A little light in a dark world

The kids looked cute this morning as they set off for school. Students and teachers dressed up in holiday gear, as a fundraiser for the victims of the tsunami in Samoa.
What a great cause!
There were jandals (thongs), lava lavas (colourful sarong-like cloth), swimmers, flowers, and leis all round.
Of course, all this had a serious side too, and the kids all donated towards the cause of helping Samoans rebuild and recover from their tragedy.
Speaking of which, we’ve decided to take our holiday next month. The Samoan tourism people have asked travellers to keep their holiday plans, with tourism tipped to play a big part of the country’s recovery.
Yes, there may be some inconvenience, and we will probably see some terrible sights and hear horrific stories. People have pointed out that the holiday may not be as ‘good’ as before, with grieving locals too busy or sad to pamper visitors, or some areas off-limits or destroyed. But that’s nothing at all compared to what these people have gone through. If we can help in some small way by keeping our plans, and getting some of our meagre funds flowing into the community, we’re happy to. In fact, we are looking forward to visiting Samoa more than ever.
To be honest, I think it will be a good education for the kids, and a reminder to all of us to be thankful for our good fortune, and sympathetic and empathetic to those in need.
On a happier note, a few lovely Indian Mums visited school this week, to talk about Diwali, the Festival of the Lights.
After eating and drinking their way around Auckland Viaduct’s version of the festival on the weekend, the kids couldn’t wait to get their hands decorated with henna tattoos.
According to Diwali tradition, the tattoos symbolise blessings that light up the soul. They are traditionally for females, but quite a few of the boys, including Mr 8, clamoured to have their hands decorated too!
I wish I could post a photo, but I’m still waiting for a cable to upload photos from my camera to my computer. Dang technology!
Instead, let me leave you with a bit of fun from the Tourism Paeora people. Kiwis have a great sense of humour, and I’m often left chortling at advertising campaigns.
This one, like L & P softdrink (diet of course), hits the spot!
http://www.youtube.com/tourismpaeroa#p/a

A change of season

We’ve been enjoying the cooler weather so far, with mainly crystal clear days, and chilly mornings and nights.
The novelty has not been lost on the kids, who, growing up in Brisbane, had never really been exposed to changing seasons. (At home it’s hot, damn hot, and stinking hot!)
“Mumma, why are the leaves changing colour?” Harmonie exclaims regularly, before jumping into a pile of them with delight. (Luckily, we don’t need to worry about the dangers of snakes here. Needles though, might be another matter!)
And the discovery that she could see her breath at school the other morning, sparked much huffing, puffing and laughter.
When the cooler weather struck, I was reminded how fast the kids have been growing. Pant legs are suddenly too short, tops and jumpers too tight. So we picked up Husband after work the other night, and headed out for an emergency shopping expedition.
C. was so happy with his new raincoat/jacket that he’s been practically living in it! Missy got a few new things too. Only Husband and I missed out!
At home, we’ve been continuing our taste testing of all things Kiwi. Join us on our culinary adventure...

Like Father, Like Son...
C. takes after his Dadda and loves to cook. Here, he's making Breakfast Tortillas.










The proof is in the eating!













H's new dress says: I Dance Till I Get Dizzy.
So true! (Thanks Nana!)

Apple and Feijoa juice

(Feijoa is also known as pineapple guava)

We tasted these in the supermarket the other day, and since the kids loved them, I bought some to accompany the roast I did the other night. Delicious! (Much nicer than Kumera Chips!)

H. enjoying the kids' current favourite ice-block here, Goody Goody Gum Drops.

They consist of bubble-gum flavoured ice-cream with lollies inside and covered with chocolate. All part of a balanced diet...)

L & P, the national drink. Made with underground spring water from Paeroa, it's like lemonade but more refreshing. Luckily for me, there are sugar-free versions too.






Showing off their new warm clothes.