Key Summit, Routebourn Track

I'd love to say I'll blog our time in New Zealand, but almost always I get overwhelmed with where to start, what to include.  But what's funny is that so far on this trip we've had numerous conversations trying to remember things, "Did we go to Milford Sound with Josh?  Where did we stay when we took our big trip and came this way?  Have we been to this beach before and why?"  So part of me is thinking if I take the time to write down what we did on this trip, now, in 10 years time when we can't remember what we did on which trip, I'll be able to reference this... (I still can't remember when we last did Milford Sound, but I think I was pregnant with Josh).

So, to start... a week into our adventure... today we had the chance to hike part of the Routeburn Track outside of Te Anau on the way to Milford Sound.  The hike up from the Divide gives you a chance to hike up to the Key Summit, this amazingly picturesque spot, which was well worth the adventure (even if it's a popular hike with lots of other people).  We were lucky with with weather, a little breezy, not too many sandflies.

We're excited to hike part of the Routeburn Track on the other side later this week... so more picturesque photos coming.  

Pinewood Derby

The end of an era....  our final Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby.  Dan's been running the race for the last 5 years and is stepping down from his Co-Pack Leader position in March when Josh moves up to Boy Scouts.  But kudos to both of them for creating such a unique car that Josh won Best of Show for the 2nd year!

Happy Camper- Wild Plum, August 2018

I am so behind in the family blog, that might as well start with the present and maybe work backwards?  I promised Ben a birthday post and have a deadline, so watch this space....    Our family went camping!  The comedy of errors even more entertaining knowing that our world is currently engrossed in all things camping.  A list of snafus:

• Dan made the reservation back in February and we put it in our calendar and built our work schedule around it.  Literally 5 minutes before we were about to leave Dan realized he booked the reservation for the following week.  You would think we would get these things right, but both of us just laughed out loud.
• As a result, we ended up at Wild Plum (where we were suppose to camp in June and didn't get to) instead of Lakes Basin, the original plan.
• We were able to borrow back Woody, our vintage trailer, which is now officially adopted by my mom, which meant that things weren't exactly in the place we thought they would be.  We both agree that this is the end of an era and will be in the market for our own trailer in the near future (since borrowing the ones from the motel and the campground don't seem to be working out the way we thought).
• The boys slept in hammocks and neither of them got much sleep.
• I ran out of wine.
• We went in search of the PCT and took a couple of wrong turns.

But just like all the other times we get a chance to go camping we all remember why we love it.  I ticked all my camping requirements-- coffee outside, a nap, read a book, slept in a tent.

Happy 10th Birthday

Happy 10th birthday Josh!  Way to ring in the new year with enthusiasm, energy and a spirit for adventure.  His current interests include: playing video games (Minecraft, Roblocks, Titan Fall 2), skiing, riding his new scooter, going to Woodward, practicing for his upcoming Black Belt test in Kuk Sool and eating.

Happy Birthday Ben

Happy Birthday Ben!  This fabulous young man is turning 12 today.  The day included donuts, a walk with Ben & Katie and Julie and Ib (while his parents worked), enchiladas for lunch and a movie date with his friends this afternoon.

Ben, age 11 years and 10 months

Ben, age 11 years and 10 months.

• Weights 80 lbs
• Has a somewhat limited diet, will eat most foods, but takes his time.  His personal favorites are pizza, ice cream, donuts and pasta.
• Walks...  happy to walk to school, getting back into biking after a long wet winter of lots of skiing.
• Obsessed with his phone, organized crime and sleeps with a Rumpl in a bed that is rarely made.
• Interested in fast cars, cyber technology, podcasts, video games, Xbox, books
• Likes working on his computer
• Has figured out how to do a back flip into the foam pit at Woodward
• Quiet and opinionated, stubborn and sensitive
• Loves watching action movies, including plenty of non-kid themes (current favorite Die Hard, Good Fellas, Knocked Up and National Lampoon Vacation).
• Tortures his brother at any opportunity
• Is very patient with his 2 1/2 year old cousin
• Likes reading, has a passion for writing
• Doesn't like heights, happy to ski down difficult terrain, but prefers not to hike too far, enjoying Kuk Sool techniques, currently learning Maek Chi Ki as part of his black belt testing process.
• Favorite songs: You're Going to Go Far Kid and Centuries
• Recently defeated his parents in the battle to get Instagram, follow him along and monitor his social media savvy
• Doesn't love math, but enjoys language arts and finds science confusing.

Josh, 9 years and 4 months

Today Facebook reminded me of this post, a snap shot in time of Josh at 16 months, so I thought it would be fun to check in with Josh 8 years later... using the similar questions.

• Weights over 70lbs
• Eats just about anything, but doesn't like peanut butter, brussel sprouts or brocollini
• Prefers to scooter to school, but loves riding his bike and only walks slowly when asked to clean something
• Obsessed with video games and watching youtube, sleeps with a donut pillow
• Interested in skiing, Kuk Sool and reading
• Has figured out to 180 mute grab on skis
• Very vocal, opinionated and happy to share his thoughts, has learned a wicked sense of humor from watching The Simpsons
• Tolerant of his brother, shares his room with him reluctantly
• Loves playing outside
• Loves reading, just finished The Unwanted, Book 7, Island of Dragons, about to start the new Percy Jackson Trials of Apollo, the Dark Prophecy
• Still loves climbing, was always game for a hike during ski season, happy to climb up trees.
• Still likes legos
• Favorite songs Ring of Fire, Take Back the Night and doesn't really listen to much music.
• Has all his teeth, recently got 4 cavities.
• Recently participated in a Soduko Challenge, continued testing for his Kuk Sool Black belt (4 more to go out of 12), currently about a Bear in Cub Scouts.
• Doesn't like showering and would prefer to wear the same clothes day after day.
• Favorite ice cream flavor is cookie dough or milky way.