Third Time Lucky

I think our car is dying a slow death. It's had an problem since we bought it 4 years ago. We've had it fixed on multiple occasions yet it still persists. We have now just learnt how to drive it carefully so that we can for the most part avoid the problem. I'm taking it into the mechanics AGAIN on Wednesday to see if they can fix it. Plus its new problem of turning off while waiting at intersections. I wonder what it's like to just drive and not have to worry about these kids of things?? What a crazy thought.

On Tuesday we went to the park with out Homeschool friends and made Fairy Houses and played by the lake. One of the boys had brought his light sabres along, Auron was upset that he didn't have his so couldn't really join in the game very well until an older boy took him in and gave him one to use. It was so sweet and made my heart happy. This week it's dress up day, mixed with a bit of palaeontology. We have a tradition of stopping by McDonald's for a frozen drink after our group. It is usually stinking hot and such a welcome treat for the kids. Personally I am not a fan but traditions are important. I don't know what we will get in winter? Hot Chocolate? or maybe stick to a Frozen Drink since they're only a dollar.

Friday was the day I faced the library. I had fines that would probably reach the moon. I am glad they cap it at $50 otherwise...well let's not think about that. I really need to make a better effort. Auron and Lili enjoyed the kids ipad and board games class they had running of Friday afternoon so perhaps we can make it a more regular thing.

Auron is making great strides with his school work and his handwriting is really improving. I am so happy that I get to see him learning everyday. Lili has an amazing memory. She loves to learn about anything and everything. We just purchased a skeleton poster and she is busy naming all her bones. Aarahi bought the kids a really neat science experiment book that we are working our way through. They always ask if it's a day to do science.

We made valentines day treat up for a few friends at church yesterday. Aarahi and I don't really buy each other gifts for Valentines day but we have a special breakfast together as a family. This year we had heart shaped French toast.

Aarahi got a new wedding ring this week....3rd time lucky they say? He has lost his previous 2 rings within a few weeks of having them. His work isn't really conducive to wearing rings but we are going away for 2 weeks on holiday and I said he needs to look like he is married.

I love a good deal, Aarahi mocks me for always looking up reviews for everything I buy. Aarahi works really hard to provide an income for our family, so I feel it is my responsibility to use that money wisely. So yes I look up reviews for nearly everything an NEVER pay full price. I want quality for a cheap price. My deal for the week? two sets of kids Kathmandu snorkelling gear for $30 down from $80. That's cheaper than you can get at Kmart!

I Lost the Keys at the Beach

On Tuesday we spent a lovely day at the beach, only to realise I had lost the keys when it was time to go home...keys lost at the beach among kids who had been digging their way to China all afternoon. Someone told me they had seen some keys up on the path, so I went to see if they were still there but no luck. Aarahi was still at work (plus he had no car) so he was pretty useless. If he came after work it would take 2.5 hrs by public transport. With the last 5% battery on my phone I rang my uncle to see if he would go pick Aarahi's keys up from work and drive 40mins to come save me. So about an hour and a half later he arrived. The kids didn't even care about the prospect of being stuck at the beach until night time. Just as I was getting ready to drive away a group of teenage girls knocked on my window and said "um I think we have your keys". They had seen me looking earlier on but hadn't said anything. 

I also had to drive home on the free-way in crazy traffic since there had been an accident. SOOOOOOO not my favourite thing to do. I must have done ok though because no one beeped their horns at me. 

On Thursday we went to the park to do an art project with some homeschool friends. It was pretty windy so not the best weather for art projects but the kids really enjoyed it. After we went to Subway for dinner. Our local one does 2 for 1 between 5pm and 6pm. We arrived a little early so went through the car wash. I remember when I was little the car wash was a pretty awesome treat. Lili however was probably slightly traumatised by the experience as she has kept bringing it up about how scary it was. 

We had a Waitangi day party on Saturday and ate way too much bad food. Thank goodness it was fast Sunday the next day. We also played a few NZ themed games just to keep in the spirit of things. 

The kids have enjoyed learning about flags and which flags belong to which countries this past week. We started to receive the kids version of National Geographic this week and they have really enjoyed learning fun facts and bits and pieces about other places. The had a big write up on Malawi so we have done a fair bit of learning about what goes on there. 

In an hour we will be off to the park to Homeschool Co-op to build Fairy Houses (Auron and Lili both say they are going to make a lair and jail for their Lego guys and Shopkins).

 

This photo make me both happy and sad. They are both growing up so fast, especially Lili, she has shot up in the last couple of months and is quickly losing her baby looks and looking more like a big girl.