When is it OK to Speed??

New Zealand is renowned for its nightmare drivers, those who pull out, do u-turns anywhere and feel they only need to use indicators when pulling away from traffic lights at road works (whats that about?) or going round roads that are going that way anyway. But the absolute worst thing is the speeding, which is a huge problem. I don't think I have made one trip yet where I haven't had a car so very dangerously close.

I am one who believes that the speed limits are there for a reason and since having Bethany I believe in that more than ever, no parent can stop a child who runs onto the road for no reason.

Yet today I was faced with a huge dilemma. I saw this when I looked out of the window...

Once again Owhiro Bay was plagued with bush fires and the road that leads to Bethany's Kindergarten was closed.

The only journey I could take to get to the Kindi was the long way round which practically went into the city. I called the Kindi to let them know what had happened and that I was going to be late, but by the time I had finally got out of our road due to road blocks I was another 10 minutes late on top of the already being late.

There was one day a few weeks back when I was late picking Bethany up, she was so upset seeing the other mothers collecting their children. So I set off anxious at the thought of my poor girl sitting there all alone.

As I wizzed down the road, through the local suburb and towards the city the only thing I had on my mind was Bethany and the worry that she would be OK as the 'last child'. It was then that I realised I was speeding. I mean I wasn't breaking any sound barriers but it was enough to be a worry.

I learnt today that there is never a good enough reason, but as I say that I wonder how I will act next time I am faced with a dilemma.

I might however next time be a little less judgemental of that person behind me...

Gateway to the South Coast

Today we spent our morning at the beach in Owhiro Bay. Everyday we look at it's beauty from the windows of our home and as we were well overdue a visit we took a stroll down.

We spent some time looking for shells and pretty stones and then wandered our way down Owhiro Bay Parade. The views are amazing and Owhiro Bay is such a pretty little suburb, some of the house designs are amazing.

Bethany loved to watch the baby seagulls wash in the sea and then listen to the bigger ones squawk. At one point though all the seagulls flew off at once which knocked Bethany onto her bottom in surprise!

There is a gorgeous little inlet that is from a stream which runs down through Owhiro Bay, this then joins with the ocean. It was funny to watch the ducks swim at the inlet and then move into the ocean - I have never seen ducks swim in the ocean before!

Three of them made very good friends with Bethany and followed us all the way on our walk, she named them Jot, Dot and Banana!

We collected even more shells and stones (my pockets were getting very heavy!) and after the long walk Bethany flaked out on a bench in the sunshine, we sat there for quite some time listening to the waves and watching all the different sea birds, Bethany was convinced she saw an Emu!

Bethany wasn't content with walking the whole of The Parade, she then wanted to go back down onto the beach and walk even further round the other side so she could watch the waves from the huge rocks!

Lovely long relaxing morning at the beach, with so much to see and do, which is different every time. Bethany loves going to the beach as she has freedom to do as she pleases - which is easy for me!

Today has been another glorious day at 17 degrees.

Tomorrow is the first official day of winter...

Happy Anniversary

Congratulations Sarah and Dan on your 8 years of marriage!

We hope you have a gorgeous day together.
Love and hugs from us all xx

Night Night, Bethany

Bethany's bedtime routine is still the same despite all the major changes lately.

She still has her 'bath time' which is now the shower with toys, and a relaxing warm milk drink whilst listening to 3 stories with either mammy and daddy who do alternative nights.

We have now organised for the Grandparents to be part of this special moment and to read stories to Bethany before she goes to bed just as they used to before.

So we take the laptop downstairs and place it on her bed. Then Bethany clambers in, sits cozy and relaxingly listens with excitement. First up was Grandma and Grandad Lee, who read The Tiger Who Came To Tea:
Next was Grandma Dawes who read a lovely story about a little Teddybear and how happy he was with his friends:
Bethany has responded amazingly to this and is so excited by the thought of stories from England. We are hoping for Grandad Dawes and Aunty Helen to join so we can plan a routine for Bethany to look forward to every week.

Modern technology - don't you just love it?

Bloggers Sunday Funday

We love NZ weather!
Today was another absolutely gorgeous day.

We spent the day in the wonderful company of Chez Lee at Queen Elizabeth Park which is at McKays Crossing in Paekakariki. The last Sunday of each month is a Sunday Funday and so we wanted to go and enjoy the fun.

We had a fantastic time, there was just so much to do. The girls enjoyed the bouncy castle, and they were enthralled by the model airplanes, trains and trams on display. Bethany really enjoyed going inside the tram that was used in the latest King Kong movie which was on display inside the museum.

After a wander round and a purchase of yummy mini doughnuts we headed off on the scenic tram ride which takes you down to the absolutely stunning Kapiti Coast beach.

Kapiti beach is just amazing, a mass of driftwood and stunning views over to Kapiti Island. We will definitely be coming back to explore the sand dunes.

We enjoyed the sunshine and the girls enjoyed a paddle in the ocean. Bethany just loved to find shells and excitedly made pictures with Sarah.

Anyone would think there was a slight air of sabotage going on over the best blogging pictures, I mean it must have been an accident that Dan was in the way of this picture...

We had a lovely relaxing wait for the tram, and then we made our way back to the fair for some more fun.

We all treated ourselves to some yummy fairground type hot dogs for lunch. Bethany's was actually bigger than her!

We took a stroll around the stalls, the girls played together and us oldies listened to a live band, which was fantastic.

We waved goodbye to Sarah, Dan, Charlotte and Sophie and we spent the rest of our afternoon enjoying the sunshine and the fantastic atmosphere. Bethany had her face painted and then enjoyed a 15 minute horse trek on a horse called Bonny!

Looks like Daddy needs get saved up for that horsey!!

Such a brilliant day in the best weather. Needless to say after such a busy day someone fell asleep after only 2 minutes of being in the car.


Don't forget to check out Chez Lee to see their post from the day too. Who mentioned Blog Wars??