time in Cromwell

Yes school holidays. But we took five days off in the middle and went to Cromwell. The cousins enjoyed the various picnics, walks on the central otago rail trail, playing games and watching Tv in the mornings.

Another hooked on revamping

I have realised that I have changed a skirt into a dress for Montana Rose, I took a photo of the skirt I bought at the second hand shop but no one of the finished article. Will update it later. Turned an old fashioned nightie into a string strap nightie for me and no photos!! terrible. I have been too inspired with the doing. Also while I was in Cromwell my sister and I spent a couple of nights revamping things. she turned a merino jersey with holes into a lovely bolero style top.

Omarama is the most relaxing place

In the school holidays we headed to Cromwell. On the way we spotted something new. Hot pools at Omarama. But these are no ordinary hot pools. They are Japanese style hot pools. No chlorine, new water put in after each hire. There are twelve individual pools and they are all secluded and have their own change room and shower.
It was grey and miserable and we soaked. It totally got rid of Eli's cold and we all felt so much better. We had a picnic lunch in the pool as it did not matter about crumbs etc as the pool would be emptied after our visit.
Having a real fire to heat it was fantastic. Totally recommend the place.

Announcing the arrival of our newest family member!

We are absolutely thrilled and ecstatic to announce to everyone the arrival of our newest family member.

Mum & bubs both doing really well, and Jakob and Eli couldn't be more pleased.

cousin Schulz, 1 month prem.
5lb 11ozs

Back to School

All is becoming normal from a routine point of view. Nothing will be normal for ages and every class has children who have not been able to come back as they are moved, or temporarily somewhere else. But our gang are back to school daily

Kids (and Dogs) get away with anything after an earthquake

The picture says it all.

How to ride a deer

I bet you have never ridden a deer. Well both Jakob and Eli rode Benny the Venny. Not that Eli had much success. As you can see from the photos Benny tried to run off with Eli on his back and Amanda only just caught him in time. Jakob had a little more success.

What to do when an Earthquake closes school

Go on holiday. The boys and I headed out to Amanda and Ewen's farm. What a stress buster that was. I had not realised that the kids were so shattered by it all. On Saturday night Eli went to bed of his own accord at 5pm - he was done in.

We fed lambs three times a day, calves twice a day, rode on the back of the truck feeding out. Rode on Benny the Venny (short for Venison). Tried to ride on Sammy (the steer) but he wasn't keen. Picked up deer buttons (the base of the antlers) and other general farmy things.

Finally Finished

I have finally completely finished the bag that I started at the quilting day I had with Rosealie Quinlan and Leanne in Chch. I am pretty pleased with it as there is a lot of handstitching. All the strips are hand quilted and the motif is all hand appliqued. Well done me.

Swimming lessons were fun

The boys have been doing swimming lessons at QE11 and have gotten on really well. At the end of each session they play in the pool for a bit. Unfortuneately the lessons are in hiatus as both this pool and our local pool are in structural doubt and may get pulled down.

Helping hands

This is Aaron and Jakob helping Stephen to clear his and the adjoining neighbours driveway of all the liquifaction gunge. It took them two days and what a job they did!! Jakob did an amazing job and just kept going like an ever ready battery.