General Stinkers

Well, here are a few of the latest pictures of the kids. Most are of Layla, but that is purely because Talor is at school during the day and Layla has been the model for Shell's knitting. The one at the bottom that's of Talor with a Mohawk is from a couple weeks ago. He has been asking for this style cut for a while and we finally caved. Needless to say, he was the coolest kid at school for a few days.

American Visitor

Earlier this month we had a nice evening with our friend Luanne. She was finishing her trip, which consisted of time in Australia and New Zealand, and was able to have dinner with us. She brought gifts for the kids - both from Grandma and from her. It was a very nice night and was great to catch up again.

Auckland Tornado

Hi everyone,

I just thought that I would let you know that we are fine. There was a tornado that hit Auckland's north shore (about a 25-30 minute drive from us) and they are reporting injuries and even a death. I was at school when it happened and Shell and the kids were at home - so we are all fine. I just thought that I would let you know.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone. The Easter Bunny has arrived early and has taken good care of the kids. Here is the mess I...I mean he made.

On a slightly different note, I was trying to explain what Good Friday and Easter meant the other morning. I explained that when we say grace before dinner we are praying to Jesus and that Good Friday is the day that Jesus died. Likewise, he came back to life on Easter. Well, I asked Talor a little while later if he remembered what Good Friday was and he responded that it was, "The day grace died." On top of that, Layla then chirped in and asked, "If Jesus came back to life on Easter, then when will Kashin (the elephant from the zoo who died a year or so ago) come back to life?" It's been a somewhat challenging, but fun couple of days. Enjoy Easter.

Brewing With Dad/General Holiday Pictures

I have been trying to build up my stock lately, so I have enlisted some child labor to help with it. They seem to enjoy themselves.

The other day I was inside waiting for Shell to get out of the shower so we could go out with the kids. All of a sudden a huge clap of thunder rang out and I heard Layla yelling/crying from outside (I didn't even know she was out there - Dad of the year, I know). Anyway, when I went out to see what was wrong, this was what greeted me - sunscreen. We now make sure that Shell's car is locked all the time.

One more to come...

Getting Ready for Easter

The weekend before school let out, Talor's school held a big Gala to raise money for upgrading their computer system within the school. I spent the day cooking sausages for everyone while Shell worked with Talor's teacher, Miss Telfer, on an Arts & Crafts stall. They helped people make very cute pine cone animals.

During the last week at school Talor made/decorated his Easter basket for his class. His coloring is getting so good! Shell and the kids also made homemade marshmallow Easter eggs to give to Miss Telfer and some others within the school. Talor even wrote/drew a little message on the label. Too cute!

Still more to come...

Go Kart Races

Hi everyone. Sorry we/I have been so slack in updating this lately. I will try and do better, I promise. Just a quick general note...we are all doing fine and are enjoying the end of term one break. We haven't done much, but it's been good just hanging out together. Talor had a fantastic 1st term at school - he is loving it, has made a lot of new friends and has learned a ton! My 1st term at Green Bay has also been great - I am loving it, have made a lot of new friends and have also learned a ton! So all in all, things are good. Now on to the pictures.

The weekend before school let out Nana and Grumpy took the kids to the Auckland Domain to watch the Go Karts fly down the big hill. It looked like quite a good time and as you can see from the photos the kids enjoyed themselves.

More updates coming soon...