New Best Friends Forever?

Had a fun moring with the kids before leaving for Australia, we were flying from Rotorua, to Wellington and then on to Melbourne. Dylan seemed to really enjoy the flights chatting up a storm and charming all the flight attendants. We were greeted by Auntie Bernie and Auntie Lyn, it was fantastic to see them.

Rock Jocks

Enjoying our last few days in New Zealand with a family trip to the rock climbing gym. Managed to do a few climbs with some pointers from Paul. Dylan also gave it a bit of a try, you never know we may have him in a harness soon. We had a great time with Olga and Paul and the kids, we will miss them.

Another Great Day in NZ

Dylan seems to be enjoying the Southern Hemisphere, he has been sleeping great here which has made it real easy. Even though the day was grey and wet we manged to have another fun day in New Zealand. Olga and I went out on a Mountain Bike ride in the Redwoods, while Paul looked after the boys (Dylan and Luke). I think Olga and I may have got the better end of that Deal. The ride was great, got covered in mud from head to toe as there was a lot of water on the trails and that meant a lot of mud. Later in the day we took the boys to town for lunch and some shopping, which they seem to sleep through most of. In the evening we put the children to bed and Olga and I ended the day with a relaxing evening at the hot springs. Thanks Paul for letting us escape for a while!

Cute Kids

Just a few extra pictures of Dylan. Dylan in the the stroller at the redwoods and him showing of his footy team and cute pictures of Luke, Olga's son and Eleni and Olga.

New Zealand part 1

Well it was a long trip to get to Rotorua, but well worth it, 12 hrs from LA to Aukland then another short comuter flight to Rotorua. Dylan was great on the plane, he slept a lot, but had a few times where he wasn't too happy, but we worked it all out. The weather has been great here in so as soon as we arrived and got settled we were out for a walk in the Redwood forest. Have been having a great time with Paul, Olga, Eleni and Luke. Luke and Dylan have been entertaining each other, it is very cute to see all the children together. Today we went for another walk around the Government gardens and Museum and enjoyed the beautiful crisp days.

Dylan's big Adventure

Started our Adventure with a brunch with Daddy before we headed off on the first Leg of our travels. Since we were leaving before fathers day, it was nice that we could spend some time together enjoying a family outing. The first leg was a stop over in LA to visit with Lisa and Greg. First long flight went well, not too much drama at all. Sammy and Emily (the pugs) were not too sure about Dylan they certainly steered clear when he was crying. We enjoyed a long walk along the beach and then spent some time with Lisa's family in the afternoon before heading off to catch the plane to NZ.

Hike and Winery trip

Enjoying the nice weather last week, myself Dylan and some of the other mothers went for a a picnic and walk at Sugarloaf Mountain. It was a fun day, pretty intersting to try to get 5 babies, fed, changed and ready for a hike all at the same time, well almost at the same time, but it all worked out and we had a great walk. After the hike we were able to stop off at the Sugarloaf Winery and enjoyed a glass of wine and yes I did have a bottle (not of wine) for Dylan after my glass of wine. I think the winery was surprised to see 5 babies there all at the same time, but they were very accomodating.

Michelle in Kona (Hawaii) with Greg & Lisa

I am off yet again on another trip leaving Les to his studies. A few days relaxing in Kona Hawaii with Lisa, Greg and their daughter Sarah, they were kind enough to offer me to join them on their vacation, how could I refuse. It was the Kona outrigger race weekend, both Lisa and I were wishing we were in the race, but for me being 11 weeks pregnant it probably wasn't a good idea.
We had a fantastic night snorkel with the Manta Rays, they were so close if I had of reached my arm out I would have touched them, they were doing barrel roles right underneath us, it was a pretty amazing experience.
The next few days were spent exloring the foods of Hawaii, with a side trip to the volcano's. There was an obsession to find the only chocolate growing farm in Hawaii and we did. Even after seeing how coco is grown and the bean is prepared for chocolate, still didn't put me off eating it. Of course our food exploration took us to a coffee farm, where we not only got to try the local coffee, but Lychee's, avacardo's and see the crazy chooks, that thought they were dogs or cats.
Enjoyed a few days snorkelling, with the warm waters and the fish are colourful, how could you not enjoy it. The last day before getting on my plane was spent stand up paddle boarding which I really enjoy, the baby certianly got a tase of water sports on this trip.

Skiing in France - Chamonix !

Back to Chamonix! I was here on Christmas back in...(1995, I think).

Wasn't much of a skier back then - not much better now but at least the place didn't scare the ski-pants off me this time - serious terrain, amazing views and wonderful conditions. We met up with Mike and Stacey (thanks for driving down to see us!). It was like we were back in Fallon again: trading Beastie Boys lines and tearing up the mountain...except everyone was speaking French...luckily Mike learned French (probably during a spare weekend last year).

The conditions varied every day - I loved our time in les Houches (I almost caught Mike on one of the runs) Michelle was digging the huge dump of snow we had on our last day (and she...well...kicked my butt - I'm man enough to admit it...).
And thanks to that one French guy in that little ski shop that guided me right on the rentals (where's my skis Delta Airlines!?), put a great layer of wax on Michelle's skis and was cool about giving ski area tips to an American that didn't speak a lick of French - you rock - and so does Chamonix.