February 2011

Lots has been happening since our last post, we haven't just been sitting on our sheep doing nothing!
Cyclone Wilma raced through the North Island, we missed the worst of it but there was 309mm of rain over one night and extensive flooding throughout the region, though nothing to compare to our unlucky cousins in Australia.  The day after the flood we went for a big walk through the neighbourhood to inspect the damage and Buddy found a pukeko nest with chicks just hatching.  It was the highest flood waters since we've lived here bringing trees down and damaging fences.

At Shelly Beach the entire beach was covered in 1-3 metres of weed and driftwood.  We picked up about 4 kg of kauri gum that had been washed down the streams and washed back up the beach.

Because of all the rain our tanks are full so when it turned hot we could turn on the sprinkler for the kids.

Ali has started back at school.  She likes her new teacher although it's been a bit tough getting up early and getting ready in time for the bus after a whole summer of staying up late and sleeping in.  Lily has started back at Playcentre, we'll be doing four days a week this year with only one day at daycare.

Uncle Chris and Aunty Renee fly back to Canada this weekend so we got to catch up with them one last time before they go.  It's been so much fun to hang out with the cousins this summer!

Today we're off to wish Oma Mary a happy 89th birthday.