My commute

The process of getting out of the house with two small children often tests my patience. The morning routine is often a give and take process of constant requests that often result in flat out bribery.

The other morning I had to take a number of deep breaths in order to keep my cool. Then I stopped, looked around and realized that yes, getting two kids in the car on a time frame can be a challenge, but look at where I live.

The above photo was taken w/ a telephoto lens from our front door.

On the way to driving Ben to preschool I had another realization, "My commute really isn't so bad." Not only do I not have any traffic lights I don't even have any stop signs between our house and his school (several yield signs, but if you time it right you don't even have to stop!).
I pulled over in downtown Wanaka to take the following photo. It's a nice reminder to me to realize that when the kids are screaming and no one will put their shoes on that really, it's not a bad life over here.

Ben tackles the magic carpet

Another successful trip to the ski hill. We rented Ben some gear and he really enjoyed his day on skis. Way to go kiddo!

Rainy Day

Josh

Return to winter

We thoroughly enjoyed our month long summer vacation in California and Colorado, but now that we're returned to winter in Wanaka we were all very excited about our chance to go skiing. Today was our first day up at Cardrona and while we still have a few hiccoups to work out we have been improving our logistical challenge on how to get up to the ski resort w/ ski gear, 2 kids and all the various other bits and pieces one needs for a day in the snow. Ben was very excited about the magic carpet. Josh thought the best part about the ski resort was eating his season pass.

Summer smiles

So many cute photos, what can I say?

A day at the beach

When the smokey California air finally started to get to us, we headed west and found ourselves on the cool, breezy beach at Bolinas.  Here are a few photos of the boys playing on the beach.