21/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013"

Juno - Playing beside her friend Evie.

Linking up with Jodi.

20/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013"

Juno - Dribble and food up the nose make her even cuter. Her interactions are so rewarding. She finds everything funny.

This week I loved Eulalie snuggled up in her towel,  Bo's incredible eyes and lips and the fence standing over at Electronette.

Linking up with Jodi.

19/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013"

Juno - We had fun doing Mother's Day craft. The feet were easier to print with then her hands.

This week I loved Jacob's sneaky 'eye', Lamb wearing her dad's glasses, the perspective that Milk Please Mum has used, A little man in his Papa's chair and the use of focus in this shot of Mila.

Linking up with Jodi.

New Zealand

This post has been sitting as a draft for over a month.... better late than never.

We did it!!
Our first overseas holiday (I say first, but for many years it will probably be our only) as a little family was a success.

Karl's amazing Grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and we were lucky enough to be able to share it with them. They immigrated to New Zealand from Holland during the war. Karl's Nana thought they were going to Z Land and presumed it was just a little boat ride over the ocean. Three months later they arrived in New Zealand. Alone and in a new country they set up their life. Five children, 16 grandchildren and five great grandchildren later they are still each others rocks. Beautiful.

We stayed in the old convent, which was an adventure itself. This amazing building, which was built in 1965, had eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, a prayer room and it's very own confessional. Most of the furnishings were made from New Zealand Oak, as were all the doors and windows. A stunning building.

Karl's dad relished in telling us a story about every corner, paddock and building. It was lovely to see him at home.

He took us to Lake Tekapo, a beautiful lake at the bottom of the snowy mountains. The drive to the lake was stunning... beautiful rolling hills speckled with cows and sheep, pine forests and soaring eagles. I don't think words can describe how beautiful this lake was. The colour was a vibrant blue and contrasted beautifully against the yellow grass. Mother nature is so clever.

We also visited part of the amazing east coast. A little fishing town called Moeraki. We had a little peek through the well known restaurant Fleurs Place. An amazing establishment full of history and local art. We ate the most delicious blue cod fish at the local pub while taking in the view of the tiny harbour. Karl's dad was so intent on taking us to the light house (I do like light houses but I don't get excited about them) so we dropped in there before heading home. I was so glad we did, because not only was it an operating light house but the cliffs below were home to seals and penguins. We went for a lovely stroll amongst the sun baking seals and were lucky enough to spot a couple of nesting penguins.

It was a quick trip but it was an important one. Karl got to spend valuable time with his ageing grandparents. Hopefully next time we can stay for a wee bit longer.

18/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013"

Juno - She is getting stronger and cheekier every week.

This week I couldn't go past Che's cheekiness, a first pony tail, Olive's swing face, Lotus and Noah amongst the trees and Felix's relaxed state.

So many photos, so many captured memories... I love it.

Linking up with Jodi.