Thumb sucking skiier

It is incongruous seeing a child so little he is sucking his thumb, while sliding down the learners slope on ski's.

We had our first family day on the snow last week - it was a glorious spring day, frazzling bright sunshine and soft white snow.

We decked out big brother in his thermals, ski suit, hat, goggles, mittens and eventually persuaded him to put on the ski boots. He was right into stomping the snow with his boots so, Dad and son went off to launch his skiing career. Meanwhile, I parked the car and caught the bus back up with Little brother and lunch in tow. Unfortunately because of the 20 mins it took me I did miss most of Big Brother first skiing experience - he was sucking his thumb by the time I arrived, 'I want to go home, now' he said.

But he showed me his new skills - or rather, demonstrated how easy it is to intuitively pick up a skill when you're 3. He enjoyed falling over and wallowing about, sliding down the snow towards Dad, and stringing together turns like it was second nature to have two big planks strapped to his feet.

Definitely lunch time by then - so after a play in the cafe, Dad headed off to get his powder fix, and the boys and I tackled snowman construction. Little Brother was not sure about the whole thing - did not want to keep his goggles on, hated the mittens, then got quite a fright to find the snow was cold. He cheered up after our next activity - eating iceblocks - and we had a great sledding session back down to the carpark.

The ultimate highlight of the day followed - a ride on the free bus that troops up and back to the car parks. The boys got used to their goggles, and enjoyed the novelty of all the white fluffy stuff. Totally exhausted we all headed home. I can start to imagine great family holidays of the future - with 2 snow crazy boys (make that 3) leaving their mother way behind in their tracks, the feeling of exhaustion that comes from a perfect day on the snow, envigorated by that uncomparable mountain air!

Saving the planet today ...one recycled tyre stack aka potato grower at a time! Hurrah for new spuds at Christmas, drooling already.

Hurrah for Get growing with NZ Gardener Email Club - sign up for this weekly inspiring email at getgrowing@nzgardener.co.nz !!!!

Rise of the HWAD

Sorry it seems I've lost track of the last 3 weeks - it's been a blur. Someone asked me what we were doing for Christmas the other day. I assume the blank vacant look of reply I gave them convinced them I was in no state to face up to the realities of stampeding time. The conversation fizzled. ( I have barely removed the decorations from last year.)

The pink arm has gone - free at last! - replaced by a puny white weakling with lots of black ingrown hairs. That hurts when I move it. The glass half full view is that it IS improving every day, soon it'll be back to it's rambo-esque physique.

Sadly today is the last day of my ACC provided home help. My house is cleaner and tidier than it has ever been, and I know this because everyone comments. It will relapse shortly I am sure.

Meanwhile the boys are growing up beautiful and happy. Snotty and perversely independent too. I have rechristened Little Brother the Human Weetbix Absorption Device. He has 3-4 in his own plate every day, then tends to polish off Big Brothers remnants of 4. He's also up for a few mouthfuls of porridge from Mum or Dad, and never turns down a piece of toast. By that time he may be ready for morning tea. I am ploughing up the lawn and sowing a few rows of wheat.