Author Archives: mollyshaw

Sheep marbles at the Quarry

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We brought along William and Emma for our wander around Halswell quarry park one fine morning.  Occupied by roaring and stabbing at trees with sticks, the boys made it up and around the hill in no time, with Naomi doggedly tagging on their heels.  She can’t quite keep up, despite her best efforts.  Going downhill her own feet can’t even keep up with her body.

The gremlins charged up a slope under a low-hung pine tree, Naomi puffing in the rear.  Charging back down again she lost her footing and did an impressive commando roll in the soft needles, coming to rest just shy of a boulder.  A pick-up, a brush off, and she was good to go.  “Wow!” Milo exclaimed, “she looked like a dead tahr rolling down that hill!”

“You don’t hear that every day!” laughed Emma.

Diagnosis:  too many you-tube hunting videos with daddy.

Milo and William, roaring and brandishing their weapon-sticks, made sure no dinosaurs would take us by surprise.

Milo and William, roaring and brandishing their weapon-sticks, made sure no dinosaurs would take us by surprise.

Naomi has her stick too, of course! Framed in an ornamented bridge in the Korean garden, she's ready to scare away her own herd of dinosaurs, or fall into the stream beneath, whichever happens to come first.

Naomi has her stick too, of course! Framed in an ornamented bridge in the Korean garden, she’s ready to scare away her own herd of dinosaurs, or fall into the stream beneath, whichever happens to come first.

Who knew sheep poop was a collectible? I suppose to a baby it makes sense. It’s alluringly round, it comes in neat little piles, and God knows it’s plentiful enough in New Zealand. “Come on Naomi, here’s another clump.” Emma thought Naomi’s fetish with dried poo was pretty funny, and I made a mental note to empty her pockets before I washed her pretty little denim jumper.

Who knew sheep poop was a collectible?
I suppose to a baby it makes sense. It’s alluringly round, it comes in neat little piles, and God knows it’s plentiful enough in New Zealand.
“Come on Naomi, here’s another clump.” Emma thought Naomi’s fetish with dried poo was pretty funny, and I made a mental note to empty her pockets before I washed her pretty little denim jumper.

Top of the world

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If you think about it, tramping is rather a strange behavior of the modern human. I mean, does it sound fun to spend the day carrying a heavy load up steep hills and down in sometimes adverse weather, cook dinner on a single precarious flame, then spend the night cocooned in a tubular quilt without a pillow? All to end up exactly where we started, back at the car park? But the fact remains, we do it. And we do it for pleasure.

If you think about it, tramping is rather a strange behavior of the modern human. I mean, does it sound fun to spend the day carrying a heavy load up steep hills and down in sometimes adverse weather, cook dinner on a single precarious flame, then spend the night cocooned in a tubular quilt without a pillow? All to end up exactly where we started, back at the car park? But the fact remains, we do it. And we do it for pleasure.

Last weekend was our tenth anniversary, so we plunked the kids with some kind-hearted friends and drove up to Nelson Lakes for a winter hike.

Last weekend was our tenth anniversary, so we plunked the kids with some kind-hearted friends and drove up to Nelson Lakes for a winter hike, just the two of us.

We had tried once before to hike to Angelus Hut, "epically" situated next to a big alpine tarn, but been turned around by horrid weather.

We had tried once before, two an a half years ago, to hike to Angelus Hut, “epically” situated next to a big alpine tarn.  But we had been turned around by horrid weather.

Turns out we unwittingly chose the best weather weekend of the whole year. Day time temps didn't go above freezing, but the sun was strong and the wind nonexistent.

Turns out we unwittingly chose the best weather weekend of the whole year. Day time temps didn’t go above freezing, but the sun was strong and not a breath of wind stirred.

I puzzled over the tramping phenomenon during our last hike. I stood basking in the clear winter sun, listening to the crinkle-tinkle of snow melting on scree, lazily watching the breeze pattern Lake Rotoriti far below.

I puzzled over the tramping phenomenon:  Why do we do it?  I stood basking in the clear winter sun, listening to the crinkle-tinkle of snow melting on scree, lazily watching the breeze pattern Lake Rotoriti far below.

I marvelled at the delicate snow sculptures, striped and swirled to perfection by the merciless wind, like the rainbow sandstones of Nevada.

I marvelled at the delicate snow sculptures, striped and swirled to perfection by the merciless wind, like the rainbow sandstones of Nevada.

I trudged along the snowy ridgeline, mountains spread out below in the magically still air, enjoying the time to thoroughly explore a thought uninterrupted by laundry duties, squabble-mending, or toilet paper control.

I trudged along the snowy ridgeline, mountains spread out below in the magically still air, enjoying the time to thoroughly explore a thought uninterrupted by laundry duties, squabble-mending, or toilet paper control.

Perhaps it’s the chance to stride along feeling strong and capable, seemingly independent of the modern global system, to feel REAL in authentic nature, unprotected by the artificial walls we build around us….

Perhaps it’s the chance to stride along feeling strong and capable, seemingly independent of the modern global system, to feel REAL in authentic nature, unprotected by the artificial walls we build around us….

….at least until we duck into DOC’s most excellent hut and spread out our down-filled sleeping bags on the tidy mattresses…. Or contemplate the petrol it took to power our car the 350 km from home to the trail head.

….at least until we duck into DOC’s most excellent hut and spread out our down-filled sleeping bags on the tidy mattresses…. Or contemplate the petrol it took to power our car the 350 km from home to the trail head.

 

Do you know, DOC even has to helicopter wood for heating into this hut, since there is not a tree to be found up here.

DOC even has to helicopter wood for heating into this hut, since there is not a tree to be found up here.  When we poked our heads in at 3:30 it was nice and warm from the sun alone, but we were glad of the fire come sunset. Do you know, I read a whole National Geographic article from start to finish on my smartphone in one evening at the hut on this last hike.  A luxury of a tramp.

Perhaps it’s the simplicity of tramping that is its appeal. The goal is to get from point A to point B and back again, enjoying oneself along the way. No communication blunders, no parsing out the best 20+ year parenting strategy, no unspoken expectations.

Perhaps it’s the simplicity of tramping that is its appeal. The goal is to get from point A to point B and back again, enjoying oneself along the way. No communication blunders, no parsing out the best 20+ year parenting strategy, no unspoken expectations.

 

Up there it's a clear black and white and sky-blue world. It's desert starkness, unforgiving snow squeaking in the cold.

Up there it’s a clear black and white and sky-blue world. It’s desert starkness, unforgiving snow squeaking in the cold.

The wind, now calm, displays its punishing strength in the strained patterns it left behind.

The wind, now calm, displays its punishing strength in the strained patterns it left behind.

 

The steep bits didn't feel precarious, partly because the fresh snow wasn't yet icy, and partly because we were wearing crampons.

The steep bits didn’t feel precarious, partly because the fresh snow wasn’t yet icy, and partly because we were wearing crampons.

Crampons. We stomp along, waltzing over the slippery crust with god-like powers. Near the bottom of the decent we encounter other people, mere mortals, who are clinging precariously to sticks and inching their tentative way up the ice. It’s difficult not to be smug. Of course, I’ve only had my crampons for a few months. Last winter I was a slipping sliding minion like the rest of them. When you have the right tool for the job, arrogance comes easily.

Crampons. We stomp along, waltzing over the slippery crust with god-like powers. Near the bottom of the decent we encounter other people, mere mortals, who are clinging precariously to sticks and inching their tentative way up the ice. It’s difficult not to be smug. Of course, I’ve only had my crampons for a few months. Last winter I was a slipping sliding minion like the rest of them. When you have the right tool for the job, arrogance comes easily.

There was a lone hare running at break-neck speed over the snow near the bottom of this slope. I have no idea what it was doing up there. Probably late for a very important date.

There was a lone hare running at break-neck speed over the snow near the bottom of this slope. I have no idea what it was doing up there. Probably late for a very important date.

 

Speaking of critters, here's a "vegetable sheep." This coral-like thing is actually a flower in the daisy family, perfectly adapted for eking out a living on the bleak alpine rocks.

Speaking of critters, here’s a “vegetable sheep.” This coral-like thing is actually a flower in the daisy family, perfectly adapted for eking out a living on the bleak alpine rocks.

 

See the ice growing out horizontally from the rock faces? That means the weather earlier in the week was coming at them entirely sideways. Freezing, horizontal gale-force precipitation.

See the ice growing out horizontally from the rock faces? That means the weather earlier in the week was coming at them entirely sideways. Freezing, horizontal gale-force precipitation.

We're completely giddy with delight with the favorable conditions we're enjoying!

We’re completely giddy with delight with the favorable conditions we’re enjoying!

The entire walk was on a ridgeline wandering around alpine basins. Just one or two ridges before the hut we happened upon this dragon lair. Well, really I have no idea what subterranean warmth melted this breathing hole, but a dragon sounded plausible at the time.

The entire walk was on a ridgeline wandering around alpine basins. Just one or two ridges before the hut we happened upon this dragon lair. Well, really I have no idea what subterranean warmth melted this breathing hole, but a dragon sounded plausible at the time.

Are we on Mars, or on Earth? This must be one of the most scenically situated toilet blocks in New Zealand.

Are we on Mars, or on Earth? This must be one of the most scenically situated toilet blocks in New Zealand.

 

So I’m not sure why we’re drawn toward this strange activity we call hiking and the Kiwis call tramping. But in the end, we are. And we’re lucky to live in New Zealand, where the walks are close by, the trails littered, and the wilderness still breathes.

So I’m not sure why we’re drawn toward this strange activity we call hiking and the Kiwis call tramping. But in the end, we are. And we’re lucky to live in New Zealand, where the walks are close by, the trails unlittered, and the wilderness still breathes.

 

Happy Tenth Anniversary!

Happy Tenth Anniversary!

And THANK YOU to our friends, two families who adopted our children for the weekend and gave us the chance to play.

And THANK YOU to our friends, two families who adopted our children for the weekend and gave us the chance to play.

Snow in the Mountains

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Christchurch itself rarely gets snow, but in winter after a nasty southerly change ("This wind is from Antarctica!" says Milo, with a grimace) the Southern Alps appear the next day glistening and stark, transformed from brown to white, shining over the Canterbury Plains. A deep fresh snow fell a week ago, and we brought the kids up to Porters Pass to have a play. That's Lake Lyndon, frozen over.

Christchurch itself rarely gets snow, but in winter after a nasty southerly change (“This wind is from Antarctica!” says Milo, with a grimace) the Southern Alps appear the next day glistening and stark, transformed from brown to white, shining over the Canterbury Plains. A deep fresh snow fell a week ago, and we brought the kids up to Porters Pass to have a play. That’s Lake Lyndon, frozen over.

Now plows even notched out parking places along side the road here, where the sledders traditionally congregate. It's not that bad a deal, actually; snow in the mountains when you want it, but not at your doorstep needing to be shoveled.

Now plows even notched out parking places along side the road here, where the sledders traditionally congregate. It’s not that bad a deal, actually; snow in the mountains when you want it, but not at your doorstep needing to be shoveled.

Jeremiah bought sleds just for the occasion, but Mommy was more into sledding than kids. "Come on, Milo, don't you want to take a slide with me?" No, actually, he didn't. Instead, he was really into constructing a giant snow man with Daddy. They designed a ramp and used a sled to move the giant snowman belly into place.

Jeremiah bought sleds just for the occasion, but Mommy was more into sledding than kids. “Come on, Milo, don’t you want to take a slide with me?” No, actually, he didn’t. Instead, he was really into constructing a giant snow man with Daddy. They designed a ramp and used a sled to move the giant snowman belly into place.

Naomi wasn't so into the snow at first. It was deep enough that her legs stuck in to her hips, so she couldn't get around on her own until the snowman clearing was complete. The snowman wasn't so interesting to her either....until Jeremiah made her a couple baby snowmen. Here she's tenderly bestowing a kiss on a snowy baby head.

Naomi wasn’t so into the snow at first. It was deep enough that her legs stuck in to her hips, so she couldn’t get around on her own until the snowman clearing was complete. The snowman wasn’t so interesting to her either….until Jeremiah made her a couple baby snowmen. Here she’s tenderly bestowing a kiss on a snowy baby head.

That's one big snowman! Plenty of other folks posed with our creation for a photo shoot, but I didn't see anyone else get a piggy back ride.

That’s one big snowman! Plenty of other folks posed with our creation for a photo shoot, but I didn’t see anyone else get a piggy back ride.

The day we were up there with the kids was still and just above freezing, with chilly water droplets dripping from the tussock grasses. It made for great snow packing conditions, and it would have been great snowshoeing too....except our snowshoes are back in America. Good soft snow is pretty rare in the southern alps, so we left our snowshoes back home and opted for crampons, which are more suitable for the crusty snow typical of NZ. It's hard to express the frustration of owning the right piece of gear for a great adventure, but having it inaccessible on the other side of the globe.

The day we were up there with the kids was still and just above freezing, with chilly water droplets dripping from the tussock grasses. It made for great snow packing conditions, and it would have been great snowshoeing too….except our snowshoes are back in America. Good soft snow is pretty rare in the southern alps, so we left our snowshoes back home and opted for crampons, which are more suitable for the crusty snow typical of NZ. It’s hard to express the frustration of owning the right piece of gear for a great adventure, but having it inaccessible on the other side of the globe.

There's Lake Lyndon in the background again, but this weekend was definitely colder and less hospitable. I went up for a day hike to Castle Hill Peak with some friends under clear skies, but the wind was howling.

There’s Lake Lyndon in the background again, but this weekend was definitely colder and less hospitable. I went up for a day hike to Castle Hill Peak with some friends under clear skies, but the wind was howling.

Here's the gang--Sayuri, Molly, and Carrie.

Here’s the gang–Sayuri, Molly, and Carrie.

Last weekend's snow had gotten a bit crusty and a couple inches of fresh soft powder was skittering over the surface, sculpted by the wind. It felt like a desert, stark and hostile.

Last weekend’s snow had gotten a bit crusty and a couple inches of fresh soft powder was skittering over the surface, sculpted by the wind. It felt like a desert, stark and hostile.

Here is Castle Hill Peak at the end of the ridge, sitting at nearly 2000 meters. We started at about 950 meters and climbed to about 1850, and the nob below the peak, before we decided that we'd had enough of the wind. On a still day this walk would be magic, and I've been up there when we reclined in the snow and boiled a kettle for tea. There would have been no lighting a stove yesterday, let alone standing around to soak up the sun.

Here is Castle Hill Peak at the end of the ridge, sitting at nearly 2000 meters. We started at about 950 meters and climbed a little bit, and then the wind picked up.  We seriously thought about ditching and going back to town for a coffee, but Carrie was keen to press on and we were all up to the task, so we kept on pushing on.  In the end we got to about 1850 meters, and the nob below the peak, before we decided that we’d had enough of the wind. On a still day this walk would be magic, and I’ve been up there when we reclined in the snow and boiled a kettle for tea. There would have been no lighting a stove yesterday, let alone standing around to soak up the sun.

Here we're looking back along the ridge where we just walked. The wind had suddenly stopped, as if a giant door had been shut. I turned around to Carrie: "What the heck?!?" The silence was eerie... until 15 seconds later when the wind started up again.

Here we’re looking back along the ridge where we just walked. The wind had suddenly stopped, as if a giant door had been shut. I turned around to Carrie: “What the heck?!?” The silence was eerie… until 15 seconds later when the wind started up again.  No wonder so many cultures come up with mythology to explain natural wonders–I could imagine that the frozen giant blowing the winter wind needs to stop to take a breath once in a while.

We turned around and with the wind at our back, at first the decent felt like a stroll in the park. We wondered if we had made the right choice, turning back when we did. "I sure HOPE that wind is HOWLING when we get back to the car!" I exclaimed. And it was. Here Sayuri is silhouetted against the blowing snow, like some sort of sci-fi space trek.

We turned around and with the wind at our back, at first the decent felt like a stroll in the park. We wondered if we had made the right choice, turning back when we did. “I sure HOPE that wind is HOWLING when we get back to the car!” I exclaimed. And it was. Here Sayuri is silhouetted against the blowing snow, like some sort of sci-fi space trek.

Ages and stages

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The kids are pretty fun right now….except when they’re not, of course.  Like when Naomi deposited the hand towel in the toilet this morning, then scooped it out, dribbling toilet water to and fro.  Or when she was too tired to settle for her nap and worked herself up to a puke, spewing chewed up cheese and banana and stomach acid all over poor Charlotte bunny.

“You know, MY mom has LOTS of money.”  Milo made this astonishing announcement as we were driving up to Arthur’s pass last weekend.  I might need to back up and explain…

That morning we couldn’t find his Spiderman sunglasses, realized that we haven’t seen them in ages, and concluded that we might need to buy some more.  “I got those sunglasses in America,” Milo remembered.  “We could go back to America to buy some more.”  We chuckled.
Jeremiah: “You know, it costs a lot of money to get to America.”
Milo:  “You know, MY mom has LOTS of money.”
More giggles from the front seat.  “Where’s all my money, Milo?”
Milo: “In the bank.”

"You know, MY mom has LOTS of money." Milo made this astonishing pronouncement as we were driving up to Arthur's pass last weekend.

“You know, MY mom has LOTS of money.”
Milo made this astonishing announcement as we were driving up to Arthur’s pass last weekend.

Milo is talking up a storm, and isn’t shy to give a new word a confident try.  He pointed out a “falin” while we were biking, and his finger toward the sky gave me the clue I needed to come up with “falcon.”

Milo is super proud of his new bike. It has a pedal brake and one front hand brake. We must have made quite an impression on him when we cautioned him about using just the hand brake and flipping over the handlebars, because he includes that safety tip in all his "Look at My New Bike" tutorials.

Milo is super proud of his new bike. It has a pedal brake and one front hand brake. We must have made quite an impression on him when we cautioned him not to use just the hand brake or he’d flip over the handlebars, because he includes that safety tip in all his “Look at My New Bike” tutorials.

I'm sure the novelty of washing dishes won't last until he's at the age to be useful at that task, but it's still charming to have that little voice ask "can I wash the dishes?" Naomi likes to get a piece of the action too, toting around the little chairs to see to counter height....but that's when the floor gets a wash as well.

I’m sure the novelty of washing dishes won’t last until a useful age, but it’s still charming to hear that little voice ask “can I wash the dishes?” Naomi likes to get a piece of the action too, toting around the little chairs to see to counter height….but that’s when the floor gets a wash as well.

Naomi has a buckle fetish. Car seat buckles, high chair buckles, stroller buckles, helmet buckles; she has to give them all a go.

Naomi has a buckle fetish. Car seat buckles, high chair buckles, stroller buckles, helmet buckles; she has to give them all a go.

THIS, yes THIS harmonious picture, is why we have two children. Milo is reading Naomi a story. He looks forward to getting her up from her nap, and takes full advantage of her agreeable nature. "Naomi, want to build a fort?" "Ya!" We still maintain hope that some day, two together will be less work than one.

THIS, yes THIS harmonious picture, is why we have two children. Milo is reading Naomi a story. He looks forward to getting her up from her nap, and takes full advantage of her agreeable nature. “Naomi, want to build a fort?” “Ya!” We still maintain hope that some day, two together will be less work than one.

Frost Fairy

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It's been a long time coming, but it feels like winter now. How fascinating, that the ice crystals form on the leaf margins, giving them furry little halos.

It’s been a long time coming, but it feels like winter now. How fascinating that the ice crystals form on the leaf margins, giving them furry little halos.  I wish I had a more suitable camera for capturing the frost fairy’s handiwork.  We just passed the shortest day here, but that would be about the equivalent of December 21 at home….the end of winter isn’t even in view.  

Even with a chilly start to the day, it always rises above freezing. In the sun, it can be downright nice. Good thistle whacking weather.

Even with a chilly start to the day, it always rises above freezing. In the sun, it can be downright nice. Good thistle whacking weather.  I was skipping around feeling pretty cheeky about winter so far–but then I realized that winter hadn’t actually begun.  There’s a finance guy at work who wears pin-striped shirts and pointy shoes, but he doesn’t even have a heat pump in his house.  “Heat pumps” are the kiwi answer to central heat–a machine that heats at least one central room.  He’s the driver of a BMW with heated seats, you’d think he would install in-home heating, but no.  It’s a mentality, not a lack of resources. 

We don't normally sleep with full winter garb, even in our chilly NZ winter house. Naomi fell asleep on the way back from a playground morning, and I figured the extra layers wouldn't hurt.

We don’t normally sleep with full winter garb, even in our chilly NZ winter house. Naomi fell asleep on the way back from a playground morning, and I figured the extra layers wouldn’t hurt.  It will buffer her from the startling cold when she awakes.  

Through the Letter Slot

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Milo's preschool is housed in a big old house with beautiful layered trim and solid wood doors. There's a letter slot by the front door, fancier than the one I grew up with in Saratoga, and the Ritual of Leaving is never complete without a peak Through the Letterbox.

Milo’s preschool is housed in a big old house with beautiful ornate trim and solid wood doors. There’s a letter slot by the front door, fancier than the one I grew up with in Saratoga, and the Ritual of Leaving is never complete without a peak Through the Letter Slot.

The fascination with peaking thorough a skinny slit seems endless.

The fascination with peaking thorough a skinny slit seems endless.

 

Once we've managed to exit the school, we turn around and spy through the slot in the other direction. The letter slot is about at 3-year-old eye height, and is a literal window into what their world looks like. Big adult bottoms atop a sea of legs.

Once we’ve managed to exit the school, we turn around and spy through the slot in the other direction. The letter slot is about at 3-year-old eye height, and is a literal window into what their world looks like. Big adult bottoms atop a sea of legs.

Here's Milo's school--Airdmhor Montessori. It's in a grand old house, in Christchurch standards. Come to think of it, it even has central heat. Once upon a time it must have been the only house on the estate, but now it has neighbors in the front yard, the side yard, the back yard...every side.

Here’s Milo’s school–Airdmhor Montessori. It’s in a grand old house, in Christchurch standards. Come to think of it, it even has central heat. Once upon a time it must have been the only house on the estate, but now it has neighbors in the front yard, the side yard, the back yard…every side.  

Kaituna with six-legged drive

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It's been a year since we took a family backpacking trip--the last time we could manage to carry all our gear and two children on four parental legs. This past Saturday we did a test walk, a day walk up the Kaituna Valley track to Packhorse hut. Six legs in gear this time--Milo walked the whole way. Results are promising. It was only 2.5 kilometers to the hut, but steep in sections.

It’s been a year since we took a family backpacking trip–the last time we could manage to carry all our gear and two children on four parental legs. This past Saturday we did a test walk, a day walk up the Kaituna Valley track to Packhorse hut. Six legs in gear this time–Milo walked the whole way. Results are promising. It was only 2.5 kilometers to the hut, but steep in sections.

Milo was starting to flag and M&M energy was being doled out every third trail marker when he discovered his Echo. "Go A-Way" he shouted at the cloud spilling over the saddle. "Go A-Way!" the mountain tossed his strident little four-year-old voice back. Suddenly he discovered the well of energy reserved somewhere near his lungs, and belted out his challenge with gusto. He thought another little boy was yelling back. Then the cloud receded, and he gaped in astonishment, shaking his head. "It worked!" Right, we had a little talk about echos and skipped the tutorial on correlation versus causation.

Milo was starting to flag and M&M energy was being doled out every third trail marker when he discovered his Echo. “Go A-Way” he shouted at the cloud spilling over the saddle. “Go A-Way!” the mountain tossed his strident little four-year-old voice back. Suddenly he discovered the well of energy reserved somewhere near his lungs, and belted out his challenge with gusto. He believed another little boy was yelling back. Then the cloud receded, and he gaped in astonishment, shaking his head. “It worked!” Right, we had a little talk about echos and skipped the tutorial on correlation versus causation.

Mist shrouded the last little bit up to the hut, but cleared when we reached the top.

Mist shrouded the last little bit up to the hut, but cleared when we reached the top.

Cloud swathed Lyttelton harbor, and beyond the tops of the port hills sticking out we could see Christchurch still smothered in its chilly blanket. It made us doubly glad we had gone out hiking and escaped its embrace. We perched on a little promontory, watched the mist advance and recede, and precariously ate our lunches ("Naomi, sit, or you'll tumble backwards! Milo, you sit too!").

Cloud swathed Lyttelton harbor, and beyond the tops of the port hills sticking out we could see Christchurch still smothered in its chilly blanket. It made us doubly glad we had gone out hiking and escaped its embrace. We perched on a little promontory, watched the mist advance and recede, and precariously ate our lunches (“Naomi, sit, or you’ll tumble backwards! Milo, you sit too!”).

We have spent the night in this old stone hut before, and there looks to be a good stock of firewood so we could give it a go again this winter.

We have spent the night in this old stone hut before, and there looks to be a good stock of firewood so we could give it a go again this winter.

Naomi has such an engaging grin, even through grimy window glass.

Naomi has such an engaging grin, even through grimy window glass.

Milo enjoys his chocolate reward for having made it up the whole way without whinging.

Milo enjoys his chocolate reward for having made it up the whole way without whinging.

A little pouty face near the end--but a game of "I spy" perked him up. Next summer we may be able to hit the hills again with the whole family.

A little pouty face near the end–but a game of “I spy” perked him up. Next summer may see the whole family in the hills again.  

Kakanui

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Kakanui is a sleepy ocean-side hamlet about three and a half hours south of Christchurch. It's a little collection of holiday homes (many the old fashion shack-style "baches"), and apparently the sand at the mouth of the river there is perfect for cricket pitches. Go figure. We headed there a couple weekends ago because we can't stay put on a 3 day weekend, and we're operating under our usual premise: S+W=KH (Sand + Water = Kid Happiness).

Kakanui is a sleepy ocean-side hamlet about three and a half hours south of Christchurch. It’s a little collection of holiday homes (many the old fashion shack-style “baches”), and apparently the sand at the mouth of the river there is perfect for cricket pitches. Go figure. We headed there a couple weekends ago because we can’t stay put on a 3 day weekend, and we’re operating under our usual premise: S+W=KH (Sand + Water = Kid Happiness).

We were joined by our friends Sophie, and Ian, and their three daughters. We love our English friends, and one of the reasons they're so great is that weather doesn't phase them. They'll ruck up with long johns, rain coats, thermoses of tea, and enjoy that seaside whether it's sunny or rainy. They tell us that it's still all wonderful compared to the legendary English weather.

We were joined by our friends Sophie, and Ian, and their three daughters. We love our English friends, and one of the reasons they’re so great is that weather doesn’t phase them. They’ll ruck up with long johns, rain coats, thermoses of tea, and enjoy that seaside whether it’s sunny or rainy. They tell us that it’s still a picnic compared to the legendary English weather.

We saw some blue sky the first afternoon we arrived, before the clouds rolled in.

We saw some blue sky the first afternoon we arrived, before the clouds rolled in.  No mountains in sight–it’s a big sky.

Milo's one for projects! Jeremiah started the bath tub for the clan, and those members with wet suits partook.

Milo’s one for projects! Jeremiah started the bath tub for the clan, and those members with wet suits partook.

I'm not sure if this hillside was technically rock or soil....perhaps a mudstone? "Milo, stop! You're getting pieces in my nest!" Chloe noisily protested. The girls have yet to learn that the squawk reaction is intensely satisfying to Milo, and he grins as he sends another sprinkling pattering down. I remember my own father counseling me to ignore my younger sister's goadings as my whining only spurred her on. I was completely incapable of absorbing that bit of advice at the time, but now I find myself doling it out to the next generation.

I’m not sure if this hillside was technically rock or soil….perhaps a mudstone? “Milo, stop! You’re getting pieces in my nest!” Chloe noisily protested. The girls have yet to learn that the squawk reaction is intensely satisfying to Milo, and he grins as he sends another sprinkling pattering down. I remember my own father counseling me to ignore my younger sister’s goadings as my whining only spurred her on. I was completely incapable of absorbing that bit of advice at the time, but now I find myself doling it out to the next generation.

What do you think, stone or soil? It had fascinating little fissures where some mineral must have migrated during the formation process. Wish I could see it happening, fast-forward and at the chemical level.

What do you think, stone or soil? It had fascinating little fissures where some mineral must have migrated during the formation process. Wish I could see it happening, fast-forward and at the chemical level.

The same beach has another odd piece of geology. Moeraki Boulders are perfectly spherical rocks seemingly plopped into the ocean like...well, like a string of dinosaur turds. I spend a lot of time with a four year old. I believe they are technically "concretions," formed in sedimentary rock when minerals within the rock migrate to a central charged particle. Last time we visited Moeraki we saw some still being freed by erosion from their encasing rock. The kids thought they were fantastic podiums--Ella's got a cool pose going.

The same beach has another odd piece of geology. Moeraki Boulders are perfectly spherical rocks seemingly plopped into the ocean like…well, like a string of dinosaur turds. I spend a lot of time with a four year old. I believe they are technically “concretions,” formed in sedimentary rock when minerals within the rock migrate to a central charged particle. Last time we visited Moeraki we saw some still being freed by erosion from their encasing rock. The kids thought they were fantastic podiums–Ella’s got a cool pose going.

Naomi is developing a strong personality, surprise, surprise. The older kids were chasing the retreating waves then turning and fleeing up to the safety of the beach in front of the next cold onslaught. Naomi took off running, too, but it was cold so I wasn't interested in her falling and getting seriously wet.

Naomi is developing a strong personality, surprise, surprise. The older kids were chasing the retreating waves then turning and fleeing up to the safety of the beach in front of the next cold onslaught. Naomi took off running, too, but it was chilly so I wasn’t interested in her falling and getting seriously wet.

She was not happy at being thwarted! Pouty lip, lowered brows, she turned into a thunder cloud.

She was not happy at being thwarted! Pouty lip, lowered brows, she turned into a thunder cloud.

On the flip side, she's usually happy and delightful. Sun came out and it warmed up a tad and what started with a delicate foot-paddle turned into an all-out grubby mess, and her top layer was removed to salvage something dry for the ride home. I guess we need to get her a wet suit too.

On the flip side, she’s usually happy and delightful. Sun came out and it warmed up a tad and what started with a delicate foot-paddle turned into an all-out grubby mess, and her top layer was removed to salvage something dry for the ride home. I guess we need to get her a wet suit too.

Back at the bach I was working on dinner while Jeremiah was cleaning his fish, and I suddenly realized it had been a while since I kept tabs on Naomi. A quick scan of the house came up empty and I was starting to get nervous when the kids found her in the car, calmly polishing off the last of the gummy worms. She had consumed at least half a bag. And she still ate her supper. This little girl loves her food.

Back at the bach I was working on dinner while Jeremiah was cleaning his fish, and I suddenly realized it had been a while since I kept tabs on Naomi. A quick scan of the house came up empty and I was starting to get nervous when the kids found her in the car, calmly polishing off the last of the gummy worms. She had consumed at least half a bag. And she still ate her supper. This little girl loves her food.

Jeremiah's diving catch is displayed and given the appropriate admiration.

Jeremiah’s diving catch is displayed and given the appropriate admiration.

Wood stove is crackling, kids are fed and tucked into bed, and now it's grown-up time. we played games and drank beer, and I remembered my parents doing the same when we were little at our annual Cape Cod vacation. Happy birthday Ian!

Wood stove is crackling, kids are fed and tucked into bed, and now it’s grown-up time. we played games and drank beer, and I remembered my parents doing the same when we were little at our annual Cape Cod vacation. Happy birthday Ian!

Life is…

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“Life is__________.”  Fill in the blank.  It’s a wonderfully absolute and concrete assertion, bold and brazen.  Then you realize that you can fill in the blank with just about anything.

So Life is….well, to be honest, today it’s wanting to post a bunch of unrelated pictures that don’t hold a story line while feeling slightly philosophical.  The following photos display a smattering of our recent eclectic lives.

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 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.

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 know how beautiful they are.

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.

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 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.

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.  

Glamping

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April is a good month for holidays in New Zealand--Easter was last weekend and both the Friday before and the Monday after are public holidays. And April in NZ has decidedly better weather than April in NY! Jeremiah had planned a 10 day hunting trip with buddies, so I met our friends Laura, Audrey and Noah up at Hanmer for the weekend. Hanmer is well known for the cultivated hot pools. If Water + Kids = Happiness, imagine if that water is warm! Come to think of it, if Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Hot Springs installed a sandy beach, the joy would be complete.

April is a good month for holidays in New Zealand–Easter was last weekend and both the Friday before and the Monday after are public holidays. And April in NZ has decidedly better weather than April in NY! Jeremiah had planned a 10 day hunting trip with buddies, so I met our friends Laura, Audrey and Noah up at Hanmer for the weekend. Hanmer is well known for the cultivated hot pools. If Water + Kids = Happiness, imagine if that water is warm! Come to think of it, if Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Hot Springs installed a sandy beach, the joy would be complete.

When we arrived at the Top Ten Campground on Thursday it was relatively empty, and it was interesting to watch the ancient contraptions finagling tight corners behind their little four-cylinder towing cars. Jeremiah scoffs at the Kiwi way, tiny cars dwarfed by the contraptions behind them, negotiating alpine passes on their way to the holiday parks. But it seems to work for them. Car camping isn't really our forte, but after this trip I get it. The kids can run amok in a safe environment WITH a playground and other kids.

When we arrived at the Top Ten Campground on Thursday it was relatively empty, and it was interesting to watch the ancient contraptions finagling tight corners behind their little four-cylinder towing cars, then setting up their satellite TV dishes and grills.  “Glamping.”  Jeremiah scoffs at the Kiwi way, tiny cars dwarfed by the contraptions behind them, negotiating alpine passes on their way to the holiday parks. But it seems to work for them. We, of course, had our tent.  Car camping isn’t really our forte, but after this trip I get it. The kids can run amok in a safe environment WITH a playground and other kids.  If the parent has a buddy there too, the happy picture is complete.  

One fine warm autumn morning we went to a local animal park, where the difference between NZ and NY views on animal/public contact were in stark contrast. Feeding wallabies was really fun. They're like overgrown squirrels with beefy tails, though not nearly as cheeky or chattery as a squirrel.

One fine warm autumn morning we went to a local animal park, where the difference between NZ and NY views on animal/public contact were in stark contrast. Feeding wallabies was really fun. They’re like overgrown squirrels with beefy tails, though not nearly as cheeky or chattery as a squirrel.

Leaves are turning yellow and starting to fall--it feels like autumn.

Leaves are turning yellow and starting to fall–it feels like autumn.

Just next to the holiday park was a forest reserve with biking trails. It sure felt like Ithaca, with the mix of deciduous and pine, and the fluttering fall leaves.

Just next to the holiday park was a forest reserve with biking trails. It sure felt like Ithaca, with the mix of deciduous and pine, and the fluttering fall leaves.

A little pump track in the reserve was a kid highlight of the trip. Our crew zoomed over the humps on their balance bikes, and Naomi jogged up and town the hills on her own two precarious legs. Jordy (Laura's husband) joined us on Saturday with his new toy, a Go-Pro camera. The kid biking video below is his first production. Nice job Jordy!

A little pump track in the reserve was a kid highlight of the trip. Our crew zoomed over the humps on their balance bikes, and Naomi jogged up and town the hills on her own two precarious legs. Jordy (Laura’s husband) joined us on Saturday with his new toy, a Go-Pro camera. The kid biking video below is his first production. Nice job Jordy!

<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/124178742″>Pump Track</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/mjjordy”>mjjordy</a&gt; on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>