Day 14  Happy 9th Wedding Anniversary to my wonderful husband!  Yes, it's our wedding anniversary today; 9 years of marriage and 2 children later!  Today, my one request for our anniversary was a family photo.  Every year I try and get at least one family photo (ie snap!) of us as usually it's me behind the camera.  But of course, that's never as easy as it sounds with two energetic boys! 

We were heading out to Cromwell this morning for lunch out and a game of mini-golf, so my original idea was to take a photo before we headed out.  But then Hayden stood on a bee and got his first bee sting, which ended in yelling and tears.  And then it started to pour down, so that was the end of that!  So we decided to try when we got home later this afternoon, which of course was always going to be pushing it a little with tired kids!  I handed Dad my camera and literally told him to point and shoot.  In the very short space of time we had before the boys completely lost it and it started to rain again, we definitely had more out-takes than anything, but in the end, I guess we got a reasonable shot all things considered!

Day 13  It has been an absolutely gorgeous day here today, the hottest day of our holidays yet.  We headed down to the local markets this morning for a wander around, stocking up on fresh cherries and apricots, to which neither of the boys have yet acquired a taste for, which of course I can't understand at all! 

So it's another photo of both the boys today, this time while we were waiting on everyone to walk down to the markets.  I love trying to get photos of the boys together, so if the opportunity arises I usually jump at it.  And it's usually a challenge in its own right with those two!

Day 12  "Hot day today" as Austin would say!  It's finally starting to feel like a real Central Otago summer.  And to go with that, like yesterday it's been another day of water slides, nerf guns and swing ball games, with the adults trying to grab some time-out in the shade under the trees in between rounds!

We were saying earlier today how we haven't really done much or gone far these holidays yet.  Our days have just been mainly hanging around home and playing with the boys.  But it's been really relaxing and there's definitely something about seeing tents, water slides, water pistols, balls, bikes and scooters spread all over the back lawn that brings back fun summer childhood memories!  I just wish at times that I still had the energy of a 2 or 6 year old!

Day 11  It has been a day of Nerf guns, water slides and swing ball today, so pretty much a typical summer's day with the boys!  There have been lots of photo opportunities today; one of those days when it's hard to choose what to share!  But since we've all been playing Nerf guns with Hayden for pretty much most of the day (grandparents included), I decide to go with that.

From time to time, Hayden has asked for a Nerf gun, and although he has played with his friends' ones, it wasn't until yesterday that he finally got his own one.  So, understandably, he is very excited about it and it has been Nerf gun challenge after challenge!  We've had targets in the middle of the back yard, and bulls-eye targets stuck to windows.  To tell the truth, I think we've all had a lot of fun out it!   

Day 10  The weather wasn't great today, but for the most part the rain stopped and we were able to head out on the boy's new bikes. 

Looking at Hayden on his new bike now, you suddenly realise how too small his last bike had become for him.  He is most excited about having gears on his bike now - and suspension!  I think I'm definitely going to have trouble keeping up with him now!

Austin isn't too sure about it all yet.  After having a quick sit on his bike yesterday, he just wanted to put it back in his bedroom!  Today though he was very keen to get his helmet on and head out for a 'ride'.  He had a few goes up and down the path before deciding he was a little tired and wanted Dad to carry him - but only with him still sitting on his bike!  With Dad carrying child on his bike, we decided that that might be him for the day!

Another storyboard of photos today.  If you've been following my blog, you'll probably already know that I'm not very good at just choosing just one photo sometimes ;)

Day 9  MERRY CHRISTMAS!  Christmas Day is here at last!  We have had a very quiet but fun day.  We were woken at 5.50am by Hayden jumping on our bed, shouting very excitedly that "Santa has been, Santa has been!".  It was then a very long wait til Austin finally woke at 7.00am and presents could be opened!  The new bikes waiting beside the beds were spotted first, and then it was time to empty Santa sacks, Granma's Treasure Hunt, and then even more presents from Grandparents and family!  So much enthusiasm and excitement - and paper! 

Unfortunately it rained for most of the day, but the boys definitely had plenty to keep themselves occupied indoors - new games and books, puzzles and DVDs.  Lots of new toys and things to explore!  Hopefully there'll be sun tomorrow though so we can try out the new bikes!

In the meantime, it's time to put the Santa sacks away til next year, and enjoy the rest of summer!

Day 8  T'was the night before Christmas...  a day of huge excitement for children everywhere as the days turn into hours as the countdown to Santa's arrival comes to an end.

Earlier today the boys watched their Christmas video messages from Santa.  This has become a little tradition each year.  I love watching Hayden's face as Santa talks to him; the wonderment and belief that can only be described as magical.  It is the first year that Austin has received his own little message, and he too was mesmorised by what he saw, never moving til the video was over.

And now as I write this, the milk is out, the Christmas cake is on the plate, and the carrots are outside the door.  The pillowslips are on the ends of the beds and two little boys are tucked up and sound asleep - finally!  All that is left to do now is to wait for the morning and see the absolute joy and amazement on their faces as they empty their stockings and see whether their wishes have come true.  Just hopefully not too early!