Oh Hi!

Just checking in very briefly to say hello! We arrived two weeks ago today and it's been one heck of a ride to date!  But we are alive and kicking and not frozen ;)

How are you all doing? Tell me what I've missed!

In the words of a non-Brit...I'll be back...
L xx

Seven/52

H: This week you decided you were going to work out this shoe-lace tying business and get the hang of it. In your typical fashion you asked for help and Daddy and I showed and guided you through a few demonstrations over a couple of days. You would then disappear to go practice. Within the week you have nailed it! No more shoe-lace tying for us (for you anyway!)! The way you approach things like this sums you up perfectly. Detailed, structured, and will work in a methodical and tireless manner at achieving what you set your mind to.

L: You have so many little things that I often forget to write down or capture. The way you say 'amblulance' and how your whole nose screws up when you pronounce words with an "f" in it. I love it. Or how you still haven't quite gotten the hang of the "s" sound yet and often words like "smoke" become "moke" or "smell" becomes "mell". Cracks us up.

A: It was a big week for us with a little sightseeing and a lot of house and car-hunting and you guys were so good through all the boring driving around and around and around... But you would get so excited at each house we saw, allocating rooms to us all and deciding what goes where, commenting on all the positives of each place or car. Such a positive wee soul - it is such a delight.   We were able to sign up to the library this week too - much to all our delight!

L xx

 (photo's taken on a very old phone... so quality is a bit... not great...)

Six/52

L: How you delighted the air-hostesses. Oh so charming you can be! You were such a good girl on the trip - though you got terribly tired... tears streaming from your tired eyes as you forced yourself to stay awake with all the excitement. You still managed to have great big sleeps and enjoyed watching whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted...and of course the joy of getting a juice from the lovely ladies whenever you asked for it! We visited Cadbury World in the first week here and we all had a lovely time - complete with a great playground at the end to top it off! A bit chilly though and of course you had lost your mittens by then so had cold wee hands, though it didn't stop you too much!

H: Another great girl on the big trip. But you were very worn out by the time we arrived and fought sleep the whole afternoon on landing day. At least you had your soft toy friends to keep you company while we bided time before bed. Four days later at CWorld you were practically back to yourself though and had a blast getting some climbing action in and being a monkey.

A: Always smiling. We didn't hear a sound from you for pretty much the entire trip. Completely happy just sorting yourself out, ordering your own food, sleeping, watching movies, etc. independently. Such a grown up, though utterly innocent wee girl you are. You have retained almost every detail you learned at CWorld, you were so absorbed and taken with it all. Getting out and physical in the very fresh air did you all a world of good. Such joy on all your faces!

L xx

Four& Five/52

A: You celebrated your 7th birthday during our last week in NZ. Despite all that was going on, you remained completely calm and composed and enjoyed every minute of your special day. After lunch with Granny the day before, the morning started off with presents, a trip to the shops for a new bracelet to put your charms on and also to choose your own one - a Kiwi - very fitting. Then your favourite special drink - strawberries and cream fruppacino, followed by some very needed new shoes. Followed by lovely friends popping in to see you throughout the day and afternoon, a few goodies in the mail, phone calls from more lovely friends and ending the day with a birthday dinner celebration, family, a special cat birthday cake and a sleepover with your sisters at your Cousins' house. You deemed the day amazing and special and awesome and, and, and... You are our treasured big girl xx

L: Our last swim of the NZ summer at Grantie and Gruncle's house. You had a ball despite not wanting to really go into the water after what sounded like a promising start. You - always working a new angle. Also playing foxes with your wee friend and sisters - pretending to sleep dressed up as Elsa... It was a special week with you (and your sisters) also stopping in at Kindy to say goodbye. Such a joy to watch you and the teachers, and take in for the last time, the amazing relationships you all had there with a wonderful group of people. So so special xx

H: You and your wee boyfriend. Gosh you two are adorable. You have enjoyed keeping track of all the goings on and all the details. Knowing the facts and the plan helps you and really makes you feel part of and in control of what goes on. Who knows where you get that from :p Still, you enjoy the process and being such a serious and mature little thing makes you a delight to watch at all stages of this journey. That last week you were happy and focussed and completely part of all the detailed arrangements. Such a joy xx

Three/52

My three delights, reading together in the shade after a happy day with friends, swimming and a library visit. Doesn't get much better than that! xxx

A very big year...

Oh hi! Come in, sit down and have a cuppa wont you?

So, I have something to tell you. It's kinda big and it is very very exciting for us.

Do you want to guess? No... I'm not pregnant :p

I'll tell you. We are moving to the UK!

My lovely hubby has been offered a marvellous position in Birmingham and we are all thrilled to bits about this new family adventure!  It has been an incredible (in every sense of the word!) journey so far and we are delighted to be able to finally share this news with you :)

I'm sure it probably explains a few things :) Of course I'll still be around in this space, but there will be a little less making and a little more packing and bearing finding...

So, what do you know about Birmingham or the UK or Europe that would be handy to know or great to visit? Any bloggers close-by? Any tips, tricks or pointers gratefully accepted!

I hope you haven't choked on your cup of tea... :) And I'll make sure there is a fresh pot on if you should ever find yourself in our new neck of the woods!
L xx

Two/52

This week has seen us at the zoo, the beach, visiting friends, doing a few crafty things and generally enjoying our holidays. We are making the most of all this sunny weather with frequent trips to the beach! And you three are loving it - every minute!
A - you've always loved the water and your confidence has grown so much in the last year. You are fearless and love trying out all the new things you've learned in the water - pure delight!
H - you enjoy the water...but on your terms :) Though this summer has seen you "diving" in and gaining in confidence and ability. Holding your breath and blowing out your nose to submerge your head is your new (and hilarious) accomplishment.
L - Watching you back into the water on your hands and knees makes us laugh. Also pouring buckets of water into your "tracks" in the sand and watching the water "melt" cracks me up (even if you find it a bit annoying!).

L xx