Skipping stones.

We enjoyed a lovely family hike along the lake.

Huff and puff

But you won't blow these little houses down. Built by the Chinese during the kiwi goldrush, are the perfect size for our little men to play in and practice their trick or treating for next year!

Griswalds, I mean Castor vacation album cover

Wine tasting ... With toddlers

My appreciation for the drop came more in terms of admiring the vines than actually consuming the sweet nectar as it was my turn to drive. These vineyards in NZ are smart though, they know there's $$$ to be had in the parents - there was a toy bin, bocce ball court and s real live tractor to keep the little ones happy!

Queenstown

We made it! All three traveling parties merged for the fantastic NZ extravaganza holiday with long haul flights behind them and nothing but fun on the horizon - a special toast to the late arrival of Andy's bag, 4 days tardy!

Pub Fun

There's always fun to be had at the pub, particularly when catching up with old friends. Not the same sort of ragers /tears/spills/wild moves, just a little different with the little ones in tow.

Reunited....

And it looks like they both feel pretty good about it... Dad and Gus snooze together after dad finally managed to catch up to us on holidays after three weeks of working/mancation while we've been in AU.

Windy walk with nan and grandad

Trucks and wheels

Steering wheels, tyres, things that go honk, they are all the rage at the moment. We can't get enough of them on page or in person!

Afternoon tea with friends

Nothing like hanging out with your pals for some tea & bikkies!

Work of art

As proud parents it goes without saying that our children are awesome creations. Today Augustus tied that notion together by becoming involved within the art installation at the local gallery.
And nothing works an appetite for a cup of coppee and scones & jam like doing a bit of art!

Holiday mode

Yummmm!

Since arriving in Australia, Augustus has, among various things, been working on his language skills. He's experimenting with stacking words together - "more tractors", "big truck", and been picking up and perfecting new words at lightning speed. To sit on the floor he now request a "pillow", he great at asking "read please" & saying "money"! But today at Atticus's pirate party, he cemented "Yumm"!!

Little day out...

To quote one of our fav singers!
We're going on a little day out, we're off to somewhere, won't know till we get there!
Train trip to Newcastle, no need for s destination, the ride was riveting! Stops, starts, doors shut, whistles, stations, school kids, trucks, ducks, tractors, cranes - so much to see! Oh, and so much sweeter with a treat from nan after mummy wldnt share her coppee!

Water fairy

Water is a precious thing, particularly is Australia, particularly past urban lines when you live in an area that relies on water from the sky to provide your household thirst. And, sometimes your tanks run dry, your rain dance just doesn't cut it, and you need to buy a load of water to refill the tanks.
Upside - a pretty compelling 30 mins of entertainment provided for toddler, awestruck by big truck, big hose and big noise! So exciting!

New best friends

Zuess the cat has quickly fallen out of rank as número UNO pal at Nan & Grandad's by "big truck" & "big tractor"! So tight are these band of friends, they even eat together!
As a result we've been learning the tough lesson of inside toys vs outside toys.

Christmas comes early down under!

Santa may have his dates muddled a little as he seems to be visiting Augustus at Nan's and grandad's a little everyday... Whether he had been naughty or nice!

LA Zoo fun with Finn & Aunty Lauren!

Yay! Do much fun! We enjoyed a last minute visit from Aunty Lauren before our big trip. And we wanted a fun day out with Finn before the big trip = zoo!
Beth & Gus both enjoyed spending time with rapunzel the gorilla. And thr animals had fierce competition for attention from the boys with the construction zones!