Potty Training

Beck is very proud to go on the potty all by himself.


and flush...


He likes to have some 'piracy' while he's on the potty though.

Little house under the stars

I've been meaning to capture the view of our house under the amazing stars as you approach the front door at night. This is what I had in mind...


The stars really are that amazing down here. Let me know what you think.

Quinne turns six

Quinne turned six this week! Her birthday was on Sunday, and she chose to sleep in. We were ready for her to be up early, as most six year olds are on their birthday, and we were ready for her.


We had the kitchen beautifully decorated just for her with her presents waiting to be unwrapped...


Quinne eventually woke up and donned her crown...


Beck was feeling a little left out though...


so he went and got his crown.


He looked good in his crown, but Quinne was still getting all the attention.


Quinne happily unwrapped her presents...


while Beck watched...


and waited...


Luckily for Beck, the Christmas present that Nanoo Gubba sent to our old address had just arrived back after going completely around the world. Finally, something for Beck to unwrap...


Quinne loved her sewing kit and box.



It won't be long before she'll be making beautiful dolls like this one that Amy made for Quinne for her birthday...


Quinne had six friends over in the afternoon for a party. It was a 'bird' theme party. They made bird feeders...


and pinned the tail on the bird...


and played Simon says...


And what party wouldn't be complete without cake.



Happy birthday Quinne!

farm girl

Quinne is quite the farm girl already.


The neighbour's pig had more piglets than she has teets, so Quinne helped out feeding the runts...

Wintertime

It's getting cold down here on the top of the south. Time to snuggle around the fire.


This is what we do instead of watching the tele...


What better way to spend a winter evening?

Mom's day off

For all the mother's out there, it's...


Happy Mother's Day!

Wine Country

The Nelson / Tasman area produces some of the best wine in New Zealand. I'm fortunate enough to have been commissioned by a local wine tour company to take pictures for them for their marketing literature. Of course, my trusted assistant and I had to attend a wine tour to see what it was all about. Amy wasn't too hesitant to help out with this. She didn't even mind when I told her to stand over there and drink wine. Here's an example of her doing a fine job...


It was a beautiful day, and we got some great pictures of some of the local vineyards with the grapes fully ripe...


We ended the tour down the road at the local pub, which is the oldest continually running pub in New Zealand. Because you can't just drink wine...