Kip in the Kitchen

Yesterday, Kip joined me at Entrees to Go where we made 6 dinners. He had a good time and will hopefully enjoy eating his own creations. Two of his friends were also there with their moms. Here is Kip pounding London Broil so we can stuff it. What kid wouldn't enjoy bashing away at a bit of steak?!

We're Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo. How About You, You, You?

We spent another nice day at the zoo yesterday. All the animals were there. Really! We don't often see so many of them, especially when it's hot outside. The carousel is always a favorite stop.

The Simpson Boys Go Bowling

The first day of summer break and we went bowling. Reid and Quinn had never been before and they really had a great time!

Reid and Quinn Had Their Last Day of School Yesterday

This picture says it all......We are all sad that Preschool is over. Reid and Quinn had a wonderful team of teachers, aides and therapists with whom they spent the last two years. Of course I cried saying good bye yesterday. Everyone knew that I would.

Kip at the Zoo

Kip asked to pose with the zebras, but I couldn't get a really good smile out of him.
Farmer Kip. We spent quite a bit of time climbing on and driving the tractors today. It was nice in the shade. Kip was so good about helping his brothers on and off and giving them turns at the wheel.

Reid and Quinn at the Zoo

Contrary to popular belief, we really do love each other.
Check out Quinn's mouth. He "lost his first tooth" today.
Reid posing for the latest issue of Baby Beefcakes.

A Good Day at the Zoo

Hello, Daddy! We miss you. We went to the zoo today for a couple of hours and we had a really nice time. How is Australia?

A Wonderful Weekend Was Had By All

Lynn and Ken's faces say it all. It was a very good weekend away. We drank an embarassing amount of wine and ate an ubelievable amount of food. But, as I figure it, walking on the beach and swimming in the ocean burned most of the extra calories.

Onetangi Iron Women Competition

Lucky for us, we were the only competitors that morning for the swim leg of the Onetangi Iron Women competition. Lucky for us the swimming leg was the only portion of the competition being staged that day. Lucky for us, no one timed how long we actually stayed in the chilly winter ocean. Interestingly enough, the winter ocean is about as warm as the summer ocean in New Zealand. Who'd of known?!

A Waiheke Surise

We arrived on Waiheke Island in the dark and rain and woke up to a magnificent sunrise. I was one of about 3 people on the beach that morning, with my hot cup of tea and camera. As I splashed in the water, I realized it was warm enough to swim in.

A little catching up

So, as promised, I have oodles of pictures and I thought I'd post a few. My computer is frustratingly slow these days, so it will be a few at a time until I figure it out.

The boys have been great this week! We've implemented a Token System and a Busy Box and it sure does motivate all boys considered to get their chores done. It helps out a lot since mom is gone to keep the house tidied up a bit. They have both been working hard and cracking me up simultaneously.. Reid picked a flower today and put it behind his ear while batting his eyes (where does he get this stuff and why didn't I have my camera on me?). I have nothing to complain about!!! Kip has been a super sweetie as well, helping out in the mornings when I'm there. Quinn is a little lover when he's not bouncing all aroung with his big toothy grin. But mom is missed and it will be a joyous day for the boys to see her!!! Can't wait! We have so enjoyed your posts, Karen, and I'm glad everyone is enjoying the blog!

Oh, I also have the cutest videos of the boys...but I don't know how to put them on here yet!

~Jenny

Yesterday Lynn and I visited Matakana Primary School. The people were wonderful. It's such a trip to see most of the school kids running around barefoot. That would NEVER happen in the US, but it's common practice there. Guess it saves on shoes. Sadly, I completely forgot to take pictures of the school. We tried to get a photo of ourselves today, but it's way too unflattering for the world to see. This afternoon, we are off to Waiheke Island for two days. We won't have internet access. Thanks for the bits of updates. I miss my kids!--Karen

Happy Mother's Day

In advance of Mother's Day, I want to send my love to my little girl and say that I wish I could share the day with her. My second reason for doing this is to see if I get how this blog thing works. Lovemmmmmmmmmmm

Tuesday May 8th, Playing around

The boys were crazy wild and so much fun today!! Quinn was definitely feeling soooo much better, as he greeted me at the front door with a huge grin!! We read from books, did worksheets, puzzles and had some reward teachtown time!!! Betsy was great today and Reid and Quinn both blew her socks off. Quinn touched a strawberry and cut it with a knife. Reid ate an apple!!! Man o Man did we have fun but we were definitely missing mom!!! Miss your helpful hand and smile, enjoy the sun!
----Megan

Me at Omaha Beach. It's hard to smile for the camera when you have to say, "Say cheese" to yourself! I actually loook angry. So sad, because I was really quite content and delighted to be sinking my toes in sand for the first time in a long time. I'll practice smiling for the camera!

A typical Kiwi scene just down the road from our "dream" house. The weather has been unbelievable since I've been here. It actually made picture taking a bit tough because there was just TOO much sun. This is an idyllic little valley about 3/4 of a mile off the "main" road in Matakana.

My attempt at being a "photographer". It was so spectacular out at Goat Island (the island you see in the distance), that I wanted to capture the magic for everyone else.

Today I Scoped Out Where We'll Be Living

I had a great day visiting the small towns that we are considering for our permanent home. I met some wonderful people who were very encouraging-even though I'm an American-about me moving here with my special kids. I visited Omaha Beach and dug my toes in the sand. I visited Goat Island and revisted memories of scuba diving there. I had a steak and cheese pie at the local bakery. It was a very good day.

WOW, what a cute kid!

I'm allowed to say that, he's mine.

I had a good flight. My bum was sore afterwards, but other than that it was pretty comfortable. I got to watch 3 movies-chick flix and had 3 seats to myself. They lost my bag, however, so I don't have clean underwear or socks. I'm missing my mother's day gifts for folks here, and my new autism walk jacket. Hopefully, they'll send it to me tomorrow by taxi. If not, I get to spend 100 bucks on new stuff.

I'll upload pictures as I take them.

Thank you for this!
Karen

All he wants for Christmas...

Hi guys! I thought I would help Karen out this week and give her a little family loving with some pictures! I took these of Kip after he lost his other front tooth. Such a handsome little man.

Karen, hope you land safely and enjoyed your flight!! Don't stress too much, we have everything under control around here. Right guys??

I'll try to post some more pictures tomorrow. You know I have lots!!!

~Jenny