The Girdlestone

The Girdlestone, on Mt Ruapehu, in a threatening mood.

School Holiday Ski Week

Some shots of Amelia and Lucy in the snow over the school holidays. Amelia and Lucy up bright and early one frosty morning.

Lucy practicing some of here slope style attitude.

 On the snow. Lucy's first day on skis. Amelia has taken up a spot of ski coaching before heading off on her own for a session while I teach Lucy.

Lucy did pretty well for her first week on skis. She managed to stand up balance and ski unaided by herself on her first day. She wasn't so keen on Dad giving the directions however. Nor being told how to stop. She's more a point it straight down the fall line type of girl.

Autumn Leaves

Autumn leaves on the back lawn.

Waitarere Beach

This weekend we travelled up to Waitarere Beach to spend some time out of town. It was a gloomy winter weekend but the wild west coast beach was welcomely remote.

 On Saturday morning, in a quick gap in clouds the sun managed to peak through making for some rich autumn light on the driftwood.

 The kids enjoyed running wild and playing on the driftwood.

Probably the most amusing aspect was that the accommodation we stayed in. It was an 100 year old church that had been converted to a bach. Complete with organ and roaring fire it was a comfortable way to spent time next to stormy beach.  There is always something about going to bed with the surf rolling in your ears.

More shots here.

Lucy Turns Three

On Saturday we threw Lucy her third birthday party. It was much anticipated by Lucy and she used her new found candle blowing skills to good effect.

The following day we took Lucy to another highly anticipated event. She had been  longing to join her elder sister on the local bungie swing, but could not harness up until she was three. Well, the three year old promptly rocked up the day after her third birthday and got stuck in.

Bring it

She had a blast. Higher the better and not a squeal.

Mountain Girls

The girls at the mountain over Queen's Birthday weekend.

Lucy turned three on the Monday. And discovering the mic.

Some pensive time on the swing.  Plotting how to be three.

Amelia on Her Bike

Amelia's got the hang of her bike without the training wheels.  We've been out learning for an hour each Sunday for about 3 weekends. Last weekend she started to click, but this weekend she was totally away.

Teach a kid to ride a bike. When they click, find their balance, its magic.

It all goes click

 Lucy was in a supporting role on three wheels.

Hot pursuit

I can ride a bike

Lifetime skill taught. More shots here.