Oh no it's raaaaaaaaining again...

Another rainy day in paradise had me concerned because two extra boys were coming over to play after school...that meant there would be four boys under 9 and a one yr old girl all stuck inside in high degrees of excitement. Well, thank goodness for the PlayStation.

Yes, you see only 3 boys here, but one was on the computer...when needs must, go with it.

Later the rain eased up, and the visitors went home. And what did O8 and R5 do? They worked off some steam...Not sure who got the better end of the deal, but R5 is very obliging.

And what about P1? Never one to miss an opportunity she sensed things were fairly hectic and went for gold...but sorry buddy, you got sprung !

Raining cats but not dogs

Some days are just not good to be outside in. Even for cats who normally much prefer it to life inside with a toddler.

And some days just really don't have much going for them. On days

like that it is sometimes as simple as taking chaos...








and providing a little order

to make you feel good.

So much to do, so little time...

P1 has been hard at it today.

Drawing on every available surface. Favourite colour? "yaaalloooooow"

She is working on some epic production, if only I knew what it was...

Hang on, she's made the move into CAD now.

I think the goggles add a little something don't you? Mad scientist at work!

Thank you P1 for keeping me amused, and having seen Slumdog Millionaire tonight I am extra glad you don't have to live on a rubbish heap trying to find enough food to live on. Phew.

A day between Monday and Wednesday

No pictures to report today, next week I must remember to take the camera to Mainly Music, where P1 had a lovely time drumming, shaking and marching. She also spent a chunk of time begging the volunteers for shrewsbury biscuits intended only for the adults' cup of tea, but she is of course a girl after my own heart.

In order to keep the page somewhat more aesthetic than a page of text, I have uploaded my favourite paintings. This will hopefully remind me also to finally finish off the last one, still sitting on it's easel at Mum's waiting for me to find a spare moment...

Beaches are nice to walk on

Monday again! But what a beautiful day. Having packed kids off to school successfully I decided to treat myself and P1 to a walk on the beach...

Felt that this tree definitely deserved some recognition for being so pacific islandy.

The beach was gorgeous and full of people (and dogs) with the same idea as me. Takapuna Beach seems to be mainly populated by designer dogs and their owners, but this is a good thing as it keeps P1 interested. She also enjoyed the huge seagulls - are they getting bigger?

Token artistic shots....

Things livened up as usual when the boys got home from school. R5 fancies himself as a mini Atlas. His goal in life currently is to be a wrestler. Or maybe a soccer player. Today he actually got me outside to kick goals with him. But I wasn't allowed to get as many goals as him.

P1 loves playing games with her big brothers...as long as they do what she says.

Luckily they usually do!

Time Marches On

Today was sweltering hot...too hot to venture outside for me anyway. R5, met with repeated refusals to pay soccer in the garden resorted to some inventive indoor energy release on his own.

Who knew a couple of pillows in a pile could be so exciting?

Next excitment was the VERY satisfying purchase of a Thomas Magnadoodle for $10! Couldn't believe it when we spotted it at 75% off, the last one on the shelf. Of course shop assistant knew nothing about this reduction and took considerable assertiveness by Hubby to persuade him. Well worth it! O8 and R5 actually spent time drawing together and didn't come to blows.

Have to admit I enjoy the odd doodle myself...

And on such a hot afternoon who could resist a nice cool yoghurt...especially one they feed to themselves. Suffice to say a bath was required afterwards.

And the day ended with Grandma and Grandpa coming over for a roast dinner. The kitchen was like a sauna, but when it was ready to eat - YUM. Happy kids, happy parents. The close to a simple but good day.

oooh First Post Ever

Well today was probably auspicious only because the goldfish (Neil Fin) finally got some little plants for his tank. He has been sadly without for months, and had become rather unfortunately constipated. Ewwwww. Finally took P1 with me to the pet shop to rectify the situation. She had a great time shrieking at the puppies for sale.

Behold a happy Neil...

Annnnnnnd of course a momentous day in that I have started a blog...why not, everyman and his dog has one. In this time of recession anything you can do for free is a good plan right?

Interestingly I am not a man nor do I have a dog...