St Patricks Day

This post is so overdue. But nothing like the present to get it done. I've got a few more old posts to finish off over the next couple of days - my achievements for the week!

I love any excuse for a celebration. And while the kids are young, I want to make the most of their little imaginations.

So on the eve of St Patricks' Day, I warned them that the leprechauns might visit and get up to mischief. Sure enough one did...Leprechaun Pete!

He left a little letter for the kids and then a little scavenger hunt around the house with little treats at every clue.

The girls loved it and can't wait for him to return!



Phoebe opening the letter from the leprechaun

Holly enjoying some of the green jellybeans the leprechaun left

Phoebe discovering that the leprechaun had painted her green while she was sleeping



The leprechaun left his shoes

Holly spotting the milk the leprechaun turned green



But what are we going to drink if our milk is green

Phoebe trying on the leprechauns hat for size

Phoebe in the leprechauns shades

Holly with one of the scavenger hunt clues



The pot of gold, together with gold chocolate coins, at the end of the scavenger hunt...pretty happy

I'm Back!!!

It's been a while. But I'm back. And I have so many posts to catch up on.

With the death of my Nana on 20 Feb and then more recently my Great Aunty over, I took the opportunity to have a break from blogging. But now I am back, I want to continue on with my blog...letting you know what we have been up to as a family.

But, for myself, I am also going to start including in my blog the things I APPRECIATE and I have ACHIEVED...no matter how big or small! I hope you enjoy it!

Today is Pink Shirt Day which is a campaign aimed at the prevention of bullying. I got my pink shirt care of Mr Vintage "what you do makes a difference". Todays APPRECIATION is for everyone who is different. We have to learn to accept everyone for who they are and not judge them for what they're not.

Mummy and Hunter...sporting my Pink Shirt.

Today's ACHIEVEMENT was finally getting the Decals my sister gave to Hunter up onto his wall. Holly and Phoebe helped. Holly loved placing the falling leaves in straight lines. I had to resist the urge to tell her not to stick them on like that as she was trying so hard to keep them straight! Well done Holly. This has been one of those jobs I have put off but am so pleased it is now done! 

Holly holding Hunter...she was so happy as Hunter was clapping...he's just learnt how.

The decal - don't you love Holly's falling leaves.

Picking pipis with poppa

Were back!!!

We had an awesome holiday at Cooks Beach in the Coromandel.   Two weeks away. Yippee.  We hadn't been away at Christmas time so this was our break.

The kids had a wonderful time at the beach every day.
The weather was pretty much perfect.
We ate too much.
And we enjoyed catching up with family.
.....What more can you ask for in a holiday.

One of the novelties for the girls was collecting pipis and tuatua with Poppa.   They then had a great time gathering them, cleaning and shelling them and then  helping as he turned them in to fritters for lunch the following day.

Yummy!

Collecting the Pipis...Phoebe and Poppa

Cleaning the Pipis....Holly and Poppa

The finished product...fritters with sweet chilli sauce!  Yummmmmm

The Garden

Bain has done an awesome job with the vegetable garden.  When we shifted here he built two huge new gardens so we could start growing some of our own vegetables.

So I love this time of year when the veges are abundant.

Here's Phoebe with our broccoli...

Holly enjoying a plum  (one of those beautiful Christmas plums with the purple inner)...

New Potatoes with mint....

Various herbs:  parsley, mint and basil to name a few....

Corn, cauliflower, broccoli and beans.....

The girls love helping gather the veges.  I think that encourages them to eat them as well!  All a bonus!

And of course not to forget the tomatoes and cucumbers....we are loving salad for tea in this hot weather...

Gelato!!!

Wow it has been hot over the last couple of days.  It makes a change from the rainy weather we have been having.

My mother in law gave me a Frozen Dessert Maker for Christmas...I admit that I had hinted at it.  I am forever ripping ice cream recipes out of foodie magazines in the hope that one day I would have an ice cream maker

First on my list...Berry Gelato.  It was outstanding.  Beautifully refreshing and such a vibrant color (the photos just don't do it justice).

I can't wake to make Lemon next...perfect for with Poppas Limocello

My present to myself...

I brought something special for my Christmas present to myself.....

I had been waiting to Hunter was born, but I have always wanted a piece of jewellery to represent the kids.  I have been keeping my eyes out for a while.

I came across an awesome shop on Felt "Eden Zoe".  http://felt.co.nz/shop/edenzoe

And I had this super cool necklace made.  I love it.  So do the girls...the love looking at their pendants. 

I am so pleased I had it made and I love the fact that it is hand made.

Very awesome present to myself :)

Hot poppin popcorn

We all got some amazing presents for Christmas.  We were well and truly spoilt - it was a bit embarrassing really.

My mother-in-law gave me a Popcorn Maker!  It has been on my "wish list" for a while.  It was something that I really wanted but couldn't really justify buying my self.  But now I have it, I wish I had got it sooner. 

It is so quick and easy with very little mess.  It's such a healthy snack (assuming you don't add the salt and butter).  And it was a huge hit with the kids.  I am so looking forward to using and using and using it!!