Xander and Esmee

Child Not Abducted in Wal-Mart

2012-02-11T13:36:00.000+13:00

So on the news i saw a video of a 7 year old girl kick and scream when a man tried to abduct her. He quickly let go when she screamed and kicked!
Good on that little girl for doing the right thing!

That poor mother. I'm sure she is chastising herself for letting her daughter wander the aisles. She shouldn't. Her daughter was doing what anyone had a right to do, browse. And she had the nous to do what needed to be done, and i'm pretty sure Britteny (the child) will stick a bit closer to her mother in the shops, at least for a little while - but if not, at least all know she is quite capable of discerning right from wrong and being vocal about it.

Sure hope that makes abductees pause in future. Kids are loud!
Have a read of what Free Range Kids author, Lenore has to say

Fun at the Beach!

2012-02-05T12:07:00.000+13:00

Xander went with Granny and Grampa off to Whangamata from Monday 23 Jan.
He was a dubious at first but a few days later he was excited to be going by himself!

We arrived on the Friday night to enjoy the long weekend at the beach too. The weather was a bit hit and miss. The first day beautiful, the second windy, the third cloudy then very hot!

The kids had a blast in the waves and sand, and Granny and Grampa enjoyed the time with the kids. There was even a spot of fishing on the wharf which resulted in a tiny fish that was put back to grow bigger :)
Buster had fun making friends and racing along the sand, also leaping through the waves.

Renovations/Decorating..again!

2012-01-16T18:20:00.000+13:00

We bought so many test pots of white - i really hate white walls! So we then bought a few cream - heaps better!

We have decided to use Resene Blanc (bottom one!) on our hallway, office, bathroom, toilet, lounge, dining walls, with a feature wall in lounge and down hallway in Resene Mondo. Trims will be done in Resene Napa. Nice effect!

We, well Alan and Xander installed shelves in Xander's wardrobe! Xander's little organisation heart is at peace. Everything now has it's special place and isn't a mess! Yay.

Next step....cleaning walls and applying paint!!

Christmas in Wellington

2012-01-10T05:48:00.000+13:00

This year (we last year now!) it was our turn to spend Christmas in Wellington - we hadn't been for xmas since the year Xander was born!

For two weeks we spent time with Granny Grampa and Aunty Angelina, eating them out of house and home, messing up the house and creating our usual ruckus! Big thanks to Grampa for making the property dog proof!! (we won't mention that Buster can jump and when there's a cat..well!)

The kids had an awesome time! (so did the grownups!)
Making a gingerbread house.
Making ice cream.
Having baths in the big spa bath
Playing with new friends Bridget and Lachlan
Meeting their third cousins (my cousin's kids!) McKaia, 4, and Grace, 11.
Visiting Granny's helicopter, plane and ambulance
Watching the Phoenix at the Westpac Stadium!
Having a kick at the new turf in Island Bay with Grampa....

Christmas Day was a real treat - lots of family, food and fun!

The kids only got to have 2 of these big baths!

Bridget, 15.

putting together the gingerbread house!

the final product!

making ice-cream. This was done twice, first strawberry, second cherry and choc chip! Delicious job Esmee!

Treats for Santa

The presents!

Santa's been (yep all the stocking are for the kids!- Except the one behind Esmee, that's Busters!)

Jingle Pup!

after!

Xmas lunch included Uncle Matt as one of the guesta!!

Xmas outfit 1

Xmas outfit 2

late afternoon swim

McKaia, 4, Grace, 11, yay for cousins!

Even our Jingle Pup got spoilt!

Enjoy the photos!

Donkey Farm

2012-01-09T15:47:00.000+13:00

This Christmas was the last time Esmee and i joined Happy Feet Playgroup on an outing. The annual Donkey Farm trip is always wonderful and this year, extra special as Santa came for a visit!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T15:11:00.000+13:00

We are in Wellington, will be making part of the drive home to Hamilton tomorrow, stopping in Taupo for the night.
Once i'm home i'll upload photos from our holiday!
Hope you all had lovely Christmas's and are looking forward to an awesome year.

What's on for us in 2012??

I turn 30 this year. Also will continue to play soccer for the Wanderers with the aim to not be the weakest player on the team. I will be completing my ECE degree and finishing up with two very long practicums at the end of the year.
Esmee turns 5 and starts school in September. She is also starting ballet in term 1. Jury is still out about soccer too!
Xander will be continuing with guitar and soccer. Enjoying his second year at school.
Alan and I are resolved to lose lots of weight this year, both aiming for at least 15kg! Lots of encouragement and support is needed!!

Take care!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

2011-12-24T07:09:00.001+13:00

I found this version on a website called Xmasfun. Enjoy all you mums out there!

'Twas The Night Before Christmas
For moms!

Written by Karen Spiegler. Originally published in "Maniac Moms: A Humorous Newsletter for Crazed Mothers" in December/1993.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode
Only one creature was stirring, & she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of Nintendo 64 & Barbie, flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, & saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug,
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake."
"your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"
"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."
Then out walked the clone - The mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch The Young & The Restless."
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room above, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared & I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the small one & hummed her tune,
as she bundled the child in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled & sighed, "And I love you, too."

The mom frowned & said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal."
That's my child's LOVE she is trying to steal."
Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."

The mom kissed her child & tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won't be very long,
when they'll be too old for my cradle & song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side Santa said "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, You will be all right."

Merry Christmas everyone!

It's Christmas!

2011-12-12T07:36:00.001+13:00

Yes, you definitely know it's Christmas, not when all the shops start playing Carols in November and all the decorations come out.

But when your kids come home excited about a performance they are working on at school and kindy!

Xander's class performed Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, in a remixed version, in front of parents and grandparents, relatives and the entire year 1-2 team.
Here's a sneak peek at the performance :)

Esmee had a Christmas Cracker Extravaganza and sang not one, not two, but seven(!) songs with her new friends at Montessori@Flagstaff.

Amazing that they all learnt and remembered seven carols and did really well standing in front of two dozens parents! Of course then a special visitor arrived followed by a shared morning tea/lunch.

(Christmas is also the time to be spoilt with food and presents!)

Fireworks

2011-12-11T07:20:00.000+13:00

Esmee had her dancing show on Thursday. This term was dancing to Katy Perry's Firework.
They were so cute and managed to get the timing pretty well.
Here is a little snip of the show, love Esmee's smile!!

Knitting: A remedy?

2011-12-10T20:48:00.000+13:00

On Friday night a week ago while Alan was at a work xmas party, i taught myself to knit courtesy of a few youtube videos.
Tuesday night i finished my scarf!

Knitting is very meditative and relaxing, and all weekend as i clicked away with my wooden needles guess what. NO HEADACHES!
Could i have found a possible way to beat the nasty niggles?

But then Monday night i was in bed at 7 with one, and i think it was because of the close attention i paid to the knitting all weekend - well except for a break in there for xmas shopping.
But i think the key may be to relax more. Not be lazy, but relax whilst having my mind working away at something soothing. And it suits my creative side!

Next project: A lacey scarf for Esmee, and a dragon scale scarf for Xander. Both will have a hood to cover the ears and head during winter!

On the Farm...

2011-12-01T08:50:00.000+13:00

There were some Cows.

And those cows, they get milked.

On the Farm.
There are some tractors.
And those tractors, have the kids enthralled!

We went to my soccer coach's dairy farm on the Saturday. The kids loved it! Even got to drive the quad bike.

Hmm, and our naughty puppy wrestled with a chicken and Lee had to crawl under the house to get him back!

Xander's demonstration of Athletic abilities

2011-11-30T15:45:00.000+13:00

Xander is the one in the black hat!

He tripped over it in the end, hit his head on the mat :(

Awesome fun for the kids, a great way to blow off steam and get rid of energy!

On a side note - had a lovely mummy moment. After Xander tripped on the high jump, Mrs Bird (Dep Principal) told me that the year 2 teachers are fighting over who will have Xander. She said he's such a darling! I only hope he gets placed for his abilities and not just who fights the hardest :D

Yellow Fever!

2011-11-22T10:33:00.000+13:00

I'm talking about soccer. Wellington Phoenix a-league to be exact!
Saturday saw us driving up to Eden Park to watch the Phoenix play for the first time in Auckland. It was also the first time for us to view them AND be at the park!

Ready with supporter flags, the kids and Alan and I took our seats and prepared for a great evening.

It did not disappoint. The Phoenix didn't win but they drew and it was a great performance.
The kids enjoyed participating in the endless mexican wave that swept the stadium, and joined in on the chanting and hissing and booing!
Bring on Wellington where we will see them on their home pitch!

Kindy Update

2011-11-22T10:24:00.000+13:00

Alan and i have been unhappy with Hukanui Kindy since Esmee started - just little things like it taking 4 months for Esmee to learn the teachers names, me as well; they didn't celebrate Esmee's birthday and were unconcerned when i mentioned it - apparently they only do it if you child's birthday falls on a kindy day and not the weekend!; it was going to take forever for her to get into morning sessions, leaving not enough time for her to get used to longer sessions before school in September. The kindy completely excluded the younger kids (afternoon session) from outings which i think is very dumb.
And we didn't feel as though she was being challenged.

So four weeks ago we made a move to Montessori@Flagstaff. Click HERE for more information if interested.
The change in Esmee is amazing! She talks about montessori all the time, is enthusiastic about going and brimming with information when she gets home. It's awesome!
I had been concerned that we were moving her for the wrong reasons - she was happy at Hukanui and had made some lovely little friends. But she is more lively now (if that's possible!) and challenged.

Montessori is a bit different to what we are used to, but their philosophy is sound. Teaching independence and ownership through children selecting their own interests and working on them individually. I can see the benefit of this, but i also think children learn by working together, but it seems to be working well.
Also teaching them patience and turntaking - this one i think is a bit strange! - only 4 children are allowed to sit and eat morning tea at one time.
There is no family corner - ie babies and cots etc - because they believe in real life experiences. They do things like baking and helping set up for morning tea and lunch, but there is no play equipment geared up for this. Not too concerned though 'cos we have that stuff at home!

So, Esmee has had a big change but seems to be thriving. You'll get more updates as the year - and the new one - progresses.

Rock Climbing Party

2011-11-06T15:27:00.000+13:00

We took 7 kids to Extreme Edge for Xander's party. It is the first party we have had away from home, and i tell you - this was the easiest party ever! No stress, no mess and i didn't have to tidy up! The kids entertained themselves. Done!

We were very surprised when Esmee didn't climb as much as we had expected. She only when up a little way every time then came back down, refusing to go higher. She climbs trees, right to the top, but wouldn't climb the walls with a harness? Go figure!

Xander had a blast!

Even got to have a battle with dad and his new Bey Blade. Wearing his new Phoenix top from Granny and Grampa.

Early Birthday

2011-11-02T20:46:00.000+13:00

Xander will be 6 next week.

We've been trying for months to find someone to teach him first to play the guitar, second the Ukelele with no results, then after a trip to the music shop we tried again for the guitar, and voila!
Someone finally willing to give a kid younger than 7 a chance!

So as an early birthday present....
A half sized guitar to take to his fortnightly lessons at Da Capo Music Centre.

Alan had even learnt a special song for Xander.

And at his first lesson this afternoon the tutor was blown away. Apparently Xander is making the right sounds, and the getting the right chords, first time every time. She said he is incredible!
It feels so nice having someone say that - now i don't feel like i was trying to blow up his musical abilities because i'm biased. And i'm glad we've pushed for the lessons and finally found someone.
The look on Xander's face this afternoon when we left the lesson was a double validation. He is now in his element! (He even requested to be taught to play Party Rock Anthem! But it's not a guitar song, we now have to think of his fav songs for the tutor to try to teach him!)

Happy Birthday Alan!

2011-11-02T20:27:00.000+13:00

A bit late but here is the picture of Alan before he blew out his candles! - or should i say, Xander blew them while Alan was inhaling!

Alan took the day off. This is unheard of, he never takes a day off unless he is near to dying! But as Xander had the chicken pox, and Thursday is our busiest afternoon with dancing then soccer...it wasn't fair for Esmee to miss out on dancing because Xander wasn't allowed out of the house. The solution, Alan took her!
The kids were so excited to give Alan his presents in the morning. His very own Beyblades so he could battle with them - so cute!

Future of Rugby?

2011-10-25T14:08:00.000+13:00

With World Cup fever running rampant it was hard for Xander to not catch it!

He's expressed a wish to play rugby next year and we aren't going to stop him, if that's what he wants to do. With a fascination for Dan Carter and Piri Weepu he has been practicing kicking the ball (over the fence!), and doing the haka. He's even been saying things like "if i'm in the All Blacks you'll come watch my games aye?" - our response - "If you get into the All Blacks, we'll be at EVERY game!"

Joining in on the Final!

Xander got a real kick out of being allowed to stay up late and watch the All Blacks, even when we won the Cup! (GO BLACK!!). I think his excitement was more than ours put together. Love his enthusiasm for life.

Soccer Stars

2011-10-17T07:11:00.000+13:00

A few weeks ago the Wanderers had their prize giving evening.

Yep that's right, i got a trophy too! Wohoo!!
Named most improved player for my team, just like Xander!

We are very proud in this house :)

A Milestone for Esmee!

2011-10-15T15:36:00.001+13:00

5 minutes after taking the training wheels off, and she looks like shes been doing it for weeks! A little push off then away she goes!
Then a few minutes later she doesn't even need us to hold her! (Watch out Buster!)

The positive

2011-10-15T14:44:00.000+13:00

Yep, we have no bath. The kids are always so excited to stay with friends or grandparents so they can have a bath.
With Esmee being itchy, we had to soak her skin in pinetarsol. So out came the red drinks bucket!

At least there is a positive side to the pox!

A Pox on the House of Hearfield

2011-10-12T16:10:00.000+13:00

We have finally got the chicken pox in our house. Poor Esmee had a spot or two last night and today there are about 30 over her body.
We visited a friend who had them a few weeks ago. I had hopes that my kids would catch them, not because i'm evil but because i was getting a bit worried that they are getting older and we keep missing the Pox. You know, don't want them to get it when they are older and more susceptible to sterilisation!

So, we are out of commission for the next two-three weeks (assuming that Xander will start showing signs too!). It means a boring school holidays for the kids, but at least it will protect them in the future!

Green with Envy!

2011-09-30T19:41:00.001+13:00

Alan has finished painting Xander's walls - in the colour Xander chose of course!

It is so awesome! So bright, but it also feels rather warm, especially with the afternoon sun streaming in. Xander is so excited, as tomorrow we will put everything back into his room. (I wonder if Alan has worked out that both Xander and I would like some shelves??!)

Now, we just need to colour the rest of the house...

Soccer Star. Again!

2011-09-25T18:29:00.000+13:00

Well, last year Xander got named Player of the Year from his soccer team, and this year...

He was nominated and chosen as the Most Improved Player!
Yay, Go Xander!! Two trophies for his shelf (once he's back in his newly renovated room that is!)

Esmee's 4!

2011-09-22T11:53:00.002+12:00

Our little Princess really was a princess for her birthday - complete with a new dress and a hair-cut followed by a style - the only time she'll have curls!
They lasted all of about 30 minutes but she looked lovely.

Totally spoilt, as she deserves to be, she partied away with her friends at her Ball.

Pizza, games, lollies, presents...what more would a little princess need?

A cake!

Happy Birthday our beautiful girl!

Cross Country

2011-09-14T14:31:00.000+12:00

Xander had about 3 weeks of cross country at school recently. Then on the final day, they had a race!

Around the field, over some hay bales, under a rainbow parachute, around some classrooms and around again.

warming up

they're off! (Xander is to the left)

Second time around

Finish line just ahead!

Xander came about 9th or 10th, i wasn't counting. He did really well!

nearly September already??!

2011-08-30T14:59:00.000+12:00

So sorry i haven't been updating recently. No excuse really. Just soccer for first 3, then 4, now only 2 of us. Plus all the rest of our busy lives :)
So prepare for the big info and photo post dump!!

Soccer:
Alan's team finished 2nd in the division.

Alan's in the blue, in the middle

And my team finished 5th of 8 having won 7 games and losing 7 games. My team and i are also participating in a tournament in Waiuku in September so i need to keep on the ball until then - i managed to go from doing 10 mins in a game (90 mins long) to a whole half (45 mins). I aim tp keep that fitness up for next tear and maybe i can do a whole 90 minutes.

Xander's soccer: We have two games left! After being in the top of the grade and winning every game (i think we may have lost 1??) we were re-graded to the next level down and so far we have lost every game! Fingers crossed we can win our last two! To check out how they have been doing and to see some action shots view the website Alan set up

At the beginning of term and coincidently beginning of August, we enrolled both Esmee and Xander for soccer skills after school on Monday. They are both doing really well!

Xander is in a group with all the older kids (up to about 10), learning how to dribble ball using outside of foot, stopping and controlling the ball etc, and Esmee is with the 4 year olds, getting general ball handling experience, mostly learning how to control and stop it with feet rather than hands!

Alan played a game of indoor Lacrosse one Saturday night and brought us along to cheer. During a break he got the kids in the rink (played on the inline hockey rink) to have a go!

Xander had a school disco on Friday with a World Cup theme. Here he is all dressed up!

Go AllBlacks!

He had a blast with his mates. He and his friend Zac were shuffling and breakdancing on the floor. Awesome sight :)

And of course Buster. He is doing really well. Mostly toilet trained but we are not that confident to leave him out of his crate whilst we are out (Xander walked some of his deposits into the carpet unknowingly in Esmee's room!). We start Puppy Preschool next week which is geared towards socialising him with other puppies. At the moment he yaps and puffs up and growls at the sight of another dog, so we are hopeful he will learn to calm down!
He has had all his shots now, so has been introduced to daily walks to visit the big wide world. He has taken to it with relish :)

Buster and the kids

2011-08-08T14:39:00.000+12:00

Player of the Day

2011-08-08T14:35:00.000+12:00

After holidays and a couple of wet weekends it was great to see everyone back and fighting fit.

The first game of the Champ Round saw us with a game against the Cannons, who we had played in the last round, and the game did not disappoint.

From the sideline there was a great sense of excitement for the spectacle of football we were treated to, with everyone playing their part and some wonderful teamwork leading to some well constructed goals.

Eshan stepped up to get stuck in and chased down the ball, Abbey and Liana worked tirelessly stopping some serious attacks from the Cannons and turning the ball over. Wil and Ethan showed what a force the Giants can be on attack, with Wil scoring the most improbable goal that left adults on the sideline scratching there head as to how it went in and begging to be taught how to do it. However the day belonged to Xander, turning the ball over in the middle of the park he sped down and slotted the ball between the posts, he broke out the shuffle to the amusement of the sideline (watch LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem if you don't know what shuffling is). To go with this he was all over the park and envolved in everything.

Xander was a well deserved Player of the day.

Final Score 7 - 0

Introducing...Buster!

2011-07-30T09:30:00.000+12:00

Our cheeky little mischievous 12 week old pup loves me the best! His favourite position is on my knee.
So far i've managed to teach him to sit, and we are working on stay. He hates the lead, but once he worked out he would get a treat for walking nicely and not pulling, he began to behave.

We are still having a few issues with peeing inside - like this morning i was having a lay in and Alan held the door open for him to go outside - well, he peed on the mat instead! So i think some training sessions between Alan and Buster are in order - then maybe he'll listen to more than just me!

He is very playful and likes to pick up things like socks, cars, even dressinggowns and run with them around the house. The kids are learning quickly to not leave their things on the floor (finally!).

Now we are teaching him to use the cat door to go outside when he needs to pee, so to save the mat!!

No trip is complete...

2011-07-30T09:24:00.001+12:00

without a trip to McDonald's!

Esmee charmed a couple of tourists by feeding Baa Sheep. They took her photo!

And of course going out for a fluffy! (and lollies!)

Huka Falls

2011-07-30T09:22:00.000+12:00

The kids have been fascinated by little waterfalls (which kids isn't!) so i thought it would be cool to take them to the Huka Falls.
The looks on their faces was well worth the trip!

the river was so full that the falls weren't that impressive, but still make a huge impact!

School holidays = down time! (and snow!)

2011-07-30T09:17:00.001+12:00

Yep, school holidays is where most people go away somewhere. For the first week, we went to Taupo and stayed with Nanna and Grandad.
The kids got lost in cartoons - they have sky!

Then on the Wednesday we all got wrapped up in our snow clothes and up the mountain we went!
Nanna and her friend came too - it was heaps of fun.

Mountaineers

They fell off!

Esmee preferred to play in the snow - especially after going down the slope on the sled with me, and we fell off! I don't think i'll be going on the sled with Esmee for a long time - i always make her fall off!

Alan and Xander had a fab time going down and up again.

Even Nanna had a turn on a little slope! Go Nanna!!

Our newest family member

2011-07-11T23:01:00.000+12:00

We have bought a puppy!
A Jack Russell Chihuahua cross and he is beautiful!!!

We pick him up during the school holidays, as we are off to Taupo and Mt Ruapehu for a week, so we have until then to decide on a name and purchase all the paraphernalia that comes with our little boy.

We are so excited to get him home!

Kindy Disco

2011-07-01T13:02:00.000+12:00

Last month Esmee's kindy had a disco.
It was so cool. Alan and i stood back and let the kids go for it!
Dancing by themselves, finding their friends (Xander), dancing with teachers (Esmee), then dancing together.
A fun night for the kids, especially as they both love music and dance!

Every day i'm shuff-ling!

Wanderers best fans and supporters

2011-06-25T18:15:00.000+12:00

Alan and Xander and Esmee come to every one of my games.
Xander sits in his chair, or stands on the sideline with me (I'm a sub), and says "Go Hayley!" (There are two of them in my team, but he just loves the Hayley that has yellow boots!)

Esmee coming to say "I love you". Her personal brand of good luck, while i'm warming up!

At the game in Morrinsville, our two biggest supporters sat in their cheers chanting "Go Wanderers! Go Wanderers!". I think that's why we had such a fantastic game and won!
The team love the kids cheering them on (i haven't heard otherwise!) and they are really keen to help Lee, our coach carry the gear to the cars after the game.

Thank you my beautiful, wonderful supporters!!

(Thank you Monica and Andrea for the beautiful photos!)

Esmee is a Barbie Girl!

2011-06-16T14:41:00.000+12:00

This term, Esmee's dances are to The Chicken Dance and I'm a Barbie Girl.
Here is a short sneak peak (video)!

Player of the Day!!

2011-06-14T14:22:00.001+12:00

Yep, it was finally Xander's turn!

He was so proud! After about three tries at goal that were unlucky, he poked the ball in after Abbey had run it up the field - so it was a great team effort!

Now we just need me to get a goal and then all three of us soccer players would have scored!

June? June!

2011-06-06T21:05:00.000+12:00

Goodness me the months have slipped by so fast!
I've finished my first semester of Early childhood study and now have a few weeks break - be that to catch up on life and actually realise that time is flying?!

So, i've been a bit slack with blogging. Sorry.
A bit of a catch up;
Esmee is doing dancing again this term. Xander, Alan and I are playing Soccer - makes for a hectic weekend, but it's fun!

On Friday's i look after my friends kids while she works. We got to playgroup, then play at home, then collect the boys from school. It's fantastic! Isla is enjoying the company and Esmee is thrilled to spend the time with her showing her the things we do.
Last week, we did some art work with Autumn leaves. Lots of fun!

Xander has been learning about FireWise at school, had the firemen and the truck come for a visit, and to his and Esmee's delight they got to practice our fire escape plan and climb out his bedroom window! Of course with strict instructions this is to be done ONLY in an emergency. (I caught them doing it again the next day.)

Xander got picked in class for being good all week (funny because he's been home Tues and Wednesday with Tonsilitis!) and he got to bring Wally the Wombat home. We packed a lot into this weekend - lucky it was a long one ;)

Esmee has homework at kindy. Very simple. Find an item in the house that begins with the letter of the week. She gets to take it to kindy, put it in the homework box and at mat time (last 15 mins of kindy) gets to show everyone what she brought. Last week was D. She took a little diamond keyring. Was so cute!

I wonder what everyone's reaction will be when she takes her giant Lumpy (Elephant) this week for E!

And tomorrow is my birthday! I don't care that i'm getting a year older (29!), it's a day all about me (at least in my little corner of the world) and i love it. So bring on the cake!!

Free Range Kids

2011-05-19T23:27:00.000+12:00

What a fantastic concept! Brings to mind chickens, but i think our kids are more like Monkeys! : D

While researching Politically Incorrectness in children's play for my presentation assignment i stumbled on this blog.
I think their concept is fantastic and a lot of it makes sense. To let kids be kids and let them do and go where they will without being so controlling. Letting them test there own theories and take their own risks. And a whole lot more.

Personally i think i'll never be able to let go completely, but i'll definitely be giving Xander and Esmee more free reign.

Take a look here

What do you think?

Here Comes the Bride

2011-05-17T11:03:00.001+12:00

Man, Esmee is wedding and princess mad at the moment!

Not my dress, a dress up wedding dress from Granny

We've watched Princess Diaries 1 and 2, she keeps asking to watch The Prince and Me.
This morning we watched my wedding dvd, then we had to look at my dress. Of course i had to try it on!
Then Esmee walked around the house in my wedding slippers and carrying one of the things guests give you - i don't know what they are called, those bells, umbrellas - frilly things, i think are luck for babies or something!

my shoes and flowers

Then she says "mum, I will married Daddy. When you died!"

Oh, thanks darling, good to see you have an aspiration for the future that includes my death! LOL!

Soccer Season

2011-05-08T16:45:00.000+12:00

Xander's team this year is the Giants again! Alan is the coach and the kids are all having a blast!
Yesterday was their first game, and let me tell you it was a ripper of a match!

Xander assisted a few of the goals, lucked out on one, but had an awesome time.
Giants won 7-4.

Looking forward to the rest of the season!

Alan's games are certainly different to mine. Faster, more goals, and a lot more profanities!
His team also won 8-0 with Alan managing to score a goal when the ball deflect off him into the net!!

Well done my boys :)

A bucket? For Feelings?

2011-05-05T19:54:00.000+12:00

Searching the web for information about Politically Correct play for children as a possible assignment topic (I'm interested in finding others views on how play should be made politically UNcorrect - or rather back to grass roots!), i stumbled on this blog called Child Perspective.
It has a post about using a bucket to explain about feelings. - When it's full you are happy, but when bad things happen or you get sad, it slowly (or quickly!) empties. How do we fill it back up?
By taking some of the other people's water?
Or, by FILLING someone else's bucket?! Which obviously would make you feel good for helping someone else!

It was a wonderful concept and really simple - i'm going to try it on the kids!

v8s

2011-04-28T14:05:00.000+12:00

Xander was a lucky boy on V8 weekend and got to go along with Dad and Grandad.

He even go to sit in the drivers seat of one of the Ute's!

I fear he will turn into a motor head. He was spouting all the drivers names and everything when we watched replays on telly!

Busy Easter

2011-04-25T17:20:00.000+12:00

So for the final long weekend of the year (Easter weekend), did we relax?
Did we just eat chocolate and hot cross buns?

Well, first we didn't have any hot cross buns :( (i forgot to get some!)
Second, we didn't relax.

We set to finishing Esmee's room. A few sandings, layer of plaster, installing gib cove, sealing.

Then today we got out the paintbrushes! Alan did the ceiling, then....

the colour reveal!

Esmee puts on the first strokes!

Xander having a go

Our first coat, done! It's PINK!

Esmee is delighted with the result so far. We still have to do the windows and doors and the skirting boards. But that will be another weekend!

So. How did you spend your easter?

Our Tiny Dancer

2011-04-12T21:10:00.002+12:00

Esmee's first ever dance performance.

All dressed up and ready to go on a Dora Adventure to the Farm! Baaa!
(I was going to load the two videos but they are over 100MB and were taking ages. So you will just have to be content with a few photos, courtesy of Karina!)

Baa Baa here, and a Baa Baa there...

Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O

Then off for a trip on the bus. 2nd dance "wheels on the bus"(the only photo we got of this dance, and Xander took it.) Esmee is in the middle.

The horn on the bus goes beep beep beep...

And finally, a curtsy. So cute!!

Well done our Darling Dancer!

Little Voice

2011-04-09T11:47:00.004+12:00

Xander read his rubbish story at assembly yesterday. He got a bit shy i think, and went quiet.
Turn your volume up!

Artist at work

2011-04-09T11:38:00.001+12:00

I love watching the kids create their pieces of art.
During my studies i have read that creating art is a way for children to make connections about their learning and come to an understanding of their world.
I don't quite see the connection here, but it is certain Esmee had a fantastic time while creating her splatter paintings at playgroup (yep paintings, she did several!).

The final result of her favourite one:

Soccer and an accident

2011-04-07T23:10:00.000+12:00

Well, i was going to post some photos of my first game of soccer...but i look terrible! So i'll just tell you we won 1-0! We had fitness and striking training last night as a result and all i can say is...OUCH! I hurt all over, but am thinking it's for the best, hopefully by the end (i don't think it will be any sooner!) i will be able to keep up with the other great ladies in my team and last longer than 20 or so minutes on the field. Watch this space.

But, Xander had an accident while at the game. He was ever so clever to make sure he did it just at the end. He scootered, at top speed, into a pole. The result was a massive hematoma on his forehead that caused me to blanch in horror, which in turn caused him to burst into tears after Alan had calmed him down - go mum!!

about 20 mins after the hit, Sunday

Tuesday

He is now a bit puffy across the nose, has a nice little bruise along his right brow and top eyelid, and a yellowing ball where he bumped. Do i think this will stop him from scootering so fast?? Not a chance!

Dancing Princess

2011-04-05T12:49:00.000+12:00

Our little Princess has been dressing up a storm recently. We got her beautiful Belle dress out of the wardrobe and she wore it the entire day!
Often she wears a pretty pink dress (not pictured) we picked up at the plunket baby gear sale last year for a few dollars, and with a crown she is definitely our little princess.

Esmee discovered Barbie and the 12 dancing princesses at the video shop and we've had it out twice. I love how she joins in the dancing at the end!

Principal Awards

2011-03-27T11:02:00.000+13:00

Yep, there are two! For far this year Xander has two awards, one for being enthusiastic about learning, the newest one for being a responsible and caring student. Go Xander!

As a treat, dad made donuts for pudding. What a treat, they were delicious!!

Catch up

2011-03-17T20:20:00.001+13:00

Xander had his 'learning conference' on Monday (fancy term for parent-teacher interviews!).
School finished at 1:45pm and i took him, on Tuesday, for a fluffy, and a catch up, just him and me!
It was so lovely. He wanted a milkshake but the cafe only did iced chocolates but he didn't care when he saw it. Oh, and the donut!

It's nice catching up with my little man, who daily astounds me with how un-little he is!

Berries, berries, berries!

2011-03-15T20:12:00.000+13:00

Our playgroup outing this term was mid-term and we went berry picking!
Out on Morrinsville road and the guy was so nice. They had dug up all the strawberries ready for the new crop, except for 3 long rows because he knew we were coming!

juicy strawberries!

picking raspberries.

so careful and precise with her picking!

The kids had a blast - and i think the adults did too :)
Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.

And of course a real fruit ice cream at the end. Delicious!

Swimming Sports

2011-03-11T20:10:00.000+13:00

We went and watched Xander's year give us a swimming demonstration of what they have learned.
I thought that Xander looked a bit bored, but he tells me he had a great time, so that is all that matters!

Tea Parties and Barbies

2011-03-10T11:34:00.001+13:00

Esmee is real little lady these days.
She plays with her Barbies almost daily, and when friends come it is all about barbies and of course tea parties :)

Xander's School Days

2011-03-02T10:00:00.000+13:00

Xander has settled into school this term really well. Making lots of friends, making the teachers work hard with all the assessing as he keeps moving on them! (academically!!)
He even got a Principal award for his willingness to learn :D

I'm not too sure about what Maths they do, whenever i ask he says things like: "We played on the number mat" "We worked on number 11" Really, JUST the number 11?
So this is an area i will be discussing with his teachers at the learning conference (Their phrase for parent-teacher interviews!)

But he doing great guns on his reading and we work often on his word card to help him progress to the next level.

Here are some of the stories up on the wall at school. In true Xander style!

yep, our little man is firm believer and member of the rubbish patrol.
They don't have an official name, he just picks up rubbish with friends some lunchtimes!!

i forgot to take a picture of his art for this blurb :(

These are some of the ways Xander helps to be responsible

Good grief, i think we've been watching too much How To Train Your Dragon!

Picnic at the Park

2011-02-28T13:34:00.000+13:00

We have been a bit busy, but it's never too busy for a burger at the park on a sunny, hot afternoon!
The kids rode their bikes, and i carried dinner. Sitting under a bit of shade we ate for about 10 minutes then played for 40.
A nice relax before bedtime routine and I could finally hit the books!

Xander learnt a lesson on the way home: speeding makes it hard to stop. He got hit by/hit a car. He saw the car pulling out of the driveway but his brakes made him skid and slid a little bit under the car. The driver hadn't looked out side windows, but luckily was only going slow!
No harm done, but good lesson learned. Listen and stay with mum!

Dancing Queen

2011-02-09T08:28:00.000+13:00

Our little Princess is now a Dancing Queen! We already knew it, but now it's official.
Jitterbugs at Te Totara School Hall is awesome.
Esmee's smile says it the best - it covered her face the whole time, until she got to a tricky bit.

They didn't just run around waving scarves, they actually started a whole routine.
Really going to love watching Esmee's co-ordination and rhythm define themselves!

a bit of practice on stage

learning to curtsy!!

Renovation Time!

2011-02-08T07:13:00.000+13:00

Because you never can finish a job (landscaping!) before something else has to be done!

Esmee's Room before

We ripped the gib off the kids bedroom walls over the weekend. This was my favourite part, punching holes in the wall :)
We were right - no batts!

So mum and Dad came up to help. Putting in builders paper, then stuffing the holes with batts, and finally covering it all back up with gib. I even got to drill some of the screws into the wall.

We hit a snag whilst putting in the lights - there are too many cables! So now waiting for an electrician to arrive then we can start plastering the gaps and after all the scotia, skirting boards and architraves are done, we can paint!

But wow what a difference! Already the rooms feel a bit cooler - yay for protecting against the heat! (I'll post the final picture this afternoon - have to get to daycare now :)

It will definitely cut down on the illnesses over winter.

Gold pants?

2011-01-31T19:59:00.000+13:00

Yep, i don't think the colours really are the right choice for their uniform - they look like they should be starring in a rap video! - but the Pirates had a National Tournament in Hamilton this weekend.

Alan is number 6. It was interesting to watch - have no idea of the rules but it is rather exciting watching the players bash through each other to get the ball to the goal, oh and whacking each other with their sticks (legally!).
Alan has a blast and the kids thought it was fun being ball boys. Not so fun that it was the whole weekend, but we love him and support him!
Go Pirates!!

Sophie's Neverland Party

2011-01-31T19:52:00.000+13:00

Our good friend Sophie turned 5 last week, and she saw it in with a bang - a fabulous Neverland Party!
We all know how much kids love to dress up, coupled with theme games and parties are a hit!

Pirate - Ol' No Legs Xander, and Fairy Esmee - Petal Goblin Fly!

Walking in to a house with signs for Lost Boys Hideout and Mermaid Lagoon and Pixie Hollow, it was a real Neverland!

And then lots of lollies, a pirate name and fairy name to decorate, stick the star on the wand (Xander won!), then a treasure hunt for the goodie bags. Oh and i forgot the bouncy castle.

On Guard!
One of the grownups got right into it and had a sword fight with the kids - made their day!

Then the main event - the birthday cake. A really fantastic teapot house for Tinkerbell! Well done Pam!!

Esmee goes to kindy! (again)

2011-01-31T19:39:00.000+13:00

Yep, our little girl is now in Hukanui Kindy. Just a short walk from home and a quick pickup after school, this is much closer to home!
And...she loves it!

The playground, the face painting - yep every day she gets to paint her own face! It is joy to see her so happy when i pick her up.

Dinner Dramas

2011-01-20T21:24:00.000+13:00

Ok so, positive reinforcement just wasn't cutting it, so last night i implemented (with the backup of Alan!) the negative effects of Esmee not eating her dinner = loss of toys for every 5 mins she's at the table when we've all finished. After 25 minutes she'd lost a good lot of toys (ended up taking entire boxes away!), and faked vomitting, was sent to bed.

Tonight with the possibility of earning her toys back (one by one, or box by box!) by eating her dinner, she failed. Choosing instead to spit out her water and food, down her chin. *sigh* sent to bed with a good growling and more toys confiscated.

We aren't too worried about the number of toys accumulating in our bedroom - we are in the process of starting to renovate her room, and will need them all out anyway!

Why do we have such a beautiful stubborn daughter?

Summer = water

2011-01-18T20:37:00.000+13:00

Don't you just love the nice long warm days of summer? I say warm and not hot because it's been way too hot here in Hamilton!
To counter this we have been spending a lot of time in various pools or bodies of water.

On the 3rd of Jan we had a bbq at the Greens' house, which meant the kids swam in the pool.

On the following weekend, our neighbour invited us to Horohoro for a swim/seabiscuit. Slowly the kids gained confidence with their noodles in the shallow (below Alan's knees!) water.

Over the past few weeks we've also been lucky enough to swim at Alan's work pool.
The kids have gone from clutching us with death grips around the neck (Esmee), to jumping in wearing only flutterwings (Xander).
Esmee, who doesn't even like washing her hair in the shower has gained so much confidence she was even kicking while on her back! And she is at arm's length with the noodle and/or her new flutter wings.
Xander went from kicking around the pool with the noodle, or monkeying around the pool's bar, to jumping in the water to the noodle, then without the noodle, and finally he was swimming from one of us to the side of the pool (about 5 kicks away).

the camera was too slow to catch Xander's jump, but you get the idea!

They have accomplished in one month, the water confidence we have paid hundreds of dollars for that didn't do this much for them!
I think we'll continue as we are, then pay for proper lessons. Lessons that actually teach them to swim, not float and gain confidence, because, clearly, they are doing that in a warmer and more fun environment - just my observation!

photo montage of Christmas and Taupo holiday

2011-01-08T15:40:00.000+13:00

Our home away from home, and the playhouse behind it.

loving Nanna and Grandad's awesome back yard, including swings!
Also the playhouse and the old pram!

an insane amount of pressies! Oh, but lots of excitement!!

the santa sacks are full!

ooh, pretty laptop!

cool train and road

her own scooter!

Boxing day at DeBretts Hot springs spa. missed the shot of Alan and Xander!

he loved it, but didn't want to go down the slide again!

Esmee preferred the kids area

At the Taupo Rodeo

all i could think was the poor calf!

colouring Grandad's stone

excited to be on the boat!

a dip with dad.

took a lot of persuasion, but she finally got in!

Happy. On the way back to the wharf, and food!

BaaSheep in the old pram both Mum and Nanna used as children!

Happy Birthday Nanna

Alan on the seabiscuit - sucker for punishment!

As you can see, we had an awesome time! Uncle Matt went on the biscuit too, but i don't have the photos!

Hope everyone had a wonderfully good Christmas and new year holiday :)

We are back

2010-12-31T08:17:00.002+13:00

We hope you had a fabulous Christmas!

We've been in Taupo for our Christmas.

Give me a few days to sort through photos and i'll show you what we got up to!

So this is Christmas! a few photos...

2010-12-21T17:03:00.000+13:00

It is quite scary how the year has moved so quickly! - or is it just me and realising time is very precious indeed?!

What have we done to prepare?:

Esmee loves crafts - she has made at least ten decorations for the tree!

Xander has had his little concert at school:

santa Xander

We've put up the tree and decorated it with our wonderful creations:

decorating the tree

both kids decorating decorations for the tree

And we've had a wonderful early christmas with Granny, Grampa and Aunty Angelina!

the tree is full - look at all the pressies!!

first present

presents for Granny and Grampa

Xander rips into it :)

wow, a big bike!

massive box of barbie stuff!

early xmas dinner

Merry Christmas!

my baked alaska

And then some Christmas lights:

Playgroup Christmas Party

2010-12-18T14:39:00.001+13:00

At the Zoo!

One of the dads dressed up!

having fun negotiating the paths with Harry

Up close and personal: Is that my cousin??

So cute! Harry and Esmee are looking at the pictures from the
Tiger enclosure. Talking to each other about it.

wow, we are so small!

Aww!

It was hot and sticky, but a very pleasant meander around the Hamilton Zoo. It is the only time we go to the zoo. Next time i hope we (the family, not playgroup!) go to the Auckland or Wellington Zoos.

Esmee's turn

2010-12-18T07:46:00.001+13:00

Esmee's kindy had a concert today. Sooo cute! But man was it manic - getting about 20 two and three year olds to perform and stay focused for 15 minutes...
Esmee did! She's the one in the beautiful red christmas dress with the tree on it!
So proud; take look:

A bit of a Christmas Carol

2010-12-10T22:40:00.001+13:00

On Tuesday Xander's school had a Sharing Day. This is where they show us what they have done this term, and because it's nearly Christmas, we had a bit of a show.

Apparently, Xander taught the class, He Wears a Red Red Coat, so he is all dressed up in his red cape (we don't have a red coat!) with a santa sack.
It's adorable!
When he waves and beams, Alan has just walked in, having missed most of the songs, but Xander doesn't care - Dad's here!

And yes i know, a big upload dump, but i've been busy - it's nearly Christmas and we are all busy. Enjoy :)

Sports Day

2010-12-10T19:10:00.002+13:00

We were invited to watch the kids on their race off/sports day. It was so cute watching the varying abilities.

I didn't get a video of Xander running, i couldn't see him at the end so missed him! Esmee got to race though...
Here is the video i took - that Alan has tweaked!
If you can't view it here, here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O4wgf5rZ-Q

School Days

2010-12-10T14:35:00.001+13:00

Every morning Xander has at school what they call The 8:30 program. I view this as a chance to work with Xander on learning his words, writing and sometimes a bit of maths if he doesn't want to write - which isn't often!
He is doing so well and in just 4 short weeks he has already learnt all the words in the pink box, how to read them, write them and even spell them. We've moved onto the red words, even though his teacher hasn't tested him on the pink ones yet (she's been a bit busy with report cards and the sharing day!).

Of course, Esmee wants to do writing too (younger siblings are allowed to come along for the program), so we bring along her writing book and this week we have focussed on numbers.

It's lovely to see them working so hard, and seeing the pride they have in their results!

Christmas

2010-12-10T14:25:00.001+13:00

I love it! The christmas jingles, putting up the tree, the shopping (but not the parting with the money!), and the kids enthusiasm only fuels mine. It's such a wonderfully joyful time.

The kids were so excited when we set up the tree, even more so when they had free reign on decorating. And Esmee has been going craft mad at playgroup making at least a dozen beautiful decorations, and we have some more special ones given us by a friend to decorate and add to the collection too!

And the shopping...Xander hates shopping, but last night when we took advantage of Farmers' and The Warehouse's specials, he enjoyed himself looking for and choosing a gift for Esmee. Quickly he figured out how to read the prices and choose one within budget.

feeling so important and grown up

talking with the lady about school!

He even got it gift-wrapped at the volunteer station at the mall. He had such fun choosing the wrapping paper and the colour ribbon. He really is growing up so fast.

New Arrival

2010-12-08T10:20:00.000+13:00

Our friend Justine had her baby two weeks ago and Esmee was in awe of the little baby girl, Lucy.
When we went to visit she was sleeping but Esmee just peered in at her with her big blue eyes in wonder. It was lovely.

Then Justine came to playgroup last week and Esmee got to have a hold! (So did I!)

Getting settled

2010-12-08T10:17:00.000+13:00

Xander is slowly settling in, it's a shame school is going to be finished on Tuesday for 6 weeks!
He's made some lovely friends and we've been lucky enough to go to Caleb's house for a swim.

Xander has cried a couple of times when it's mat time, but as long as i walk him to the mat he seems to be fine. He's still enthusiastic about writing and learning, he made his own story book on the weekend!

Birthday Party

2010-12-06T16:26:00.000+13:00

This time it was for our good friend Michaela. As we near Christmas this is the second to last party, Jackson's is next!
The kids had heaps of fun, pinata, pin the tail on the mermaid (Esmee won!), pass the parcel!

Parties are such fun!!

Some new friends

2010-12-06T16:22:00.000+13:00

My friends Nicole and Sian came up on a road trip and stayed with us on the sunday 14 November.
The kids took a real shine to them, or maybe it was because of the bribe of colouring pens and a book each??!
We took them for a ride on the miniature trains in Forest Lake. This was a reward for eating their dinner, but also a treat for our friends.
It was heaps of fun!

Thanks Nicole and Sian for coming for a visit, looking forward to the next one :)

A message from Santa

2010-12-04T08:36:00.003+13:00

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/guest/hOalz3z9W0Rq27Hkb975mw

I've entered some of the kids details on a website called Portable North Pole. This is Esmee's message.
So cool!

and here is Xander's

update

2010-11-24T13:39:00.000+13:00

well, after having 16 kids around on monday, (i know, sucker for punishment right?!), a mix of kindy friends and new school friends, Xander has settled back into the school routine, albeit a bit clingy at mat time.
But no tears since Monday morning, which i'm relieved with! And he is onto his second writing goal - now using his word card all by himself to find the words to write his sentence/story! He is so proud we have stuck the little notice on his wall above his desk.

Last night we read his readers, then practiced writing a few words without looking at them - he has to know all his 'pink' words inside out before he can move onto the 'red' ones.
You know, those little words we take for granted but are so difficult for beginner readers - said, and here, are the two he is struggling with. But i thought it odd that the word 'a' is not anywhere on the word card. Whenever i ask him when i point it out in a book what it is he says the letter a, not the word 'a'. Tricky!

But he is getting there and very proud of what he is achieving.

And yes Amy, we will come for a visit as Xander has been asking to, so perhaps expect us one morning next week!

An upset...

2010-11-18T10:17:00.000+13:00

Well, Xander is in his second week of school and believe it or not, it has finally set in that it is all work and not very much play!

Yesterday he cried when the bell rang begging me to not leave. To say i was shocked is an understatement! He still gets into his uniform first thing in the morning (except today!) and is so into his writing at home as well as when we get to school and start the 8:30 program.

So i collected him at lunch time - informing him that was a once only deal - and he had a big sleep. Then we set to discovering why he cried.

"It's boring."!!!

Oh dear. He then said: "I want to go back to kindy."

Which told me clearly that he is missing the free play, being able to do whatever whenever he wants!
After informing him that he HAS to go to school, he cried himself to sleep. I felt so mean!

So this morning while walking to school we talked about all the wonderful things he'll learn once he gets the hang of reading, writing and counting. And the things he gets to do at school that Esmee and I don't.
He was a little bit convinced, especially when i said we can sign him up for t-ball next year.

We shall see how he goes. He was really proud showing me his story writing book and excited by the fact if he gets one more tick, he'll have a new writing goal.

It doesn't quite add up: He'd proud of his achievement in only a week, but doesn't want to be there.
I'm sure it boils down to the play thing so i've organised a group of old kindy friends and some new school friends to come for a play on Monday afternoon.

Trip to the gardens

2010-11-12T19:17:00.001+13:00

On Tuesday we went to the gardens to see the scarecrows that were entered in the Gathering of the Scarecrows.

St Andrew's Kindergarten entered with 'Michael Recycle'. Made from recycled material he was really cool!
Public vote brought him in 3rd place!

Many other scarecrows were very cool too, submitted from childcare centres, primary schools, Residental care for the elderly, and families.
There was even one that the kids could pretend they were scarecrows!

Of course no trip to the gardens is complete without kids being totally fascinated with all the water features. So much so that one younger sibling of a kindy friend fell into one of the ponds! Luckily there were some quick thinking and reaction parents around...i just watched!

And then, of course, who can resist a steep hill perfect for rolling down?!

Xander is 5!

2010-11-10T14:28:00.001+13:00

please excuse me, i have to show everyone our beautiful little man. I can't believe this day has come! It feels so long ago, but also just like yesterday that i held our newborn in my arms for the first time and felt that combination of terror and excitement.

Terror that i had no idea what to do and what if i screw him up in the process, excitement that we had been blessed with such a fantastic child.

Everyday i feel the same.

Okay now i'm feeling weepy! Just look at my baby!!!

1st photo

first smile

First birthday

second birthday

3rd birthday

4th birthday

And today:

opening Esmee's present

desk for homework and drawing, oh and more presents inside!

today, 5th birthday and off to school!

his class, all singing 'happy birthday'

courtyard finished!

2010-10-25T15:02:00.000+13:00

We wanted to hold off until the parties before revealing the 'finished' product.
It's by no means complete, still needs plants in the gardens, the grass levelled, the other gardens lined with sleepers. But you get the courtyard idea!

What do you think?

Alan's big 30

2010-10-24T17:21:00.000+13:00

Well, this was an awesome night. Family and a few good friends, bbq dinner and scrummy dessert.

A burning fire (except for the smoke!), and of course, the cake! Awesome job Pam, very impressive :)

A great way to celebrate a milestone! Happy Birthday Alan whose real birthday is on the 27th.

Xander's Animal Party!

2010-10-24T17:02:00.000+13:00

What a fabulous party, even if i do say so myself :)
We had all the family here and all of Xander's wonderful friends, disguised as animals. There was a rabbit, a few leopards, bumble bee, turtle, kangaroo...and Xander the wolf and Esmee the Sheep!
So cute, we started the party with face painting - thanks for the help Pam!

Then Alan brought out the food.

Following that we had a game of duck duck goose, then a game of animal charades with some fantastic imitations by the kids! :)
Lastly we had pin the tail on the wolf, with Imogen winning the closest tail.
And then, nearly forgetting, we had the cake!

Lots of games, lots of sugar and all the kids went home exhausted...i was too but we had to get ready for Alan's party which was in a few hours.

Xander also got a fabulous soccer net which he opened on Sunday. Esmee showed great skill and accuracy lining up the ball and getting some great scores!

First School Visit

2010-10-20T19:59:00.000+13:00

We were so excited this morning as it was Xander's first school visit.
Armed with 'brain food', stationery and lots of excitement off we went to Room 22 at Hukanui School.
Mrs Eyers showed Xander were everything goes, we were given sight word flashcards and an alphabet card for our book bag.

We started off the 8:30 session with reading and writing the pink words,

then had mat time where Xander was introduced to the class along with 3 others.

Then we got the junior school tour and then back to the mat for some writing time.

Yep we did lots of writing, but Xander loved it! And he got stickers for chart. Most exciting.

He was the most enthusiastic when Miss Satler asked if we would come back next week!

Pa and Presents

2010-10-18T19:38:00.001+13:00

Pa has come to stay for two weeks in celebration of Xander and Alan's birthday.
Of course the kids were excited to see him, but he also gave them presents! Early for Xander, late for Esmee but very much appreciated!

Hand knitted clothes for Jilly and a lovely orange blanket to Esmee's dolls too!

Xander got straight to work on the build your own Bird feeder kitset! What a fab idea.
Now we are just waiting for some nails and then of course Xander MUST paint it!

Now, bring on the parties...

Friendship King!

2010-10-14T20:03:00.000+13:00

At kindy they have a crown. This crown is the ultimate achievement.
It's a friendship crown. The children have to show good friendship during the day to win the crown for the night. Good words, good hands, helping...everything with their friends!
Everyday i'd pick Xander up and he'd say "I didn't get the crown today."
But today, he did!

He was so proud.
As a special reward at home, we had ice cream! Well done Xander, we know you are a good friend. It is nice that others notice it too :)

Night Glow

2010-10-03T20:18:00.000+13:00

After a hard day's work we have our lights installed!

path

courtyard, spotlighting the garden (a bit blurry, sorry)

total effect

Of course it will look different when they are spotlighting some trees. And we've decided to add some of the path light ones to the the garden to illuminate the opening of the courtyard.
But it gives a great ambiance, what do you think?

I'll take a photo during the day so you can see the great job the kids and i did of painting the raised gardens! Heaps of fun!

We've laid our first Pavers!

2010-09-27T15:51:00.000+13:00

Despite the rain - it's been terrible this last few months! - Alan donned his jacket and has worked so hard the passed few weekends digging up all the grass and cutting all the wood for the boxed gardens.
Then yesterday i got a load of paving sand.....

And we laid out first two pavers!

Then finished out first little path!!

We are so stoked! What do you think?

Now we just need to fill the gardens, finish digging up the grass and leveling the dirt, get about 6-7 more loads of sand and lay the pavers, place the seating around the gardens and we will be ready for the party.

Oh did i mention we want this done BEFORE the 23rd October?!

When i Grow up...

2010-09-22T08:02:00.000+12:00

Xander: Dad when i grow up, and Esmee grows up, Esmee will have a baby in her tummy and we will live in a different house and i will be the baby's daddy.

Dad: Why?

Xander: Because

Oh the innocence! So he understands that girls have babies - and he wants to protect his sister, sooo lovely!!
We've had the question: How do babies come out of the tummy? and the resulting horrified looks.
But not yet the question of how they get in there! Thank goodness.

Princess Esmee turns 3!!

2010-09-19T15:19:00.000+12:00

Well it has come around again. Esmee's birthday.
Our little spitfire, short and full of sass turned 3 on Friday!! She has celebrated in style.
First with a little celebration at kindy on Thursday - in the birthday chair complete with a crown and fairy claps and a playdough cake.

handing out treats to her kindy friends

Then at playgroup she was sung "Happy Birthday", after being given all her presents from mum dad and Xander in the morning.

hand made from mum and dad - clothes line and clothes for her Baa Sheep and Jilly

from Xander

from Mum

From Dad

Saturday was the big day. Party Day. A FairyTale party. Her friends came dressed as their favourite fairytale character and had fun playing musical statues and pass the parcel. And of course the main event - The Castle Cake!

Cheeky Princess!

Lumpy - her favourite present - is just a bit smaller than Esmee!

Our Princess was so spoilt, all the gifts, her friends. Thanks everyone for a wonderful weekend!

First dentist appointment

2010-09-15T13:44:00.000+12:00

Perfect teeth! Yay. All twenty there and no holes or anything. Phew must be all the insisting on brushing - oh and squeezing all the toothpaste onto the tiny toothbrush head :)

Xander has his appointment at the same time, perfect too! Expect for his bite - may need correcting when he's older, we'll get to that later...

A New Voice

2010-09-13T21:41:00.000+12:00

I have entered a writing competition with Mills and Boon this year. Much the same as last year.
There are 3 rounds. Just the 1st chapter in this round and the top then go through to the next round, then we need to submit 2nd chapter. Final round is a pivotal moment in the story, and if we get through to the second round there are editors and mentors to work with for help and advice!
Winner gets the services of an editor for a year, opportunity of entering into a publishing deal with Harlequin (conditions apply), an iPad, hamper of 36 M&B books.
Runner up prizes are pretty awesome too.
But what i'm mainly interested in are if i'm readable or what people think of my writing. So please, be honest!

http://www.romanceisnotdead.com/Entries/273-The-Price-of-Passion
Or click on the side bar to go there directly, but don't forget to rate it (you'll have to register first) or leave a comment!

Soccer Star

2010-09-13T13:26:00.000+12:00

Proud as punch of his first trophy, Player of the Year, and with stoked parents too. Apparently Alan had known for weeks and kept it well under wraps for a nice surprise at the prize giving on Sunday.

Xander Hearfield?
Yeah. That's me!

Jessica came away with the Most Improved Player trophy, well deserved too! Though it was neck and neck between her and Nathaniel with one vote to go, and it could have swung either way, even if it had been up to the coach!

Another season of Soccer may be had next year. Now we are gearing up for school visits starting in October!

Choo-Choo

2010-09-11T12:59:00.000+12:00

We went on a Kindy outing to the Pukemaru Steam train in Huntly, it's just like a remember going to the steam train rides in Upper Hutt as a child! So much fun and man did the kids enjoy this!

The bus trip from kindy was quite long, but a fabulous part of the adventure.

With a real train conductor coming around to punch tickets and kids had a ball, walking from end to end on the train checking out the tracks, the engine. So much to see!

Xander was exhausted and pretended to have a nap on the bus on the way back to kindy.

I'm a Big Girl Now!

2010-09-10T16:50:00.000+12:00

Esmee got her ears pierced on Sunday as an early birthday present.
She was very excited.
But then.... She cried! I felt a bit bad but i think it was more the sound of the gun and the slight prick of the gun. From memory it doesn't hurt that much.

She was super proud the next day and was showing off her sparklies to everyone!
Xander was quite upset that he wasn't a girl and couldn't get his ears pierced! A bit of a funny moment for Alan and myself, so he got a new car track out of it, lots of fun.

Party weekend

2010-09-06T10:46:00.000+12:00

Two parties in one day makes us....exhausted!

Nathaniel turns 5 on the 7th and he had a fantastic Pirate party in the morning at Te Totara School hall complete with bouncy castles. His mum did a fabulous job with loot bags and swords and a few games.

In the afternoon we had Charlie's 5th birthday party at the exact same place - who would have figured! His mum did as awesome job organsing every child's name to music for musical statues, lots of games and HEAPS of food!

Of course Xander and Esmee were totally sugared out and now i have to ration the loot bags and contents over the next week or two until Esmee's party, but that's okay, they are nice enough to share with mum and dad!!

Thanks for the wonderful parties Nathaniel and Charlie!

Lantern Parade 2010

2010-09-03T10:32:00.000+12:00

WE had the kindy Lantern Parade even though it rained. We did the shorter version around the cul-de-sac.
Xander was disappointed and wanted to keep walking despite the rain!
It is so much fun for the kids, lighting lanterns and singing. Walking after dark!
I don't think it's so much fun when they run away and don't listen though...oh well it was fun while the parade was on.

First Day of Spring

2010-09-02T10:25:00.001+12:00

Why not celebrate it in style?
Pants off and with water!

Doug: "Let's make mud pies"

In and sandpit at the Hamilton's with a trench and warm water, it is so much fun!
Then it got a bit chilly so as a treat the kids got to have a bath - their first in months...
After borrowing some pj's we had a delicious feed of fish and chips then home to bed!

Thanks Doug, Wills, Violet, Rebecca and Grant. Our turn next time!