The Skatepark

One of Lazlo's favorite activities is to ride his bike in the local skatepark, up and down, trying to get air and jump like his fool old man. The main difference between Lazlo and I when riding is I prefer no one be watching, while for Lazlo it's all about having someone watch and praise his skilz. Thanks to the Grandparents, he got a good dose of that!

Gramma Martha and Grampa Paul in New Zealand

In a change from previous posts, this is Brad (not Michelle) writing...
I've been wanting my mom and dad to visit New Zealand since we moved here. After a year and a half of living here, staying longer than we said we would, my dad finally retired from nearly 40 years at GE and he and Gramma Martha had the time to come half way around the world. They wisely wanted to spend time with us in our normal lives and sightsee on their own. For the first part of their visit we stayed around Wanganui, I think the kid's favorite activity was Grampa Paul acting as a wave machine in the pool in our yard. You can't tell from the sunshine, but that water is cold even in the height of summer, thanks for your enthusiasm Grampa Paul!

Coach Brad

When Lazlo's soccer coach said he would be gone for three weeks and needed a substitute coach I told him we could do it. I played soccer in high school so I figured it would be fine, although Lazlo's games are surprisingly competitive. But when Lazlo heard the discussion he mistakenly thought I was telling Coach Julian that Brad would be the substitute and got really excited. I do a lot at school with Lazlo but Brad misses out because of work. The problem is that Brad doesn't like team sports nor does he know anything about soccer. Of course Brad didn't want to let Lazlo down, so he stepped up to the plate and did a great job coaching, despite his stomach hurting before the first game!

Meridian Bike Jam

We're pretty excited Liska is riding a two-wheeler now. Brad took the training wheels and pedals off her bike and she scooted around on it for a few weeks. It seemed to help her find her balance better than the training wheels did. One afternoon I looked outside and Lazlo gave her a starting push and she was off riding, by herself.

We had a great morning at the Meridian Bike Jam in Palmerston North. It's a "fun ride" for all ages although Lazlo and Liska will tell you it is a race. Liska can ride Lazlo's bigger bike better so we made them switch for the bike jam. It worked out well because her little pink bike can't go very fast, which allowed us some control over Lazlo, who is normally a maniac on his bike.

Mother's Day 2010

I had a great Mother's Day. I slept in, then we went to The Mothered Goose Cafe in Bulls for lunch and then for a hike in the country. The kids were very sweet trying to be quiet so I could sleep in, giving me homemade cards and trying to be extra helpful. I missed my mom a lot but was happy to know that I'll be closer to her and the other important mothers in my life next Mother's Day!

Liska is Scrappy

Liska is playing on one of Lazlo's school soccer teams. Kids begin school when they are 5 here, so 4 1/2 year olds are allowed to play. She is the only preschool aged kid I know of playing this year, but she wanted to after spending last year on the sidelines watching Laz.

She isn't one of the best players on her team, but she is aggressive and will plow anyone over for the ball. My girl is scrappy, which means "a person who is little but who can really kick some ass". I am so proud of her.

Printmaking Class

Here are some photos from a printmaking class for kids at the local museum. One thing I like about Wanganui is that there isn't an overwhelming selection of structured things for kids to do. But I have to admit it was really fun for them to get to try something different!