching her goals. Go Molly!

Just a few photos for now as one of the therapists was taking lots of photos while we were there and will be sending us some soon. Molly will soon have her very own blog which is currently being created by her Visual Resource Teacher as part of a wider project that she is involved in with the Foundation of the Blind.

Waiting for the shuttle to take us to the airport

Our wee twin room at Homai - dinosaur and dog unpacked!

Playing with a musical toy in the Technology room

Some downtime with a balloon - spot the mermaid!

Waiting patiently for our plane in Auckland

Still waiting for our plane...which was two hours late!

Cowboys, shenanigans and muddy puddles

OK, here are some more recent shots of the girls and a few others from our recent weekend up in Taranaki (spot Dapper Dan!), this is Nick's get-up for a forthcoming stag night in November.

Two girls wearing two recent additions to their dressing-up box - a very pretty gift from Lorraine Johnson (a friend of Neil and Viv's) - thank you Lorraine!

Milkshake stop at the 'Laughing Fox' cafe in Foxton - I sure was laughing when I saw the size of the shake! Dad, you might remember us taking you there on our way up to Taranaki when you last visited?

Somebody else had more serious things on her mind! Molly was definitely winning the race.
Girls playing quietly (!) on Granny Viv's piano

Dapper Dan and side-kick cowboy Murray

The tearaways!

Awww...sisterly love!

...and muddy puddles

Just realised how ridiculously long it's been since our last post so just wanted to quickly add a few shots for now to remind you that we're still here and thinking of you all. Keep checking our blog as it will be updated more regularly from now on!

We recently visited a stables about 10 mins drive from us in a beautiful scenic park where Molly took her first riding lesson! Very relaxed but you wouldn't think it from Molly's posture, she took it all very seriously and loved every minute of it. She wasn't a bit nervous and didn't really want to get off after the lesson so we will be going back as much as possible. 'Bonny' and Molly are now very good friends.

and...little miss mischief...always ready for a party!

Birthdays, blueberries and shenanigans

To celebrate Molly's fourth birthday this year, we decided to do something a little different and opted for a day at the 'Organic Blueberry Farm' just over the hill.

The blueberry farm has a lot going for it: blueberries of course; courses in making homemade preserves; artwork for sale; a swimming hole; fantastic desserts and a Mexican cafe! The latter had us convinced this was the place for a spot of birthday lunch.

The cafe is owned and run by a couple, a native American woman and her husband, a Mexican Communications Architect who works in the cafe with his mother at the weekends making authentic mexican food. His mother, Rosita travels from Mexico each year to open her cafe to the public for a limited number of hours over the weekend. The family also employ a sherpa family from Nepal to help them in the gardens.

It took some finding, but we found it the end, over the hill, down a dirt track, just off the windiest road in NZ. Well worth the find. We arranged to meet Jamie and Helen there for some coffee and blueberry muffins just for starters. We were greeted by a buxom flame-haired woman with a big warm smile and lots of chat. She gave us the run-down: take a basket and pick as many blueberries as we felt like, then get them weighed and pay for them at the desk. Simple! We were prepared: Molly had made a beautiful Easter basket at kindergarten just for the occasion, so we set off down another track to the blueberry bushes and got picking. Most of the picked berries made it to the basket but some were unlucky and made it straight into the mouths of small people. Jamie and Helen joined us just as we were starting to get laden down with our basket. Back up the cafe for the coffee and muffins and then it was time for the Easter Egg hunt! Jamie and I set off back down the track with Molly and waited at the gate with all the other youngsters and not so young. The flame-haired woman had sorted the kids out and allowed them through the gate in order of age, youngest first, etc. Jamie got ahead of the game and managed to spot some eggs for Molly before anyone else laid claim to them. Of course the interest started to wear off once Molly worked out what was inside the colourful wrapping and most of the hunt was spent trying to chew the hard chocolate eggs!

Back to the cafe for some homemade tostadas and beans and rice - delicious! Despite the wet weather, we all had a great time. Laden down with blueberries and chocolate, we made our way home on the windy road with both kids fast asleep before we got home.

Fairy dress - present from Granny (Viv)

Girls on the trampoline

Molly's new swing set

Molly waiting for her swimming lesson with Granny and Madeleine

Donna tells Molly to 'kick, kick, kick!'

Molly opening presents on her fourth birthday

Look what I've got! Beautiful fairy wings made by Gudrun!


'Dora the Explorer' birthday cake

Singing Happy Birthday

Look what I found in the garden Mum!

sun, sea, sheep and bikes...

I thought it would be nice to show you some of the local scenery in our bay; a few shots taken on a recent walk down to our beach; some random shots of the kids and some pics taken today of Molly taking part in a 'wheelathon' at the local school. This was a fundraising event for the kindergarten and Nick (who is on the committee) was MC for the day, hence the loudspeaker! Most of the kids decorated their bikes and even dressed up for the event (wish I had known!). There was plenty of cake and coffee and a sausage sizzle to keep everyone going. Weather was great and the kids had a blast - not sure yet how much was raised but it was well attended. Molly was riding a 'runner' bike, i.e. without stabilisers, which apparently is very good for mobility and balance, although she's yet to be convinced!

Paua shell

Toi Toi (NZ native plant)

Art Deco on the beach


Pukerua Beach

A quiet spot for reflection and catching your breath!

The windy path down to the beach

Looking across to Kapiti Island

Pukerua Beach Road

The 'Wheelathon' at the local school in Pukerua Bay

Molly on her 'runner' bike (Note: no stabilisers)

Molly receiving her prize from Kindy teacher (Trish)

(Note: Nick with loudspeaker)

Molly and Madeleine getting re-fuelled

In bed with 'Sheepy'

and getting close!

Madeleine achieving her first climb!

The lovely Kate and Damian with baby Lewis and Madeleine

Some fruits of our labour in the garden