Richard's Landscaping Projects

A while back, we commissioned a landscaping plan that was designed to be our big 10-year project. We wanted to do a lot of the work ourselves and have something to work towards. I'm not sure how it happened, or even when it happened, but Richard seems to have decided to condense the 10-year project into one. I'm sure our neighbors are wondering what's happening as trucks keep arriving with loads of gravel, rock, top soil, plants, diggers and the work parties seem to take place every weekend. We couldn't have done it without the help of Richard's parents who appear with plants and tools and goodies from the bakery as well as a willingness to work. The boys have had fun with the piles of dirt, the heavy equipment and the rocks. Kal has loved tracking mud through the house. I have loved planting and planning. Richard has loved feeling the great sense of accomplishment but keeps wondering what's happening to our savings. I'll show you what's been happening to our savings!

Delinquent Blogger

I've been neglecting my duties as a responsible blogger. Spring has sprung and it's been full-on with landscaping projects, school and visits to the beach. Here are a few recent photos for your viewing pleasure.

My Harvest

My Produce

My Blond Boys

My Hungry Boys

Water Dog

Kal is really starting to show his Labrador traits. He's a big sniffer, a constant chewer and he loves the water.

A Beautiful Day

We took the kids for a beautiful hike out the Tawharanui Peninsula today. It's wonderful to have the great weather back after a wet winter. We're all a bit weary after walking over hill and dale, but the kids are real troopers when it comes to hiking.

Slave Labour

I love that the kids are now old enough to help with the work around the house. Cleaning toilets, vacuuming, taking out the recycling, planting potatoes. While the kids are busy doing that, Kal is doing what he does best. Nothing but being cute.

July School Holidays

Hockey games, walks on the beach, adventures with mom.
Kip has really begun to love hockey. He's pretty darn good, too!

Spectators bundled up at the hockey game.


Walking the boys on the beach.

Kip at the top of the Sky Tower (the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere).


Quinn at Kelly Tarlton's-an underground aquarium.

It's Officially Winter Here

We've had really heavy frosts the past few mornings. Before school today, we broke out the sled and gave our hill a try. What a blast!!! Check out Kal-he's totally airborne.

Yet Another Day at the Beach

Today was a beautiful, but cold, day at the beach. We found some cool shells and starfish. Kal was admired by many-both people and dogs. Everyone comments about the size of his paws...

Kip 'n Kal

Kal is growing up!  His paws are enormous and he has a big muscular chest.  We're not really sure what to expect when he's full grown, but we think he's going to be massive.  I had hoped to get a horse when we moved to New Zealand, but I wasn't thinking of the canine kind.

Watch Out for the Cow Patties!

We took Reid and Quinn hiking the other day. At first they were a bit nervous about the cows, but then so was I! They are really big animals when you are eye ball to eye ball with them, no fence in between. We all survived, however and came away with nothing worse then poop in our shoes. Of course, we ended the adventure with the obligatory swim in the ocean.