Birds...

...and lots of them.

On thousand or so photos later...

Since arriving in San Francisco yesterday afternoon the boys have pretty much photo-documented everything...street signs, pavement patterns, cable cars, plants, their parents, buildings...

Almost ready...

Our bags are packed, visa photos taken, house locked up, and taxi called....later today we will be in San Francisco and the adventure will begin.

The art of exercise...

In preparation for our epic adventure we have been hiking (aka walking) with the boys daily. To add a bit more ompft and enthusiasm to the concept we are trying a different park/walk/garden each day and have discovered some great places. And whilst the precipitation in Portland is admirably close to what we expect with India's monsoon season, the temperatures leave a bit to be desired. I have considered making the boys walk circles in the shower, but think we will just hope for the best as far as the humidity and heat goes...

Guards of the Emerald City...

...twirling their staffs as guards are wont to do.

Possibly the best...

...investment we've made to date.

Sometimes all you need is...

Mu told me yesterday when I was trying to do something "sometimes Mummy all you need is a little dash of confidence". Wise words indeed.

Two kinds of valentines...

To celebrate Valentines Day the boys' class held a card swap. This involved each child taking 18 (yes 18!) handmade, or purchased cards to school. Both boys were adamant they would make the 18 cards, but were equally adamant they

a. did not need (or want) any help

b. had no need for fancy supplies

and perhaps most importantly

c. there would be "no lovey-dovey-girly-whirly hearts and stuff"

So come the weekend mass production began. The end results are rather different to say the least...

Exhibit A:

Individually designed and drawn 'postcards', personalised with fonts, colours and flourishes that Mu thought most appropriate for each child...

Exhibit B:

A more shall we say minimal, modernist approach. Clearly the ummm...simplicity of the hearts ensures they don't register on the "lovey-dovey-girly-whirly" scale.

Off-road power pick-up...

Latest lego creation by Turtle - the Off-road Power Pick-up Truck - complete with farm bike and trailer!

Holiday doings...

After a crazy-mad departure due to delayed connections we finally landed in New Zealand. First off it was a relaxing week with family at the farm before...

...driving north to historic Kerikeri (where it was kinda drizzly)...

...we stayed on an organic farm on the beautiful Takou river...

...and explored the Far North...battling the crowds (and seagulls) at Cape Reinga...

...but the breathtaking view more than made up for the mad crowds...

In between exploring lots of kayaking was had, with Takou Bay being a favourite destination...

...and because there was no public road access we always the only people there...

...we took the boys to Waitangi, and wandered the grounds and gardens...then it was time to head south to...

...Raglan where we stayed in the most idyllic bush-clad spot overlooking the harbour...

Before long we were travelling further south to The Lake to stay with Grandma and Grandad...and after a wonderfully relaxing week, followed by a few wildly windy days in Wellington...

...we were "home" again in Portland...just in time for the boys' 11th birthday!

Summer holidays...

We're having a utterly blissful time in New Zealand - spending Christmas with family and catching up with friends has been great. The past week we've been staying at Takou Bay in Northland - a really lovely spot - 5kms down a gravel road, tucked away amongst lush gardens next to the river. We've done Cape Reinga, been over to the Hokianga, caught up with C and R and their lovely girls, visited Waitangi and the Treaty House, and kayaked down the river to the beach where there is no.one.else.what.so.ever. Tomorrow we're off to Raglan, then on to Taupo for a wee bit before heading back to Wellington, and finally the long haul back to Portland...

The great unwrapping...

The elusive present was unwrapped and lo and behold it was a brand spanking new computer - I don't think I've ever seen two boys look more stunned and delighted!