Christchurch

The kids had fun in Hagley Park with Grandad Jim.

Windswept.

Still poorly.

Yet another daffodil.

Found you! Playing hide and seek.

Daisy strikes a pose while Olly looks impressed. He's got girls sussed.

Daisy (money in pocket) went all the way up these stairs on her own to buy cake from a cafe. She was very proud of herself - and kept the change.

I get a cuddle from Sid while Bastian checks out Uncle Oli.

Snooze and chomp.

After a great month in Nelson we headed back down to Christchurch for 5 nights. The kids were stars on the trip and we managed it with only one stop in Kaikoura for lunch at Hislops then the playground.

Once in Christchurch we were very excited to meet Sid, Oli and Rosie's new arrival. He was very sweet and cuddly and sleepy. Oli and Rosie were really relaxed and calm and doing a wonderful job.

We were also very excited to see Carlene and Ella who had flown down from Auckland for the weekend. We also saw Kate, Rik, Oli and their beautiful new arrival Neve and Jan and Scott too. Quite a Creyke Road flat reunion!

I forgot to take photos most of the time, boo. My brain wasn't functioning very well from lack of sleep by this point and it didn't help that two days before leaving I went to check in online and discovered that our Singapore - Dubai flight had been CANCELLED and rebooked on a night flight. I should have been contacted but wasn't. The thought of a night flight with the three kids on my own was nearly enough to tip me over the edge and I spent the rest of the time in Chch reorganising my plans. Anyway, finally got it sorted and it worked out well - but that's another post!

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Bastian the brave

Our poorly soldier.

Still smiling though, so brave!

About halfway through my four weeks alone with the kids disaster struck and Sebastian got an awful cold. Conjunctivitus set in, along with a hacking cough and it was pretty grim. He felt worse at night and coped by feeding every hour. Which obviously wasn't the most fun I've ever had but a great excuse for copious amounts of coffee during the day. During his first doctor's visit Zach dubbed him 'Bastian the Brave' for enduring his exam with a smile.

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Farmville

Pete supervises feeding the llama.

Zach gets the animals fed while Uncle Sam keeps Daisy safe.

Fashion in the field.


Zach and Sam get up close with one llama...

...then another.

We spent an afternoon followed by a lovely dinner at Rach's parent's farm in Ruby Bay. Zach loved the animals and Daisy loved their beautiful house with heated tiled floors.

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Sam, Rach and Harry come to visit.

The two littlest ones try out the double buggy.

Rach, practicing for having two already.

Harry says a little prayer.

Then is blessed by Zach, the mad preacher.

Harry and Bastie, you are SO cute!

Auntie Rach gets to know Sebastian.

While I get to know Harry.

Superbaby.

Sam shows off Harry.

Sam, Rach and Harry came to Nelson while we were there. They stayed with us for two nights which was a great chance to catch up and meet Harry who is gorgeous and very sweet.

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Rabbit Island

The clouds converge on Daisy's head.

Sand is no object to eating cake.


Anna, Giorgia, Katie, Sebastian, Zach, Isabella and Daisy enjoy the winter picnic.

The bouncer goes everywhere with us.

After 10 nights in Nelson, Andy headed back to Dubai for late night drinking with the boys, weekend lie ins and golf. And probably a bit of work too. The kids and I kicked off four weeks on our own with a great day out at Rabbit Island for Anna's birthday. The kids had a great time splashing around, eating cake and hurling sand at Marcus.

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Tahuna

Turtles!

Daisy in full mother hen mode.

Andy and the kids duck over the dunes to check out the beach.

We also spent a bit of time at the big playground in Tahuna. Another day, another playground. Or two. I got thoroughly sick of playgrounds. But look at those little faces, they loved it!

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Macmillans

The big climb.

Farmer Dais.

What the hell is THIS?

Zach gets up close with Katie the pig.

Macmillans is a cafe in Richmond that has great outdoor space for the kids to run around. There is swings, a duck pond, a tractor, bunnies, a pig called Katie and a small hill to fall down. Oh, and good coffee for sleep deprived mummies. Perfect.

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