Life is an exercise in enjoying simple pleasures. Like a two-for-one Entertainment coupon for a frappe. Kids seem to be really good at this.

Life is “challenges and opportunities,” at least that’s what the business planning gurus say. You could view the devastation in centre city Christchurch as both. We’re just starting to see buildings going up on the leveled rubble lots.  The tram will use these tracks again some day.

Life is gorgeous, particularly if you look up close. I hope these clematis seed heads appreciate how beautiful they are.

Life is about deciding when to snarl tough and when to smile ingratiatingly. Kids are NOT good at this. We borrowed two extra kids (Ella and Amelie) for this hike, and they all ran up and down the hill at Halswell Quarry.  The next week Milo whinged up slowly and scraped his knee on the way down, so I guess our perception of life is shaped by who we’re with and how we’re feeling at the time.  Super and Bionic one day, hopeless and pitiful the next.

Life is blurry and imperfect…. And I think these three were done with the art museum and ready to hit the playground.

Life is silly! Kids are great at this.  Every parent says it, but I’ll say it again: some of the best toys are free empty cardboard boxes.