Day 17/47  This morning we biked down to the river to collect some stones.  We used to go down there a lot when I was growing up, so I always love taking the boys back down there.

Hayden had a great time finding 'special' stones to take home, and Austin loved paddling on the edge of the river and throwing stones into the water, when he wasn't adding to his big brother's collection!  The cooler start to the morning turned into a beautiful warm day, so wet shorts weren't too much of a problem on the way home!

Day 16/47  Today Stephen, Hayden and I biked from Clyde to Alexandra on the first section of the famous Central Otago Rail Trail, which starts (or finishes) in Clyde.  I have walked, run and biked this part of the track countless times in the past, but today was the first time we've biked with Hayden all the way into Alexandra.  It's about a 10km ride, and Hayden rode at a great pace the whole way, thoroughly enjoying it.  Not too bad for a 5 year old!  And after a hot, dusty bike ride, what better way to end than to cool off with a swim in the Alexandra pool!

Here is Hayden at the old Mutton Town Bridge over the Manuherikia River on the Rail Trail.

Day 15/47  This morning we made a last minute decision that we would head over to Queenstown for the day.  It was a gorgeous day once again, and we had a picnic down on the lakefront, where the boys paddled on the shore and had heaps of fun throwing stones into the lake.

As usual, I had my camera with me, and decided to try and get a family photo!  Getting a photo of the four of us together is just something that hardly happens, so thank you Dad for taking the photo for us!

Day 14/47  Hayden got this swing as a present when he was a baby, and it is probably one of the best baby presents we ever received, especially considering he's still using it at 5 (you can take the front and back off)!  It lives down at the holiday house, and without fail comes out at every holiday we spend there, even in the middle of winter!  Of course, Austin is also lining up for his turn now!

Day 13/47  It's been a cooler day here today, which has also been quite relaxing and refreshing after the high temperatures of the past few days.  We have still managed to keep pretty busy, but it has also meant a little more time spent inside, and some time for Hayden to play some games on the iPad with Dea.  However, Austin has also 'discovered' the iPad these holidays, and loves Dea to play the music so he can wiggle his little hands in the air!  And as you can see from this photo, he's also very quickly worked out how you get the iPad to work.  I'm sure it won't be long until he's playing the music for himself! 

Day 12/47  Merry, Merry Christmas!  I hope that you have all had a wonderful day with your family and friends, wherever you may be. 

We have had a very hot and sunny Christmas Day, filled with lots of present opening this morning, and lots of cooling off in the paddling pool and on the new slippery slide this afternoon.  We even managed a short bike/scooter ride before having to come home for some more cooling off!  And to finish off the day, fun pulling Christmas crackers under Hayden's direction, and Granma's yummy Christmas pudding at dinner. 

The boys both had lots and lots of fun today, and I know that there are two very tired little boys sound asleep in bed now. 

So, so many photos taken today, but I thought it seemed fitting to share the boys opening their presents this morning!

Day 11/47  Twas the night before Christmas...

It's Christmas Eve, and there is one very excited little boy in the house (and another who's not too sure what it's all about yet)!  The Christmas cake and milk is all out ready for Santa, the Christmas stories are read.  The sky is dark, and I think the house is finally quiet; two boys sound asleep ready for the excitement of Christmas morning!

May the magic last for so much longer yet.  Merry Christmas everyone!