Jacqueline Grace Photography

OH I DO LOVE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE

2017-10-26T01:58:00.000-07:00

Given the chance, and with minimal encouragement, I have full confidence my children would live at the beach.

They go mad for it.

This particular day it was freezing. Take no notice of the tutu. There was a wind blowing straight off the Artic - yet these three...happy as clams.

Julia trench dug her way to China.
William ran around after his football until even the Asian tourists taking pictures got bored and wandered off.
And Gabby... Well.... Let's just say that all of this sand here, ended up inside her.

Hours of screen free / money free fun topped off by ice cream and a spa.

Boom.

Jacq out...

HOLI MOLY

2017-10-26T01:08:00.001-07:00

Holi, a traditional Hindu festival, celebrates the beginning of spring as well as the triumph of good over evil.

Strictly speaking we celebrate this festival at the beginning of Autumn (oh Southern Hemisphere you backwards temptress), yet as Spring has well and truly sprung - what better excuse than to share a few snaps of what has to be the happiest festival on Earth.

There may be nothing extraordinary or inspirational about these pictures, but I will be forever remember the sunshine, the colours, the sheer delight and energy of everyone on that field.

Take that evil.

Pow.

PS - Information on Auckland's holi festivals can be found here.

MY LITTLE LOVES

2017-10-23T02:31:00.000-07:00

That moment you pause and realise just how big they've all become.

My little loves.

xoxo

BIRTHDAY ALLEY

2017-04-02T03:34:00.000-07:00

It may be the beginning of April, but something on the horizon lingers.

Birthday Alley.

In this household there is a one month period of frenzy. William's birthday is late May, while Julia's falls 10 days later at the beginning of June.

In this day and age kids parties appear to have taken on a life of their own. You can disappear down a rabbit warren of pinterest, instagram until it is all quite overwhelming.

While I am not immune from the tantalising photos adorning social media, there comes a point when you have to get a grip. This is a children's party. For the most part they come to see their friends and eat cake. I'm sure there is a lesson in this...

To inspire me into creation, I thought I might share some of our birthday's from previous years. Hopefully you'll find something to inspire you too.

William's 5th BMX Bandit Birthday

One of my favourite to date.

On arrival the kids were given a party bag which contained streamers, stickers and other pieces which they used to decorate their bikes.

We then had a parade (within 5 seconds three kids had fallen off...there was screaming and tears...and that was just me).

I didn't have a huge amount of time in the lead up, so turned to the incredible Karinne at Glamour & Grace who provided the back drop, cupcake toppers, bag tags, bottle wraps and personalised cards.

Julia's 3rd Fairy Princess Party

As a young girl I never dreamt of being a Fairy Princess. If my mother ever deigned adorn my hair with bows, they would be ripped out....along with fistfuls of blonde ringlets.

I've been gifted a daughter who is determined that none of us miss out on the deluxe Princess experience.

Lucky for us we have Fairies on speed-dial in this household and the day was more than a little magical.

Julia's 2nd Birthday - Butterfly & Cloud Dream Cakes

I realise "double cakes" are crazy but when you have children in daycare they are also a necessity.

This Butterfly still gives me nightmares.

William's 4th Birthday - Spiderman Cakes

Question. Is there anything better than a superhero cake?

Answer. Two superhero cakes!?

The second of the two cakes took me about 30 minutes to ice and turned out brilliantly. Small win. If you don't have children and can't understand one day you will. Oh you will.

Julia's 1st Birthday - Wish Bear

Nothing says Happy 1st Birthday like a Care Bear.

Nothing!

William's 3rd Birthday - Octonauts

If you're not familiar with the Octonauts I suggest you look them up. We were first introduced to this seafaring gang back in 2012 while living in the UK.

I was in a pinch and the Gup X turned out to be perfectly delicious.

William's 2nd Birthday - Thomas the Tank Engine

I think I was even more excited than Will, that his 2nd birthday cake turned out so well!

William's 1st Birthday - Rufus

My sister-in-law and I have fond memories of decorating this cake close to midnight the day before Will's 1st birthday party.

So many lessons were learned in the making of this cake.

So many fond memories.

PS: This should go without saying but I wanted to add it anyway. Most of the above pictures are as shot out of my camera. I am simply working at posting. Not prettying. Be kind.

TIME FOR ANOTHER FAMILY PHOTO

2017-03-26T01:55:00.001-07:00

Scott and I have this little joke.

Following an argument one of us announces (as they run shrieking from the house) that it "must be time for another family photo".

Why is it that moments of brilliance are often preceded by downright cataclysm? If you tell me that after a hurricane comes a rainbow I will throw a shoe at you.

The day of our most recent family photo started promisingly. Scott and I had set aside an entire day for "family time" - usually the exact ingredients required for the perfect storm.

We started the day by celebrating the Holi Festival - because nothing says "I love you" like a handful of chalk to the face - followed by a sun drenched afternoon of music and entertainment at the opening of the Hobsonville Point amphitheatre.

In fact we were enjoying ourselves so much that we forgot to argue.

At all...

So as the sun dipped below the tree line, turning the landscape that delicious honey colour that looks as though it should be served on toast, we admitted defeat.

There would be no argument this year. We would just have to make do with amazing memories and happy family snaps.

I know right...snore!

Enjoy ;)

ONE LITTLE RED SUIT

2017-03-21T02:55:00.000-07:00

Today I was reading a book with Julia.

A book about sounds.

On the page was a Dog, a Sheep and a Cat.

ME: "What noise does a Dog make?"
JULIA: "Woof! Woof!"
ME: "What noise does a Sheep make?"
JULIA: "Baaaa"

In the picture the Cat was purring.
ME: "What does Fox do when you pat her?"
JULIA: "She bites me"

Me. Palm. Face.

On a completely different matter in 2010 I purchased a little red suit in a sale from Farmers. I wanted to take some pictures to remember Will's first Christmas.

In 2013 I pulled it out for Julia's first Christmas. As there is only 10 days between their birth dates I thought it would be cute to have pictures taken at a similar age.

In 2016 I pulled it out once again for Gabriella. It swamped her. I put it away and waited another few months. It's still a little big (she really is our baby) - but the thought was there.

It's funny how these seemingly ordinary items become part of the fabric of a family. It's stretched, stained and probably just needs to be binned yet I've fondly put it to one side ever hopeful that one day it might make an appearance.

I'm well aware that we are now in March and this should have been shared in December. But check out these little faces below and tell me it doesn't bring a bit of festive cheer to the middle of your week.

Jacq

William - 2010

Julia - 2013

Gabriella - 2016

OUR THREE CRAZIES - 2016

Okay, okay I confess. I took advantage of the fact they will wear Santa hats and pose for pictures...What?!

(No children were embarrassed in the production of these photos...babies that fart just happen to be hilarious to 6 year olds)

GOTTA CATCH 'EM ALL

2017-03-09T00:55:00.006-08:00

The premise behind Pokémon defies reason, and I'm not talking about the adorable creatures that battle willingly on behalf of their trainers for sport. Nor am I referring to the fact said adorable creatures have a laudable command of the English language.

I'm talking about the shows main protagonist, Ash Ketchum, the plucky 10 year old who leaves home to become a Pokémon Master and no one bats so much as an anime eyelash. Did I mention he's 10?

I'm early 30's and I still can't fathom setting off into the sunset armed only with good intentions and an animal side kick who has all the predictability of a hairdryer submerged in a bath tub.

When Pokémon first hit our shores sometime in the mid-90s - my siblings and I were caught up in the craze (I can still recite more versus of the Pokémon Rap than is appropriate).

One of the great joys of parenthood is reliving parts of your own childhood.

So when Pokémon Go was released last year, that little child inside me did a dance. I could finally realise my dream of "catching 'em all"...as an...ahem...parental supervisor of course.

Before Gabby arrived I took Will in to the city on a Poké-Date.

We started in Devonport, catching the ferry across to Princess Wharf. Once city-side we stayed in a fairly narrow radius. We walked. We talked. We gathered Poké-stops and caught Pokémon.

Say what you will about Pokémon Go but it bought out the best in people. Kids walking past us, cheered him on and passed on tips. It did help that he was like a kid on Christmas - fist pumping, and screaming at the screen.

Here's some pics from our adventure.

Just for the record. He did look up. It's just that the only time I was allowed to take pictures was when he was catching something exciting.

Our Journey to the Pokemon Capital of NZ - OR - How to survive 20 hours in a car with children...

2017-03-05T00:27:00.000-08:00

I made a promise to someone who believes in me a whole bunch.

I promised to weave creativity back into my life.

For a while it felt as if I had knocked the switch on my brain from 'normal' to 'demo'. I was capable of limited features - Get up. Survive. Go to bed. Repeat - additional extras (namely anything requiring energy or effort) were out of the question.

The effort behind a blog post can be intense - there's photos to edit, words to write, links to be lunk - but a promise is a promise.

And so.

Here's a story about that time I drove from Auckland to Dunedin. Just me...my six year old...my three year old and my eight week old.

It was a trip.

(For the record - none of the photos below have been edited, other than to add my "frames" to them...I figured it was better to get them up than to fuss about).

OUR JOURNEY TO THE POKEMON CAPITAL OF NEW ZEALAND: OR HOW TO SURVIVE 20 HOURS IN A CAR WITH CHILDREN.

In celebration of his 65th birthday, my Dad decided to ride the Otago Rail Trail. He rallied quite a crowd but due to the timing (8 weeks after I had given birth) originally we were unable to go.

Losing someone you love has a way of forcing you to examine what's important in your life, and if my Gran taught me anything it was about the importance of a decent adventure. I've always loved being on the road. Perhaps it's in the blood?

I remember her telling me "Your Papa (my Grandfather) used to say "We're off for a drive Isobel. Pack your toothbrush we might stop the night."

After she passed I decided to hell with it. If my Dad wanted to celebrate his 65th birthday in Dunedin then so did I. I weighed up my options and before you could say "what the hell are you thinking?!" (any many, MANY people did), the trip was planned, accommodation booked, people mover (barf) loaded and we set off for the South.

DAY ONE - AUCKLAND TO WELLINGTON

If every day turned out like this one I swear everyone would travel long distance by car. The kids were nothing short of a dream.

In an attempt to keep the costs down I packed our food. With my trusted Chilly Bin (this is what we New Zealander's call an Esky or Cooler) riding shot gun I was packing lunches, treats and juice boxes that I threw over my shoulder at the troops any time things got a trifle rowdy.

While commendable this did pose a significant problem. Ordinarily when traveling long haul my journey would be broken up with food stops at local eateries. In my attempt to save cash I needed to avoid such places.

With an 8 week old in need of regular feeds and the older two lasting (at a push) 2 - 3 hours seated I needed a plan to meet many needs. As such the unintended, and much welcomed consequence was I got to explore parts of New Zealand I have never been to in my travels thus far, and the New Zealander's who live there.

In Gordonton we stopped at Hukanui Park, ate breakfast as dawn broke and met a lovely farmer who was out walking his retired farm dog.

The kids had a blast sliding around on the concrete at the Skate Park in Turangi despite a perfectly good park right next door (because you know...whatever).

In Foxton we happened upon an incredible riverside Playground and Reserve with some gorgeous old buildings. We enjoyed it so much I briefly considered changing our plans and stopping there the night. Have you ever been to the GIANT windmill in Foxton? Even worth a drive by if you're too lazy to get out of the car.

Arriving at the Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park came as a welcome relief to everyone. The incredible camp manager set us up in a two bedroom cabin right next to the playground. The kids lost their minds over the inflatable trampoline...I am at a loss for how else to describe it? They played into the evening with a German family who had spent 4 months traveling New Zealand with their two young children. When it came time for bed they crashed out, which was just as well because it gave me time to binge watched Cake Boss and read the dailymail...it's the little things.

PARENT SURVIVAL TIP:

I bought packets of Smarties and Lollipops then made up small plastic treat bags (1 x smarties + 2 x lollipops). I wish I could bribe my kids with micro-greens and carrot sticks as much as the next parent, but the reality is that if these little chestnuts buy you even so much as 30 minutes of good behaviour and 20 minutes silence so be it.

DAY TWO: WELLINGTON TO KAIKOURA

I was proud of many things on Day Two.

Firstly we made it to and on the Ferry without losing anyone (or anyone losing IT). Secondly our Bluebridge Ferry crossing occurred on the most picturesque of Cook Straight Days. For the record not all crossings are made equal, as we discovered on the homeward leg.

I had been concerned about the prospect of entertaining two small children throughout the 3 hour crossing. I needn't have worried. Bluebridge's family room with it's in cruise entertainment meant that there was only around 1 hour unaccounted for. This is easily whiled away exploring the outter decks, what kid doesn't want to climb up and down steep stairs a million times... o_O

After a brief stop in charming Blenheim we continued along the coast. The kids loved Seal spotting, while I drank in the scenery.

We checked into the Kaikoura Cottages Motel, a haven for families - our hosts couldn't have been more accomodating, the grounds perfect for kids, and the view was to die for.

Our trip was one week pre-earthquake. Knowing what was to come I would have planned extra days here because Kaikoura is simply incredible and I understand the seabed has moved dramatically since these pictures were taken.

PARENT SURVIVAL TIP:

Before we leave I give each kid a bucket (I use the rubbery plastic ones with handles that cost $5 from the warehouse) and get them to pack it with toys / books or whatever they choose. This is then ~~jammed~~ carefully placed by them. Entertainment. At arms length! The bucket is multi-purpose. If their drink bottle leaks the bucket stops it going EVERYWHERE. If they're car sick...tip out the toys and presto...sick bucket. When you arrive at your destination they're easy to grab and set up inside to distract small people while you unload the rest of the car. Because let's be honest. When you travel with children you pretty much pack everything except your soul.

DAY THREE: KAIKOURA TO FAIRLIE

This was a day of driving and scenery. After a brief stop at the Amberley Domain we took the Inland Scenic Highway along the foot of the Alps stopping at Geraldine to visit friends.

It's very hard not to envy people who escape Auckland, I was sorely tempted after spending the afternoon in their company.

But it was onwards to Fairlie - a little town perhaps best known for it's bakery.

We checked into a family room at the Pinewood Motel, a very quaint motel on the outskirts of the town. I had such high hopes for this night. Tekapo is an International Dark Sky Reserve. My head was full of stars. No one told the weather...

PARENT SURVIVAL TIP:

I read a blog once that said if you pack nothing else, take a blanket. It was good advice. Traveling with little kids is amazing, but a big ask. It's unsettling to be away from home, especially as Dad couldn't join us (Scott had just changed jobs and had to settle for travel by FaceTime proxy). Each time we arrived at a new place I would take out the blanket and drape it over the couch. At some point I would find two little bodies snuggled up beneath it watching TV. It's the little things that make the difference.

DAY FOUR: FAIRLIE TO ALEXANDRA

The day started with pies at the famous Fairlie Bakehouse (Pork Belly Pie...get in my belly), and improved from there.

Few places in the world have the ability to steal your breath and your heart like Lake Tekapo. We arrived at The Church of the Good Shepherd with about 5 other tourist buses. Julia then announced she needed to poo, much to the amusement of at least 4 of those buses. So what began as a hunt for a loo turned landed us a short detour around the lake where there was absolutely no one at all.

Cue obligatory stone throwing.

Even Mount Cook came out to great us.

We arrived in Alexandra late that evening at a house that would be our base for the next three days. It's always good to travel - but sometimes it's nice to rest too.

PARENT SURVIVAL TIP:

Before we left I made Will an activity book of our trip. Each day had four pages - The first was four things to look out for based around landmarks we would see (e.g. Mountains up to the Sky, A church made of stone, A seal, A lake like an ocean, Giant Fruit...etc), On the second page I wrote a few facts about the area we would see (e.g Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand...), the third had a place for him to draw a picture and write a story about the day which he could take back and show his class and the fourth was left blank for photos. I wasn't sure if he would enjoy it. He LOVED it. Once he had found all four landmarks I had to do quick thinking making up others. If anyone is interested I'll share pictures of the book - with any luck it's something he'll keep for many years to come.

DAY FIVE: ALEXANDRA AND SURROUNDS

Thank goodness for home base.

We spent time exploring historic town of Clyde, the Clyde Dam and Alexandra. In the evening we headed out to Wedderburn and met up with our family contingent who had completed their second day on the Rail Trail.

Along the way we visited Ophir - worth the 5 minute detour from the main road. Which couldn't look more like a postcard had you ironed it flat and slipped it through the letterbox.

On the way back we detoured (I'm using that term loosely it was a 25km detour) via St. Bathans...The trick to traveling with kids is to have no expectations. zero. The upside is that in between the constant whinging, tantrums, mediation and toilet stops (because as soon as you pull away from the first stop the other one will need to go. This is inevitable) you will be rewarded with moments like these. The you take that turn off. When no one else wants to get out of the car for photos. When you get to stand and marvel at nature in all its raw beauty.

PARENT SURVIVAL TIP:

Full disclosure. I bribed my 6 year old with the prospect of visiting the "Pokemon Capital of New Zealand" after a stuff.co.nz news story I had read. While I may harbour a love affair with Central Otago I am conscious that my son may not share my affections. Add Pokemon Go and hey-presto. Suddenly he's only to happy to wander around rural townships with me for hours on end. My point here - pick your battles and compromise. Maybe one day they'll share your love of Hydra-Dams (Mum and Dad this is directed solely at you), for now you may have to settle for a running commentary on the Magnemite they have just captured. Take it.

For the record - THIS wall below was my favourite discovery of the entire trip...those colours, those Poppies...swoon.

DAY SIX: QUEENSTOWN TO WAIPIATA

Give me a person who has travelled to Queenstown and I'll give you a thousand pictures like the below. It's really not that hard. If you have a camera, and hands, you can take photos like these. That's the magic of Queenstown.

Because the kids are still young I didn't want to spend money on trips they wouldn't remember. One of the few activities we did was the Skyline Gondola. We rode it to the top for a picnic, then explored the town on foot before heading out to Waipiata to join the Cullen Group once more.

OTAGO RAIL TRAIL RECOMMENDATION:

Shout out to the Waipiata Country Hotel where we enjoyed a delicious meal. This is one off the beaten track that is definitely worth the journey.
A special mention must also go to She Bikes He Bikes who my parents booked through. Their customer service and trail knowledge were phenomenal. Nothing was too much effort. We're hoping to ride later on in the year and will certainly be using their services once more.

DAY SEVEN: ALEXANDRA TO DUNEDIN

Having a base when travelling with kids makes a huge difference, so it was sad to say farewell to our home away from home.

It was time to begin the final leg of our trip - destination Dunedin.

Our first stop was the small town of Ranfurly, a place with so much charm you half expect the townsfolk to break out in to synchronised song. The historic train station makes for a decent photo opportunity.

With limited cell phone reception I had no way of knowing when our group would arrive at the end of the trail. So armed only with the knowledge they would be there "by 2pm", it was on to Middlemarch.

As we journeyed the landscape became increasingly rugged, as if stones were crawling out of the earth to get warm. The trail shadows the road along this section, so the kids and I kept busy trying to spot the group but to no avail.

We arrived in Middlemarch and seeing they were yet to arrive decided to quickly check out the end of the trail. No sooner had I pulled up at the end of the trail than I spied a dark moving mass in the distance. The mass waved. As fate would have it I arrived just in time to see the group over the finish line.

Leaving the kids in the care of my parents I then headed for Dunedin to collect my brother from the airport. The rest of the group would join us after their trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway. After several days with three kids, having only Gabby was a dream.

James landed safely, and on time (Jetstar I'm looking at you) and before we knew it we were checking into the Kingsgate Hotel.

Dunedin. DUNEDIN. We had made it.

It was high time for a drink.

Happy Birthday Grumps! xoxox

Ironically I have no photos for this part of the trip other than on my phone, which is probably just as well. While it was all golden sunshine when we arrived, no sooner had my sister arrived off the train than the clouds rolled in and down came the rain.

You'll just have to use your imagination, or better yet, go visit Dunedin for yourself.

PARENT SURVIVAL TIP:

Keep a journal. The details fade. If you can stomach the commitment (write only a few lines even if it's in the note function of your phone, or instagram) I promise it will be worth it!

DAYS EIGHT & NINE: THE JOURNEY BACK AGAIN

And just like after 1,432 kilometres, our journey came to an end and it was time to head home.

After saying farewell to our companions, we set off at a leisurely pace (see the Moeraki Boulders below). We were booked on to the Saturday afternoon ferry and had planned to stop in Christchurch for the night.

Then...

A text from the Ferry service advising us our crossing had been cancelled accelerated everything. What followed was nearly 20 hours of solid driving. There was a particularly colourful moment in Taupo which my brother and I still laugh about to this day, still we will count our blessings. We travelled along the coastal highway - through Kaikoura, Blenheim and Picton the day before the earthquake struck.

On Sunday 13th November we pulled in to our home. Exhausted. Travel Fatigued. Still better off than when we left.

Although I was in no hurry to get back in a car with my children, I can say that I would absolutely do the entire trip again in one crazy, rush of blood to the head, heart beat.

For anyone considering doing something similar I salute you, and I hope you've found something here that has made your trip just that little bit more enjoyable.

Happy driving

Jacq

xoxox

NB: The opinions expressed in this blog post are my own. I did not receive any compensation for the accommodation or services visited / used throughout this trip.

It's good to be back.

FOG & INTRODUCTIONS: GABRIELLA FORBES GRIFFIN

2017-02-18T02:50:00.000-08:00

I read a quote the other day that said 'the dust never settles.'

This is what life is.

Beauty, Joy, Grief, Love, Loss.

August through January is all a little bit foggy - for better and worse.

Gabriella Forbes Griffin, arrived at 00:04 on 19th August 2016. 7lb 5oz of baby deliciousness. In an instant our little family was complete.

Those early days were tough. Oh so tough. Three small children and a husband who returned to work immediately.

Times when, after four hours of cluster feeding from 1am - 5am I finally settled the baby only for her to be woken at 6:15am by the 3 year old who desperately wanted her 'Mummy Time'.

Me, a complete zombie dragging myself from bed, tears streaming down my cheeks because my entire body felt as if it might shut down without warning.

My poor over tired baby screaming for comfort.

My 6 year old sitting on the couch who looks up and says in earnest "Can I hold Gabby," and whispers sweet nothings into her ear despite her protests until eventually all was quiet and still.

They will never know how they saved me in those early weeks.

The week after Gabriella was born I lost someone incredibly dear to me.

Grannykins - for you I have all the words in the world and no order to put them in. Every which way I write them never seems enough to convey just how much you meant to me. To all of us. You were our lighthouse. The warm beacon of light that guides us all back to the safe harbour of home. You are so sorely missed, and so fondly remembered.

Set against a backdrop of chaos Scott changed jobs, then we moved house, then a truly tragic thing happened to one of my dearest friends. It was a lot. All at once. And then more. And at least for a while it broke my fragile little mind.

Fog always looks so ominous from a distance. Should you find yourself in the thick of it, it's incredible what you have the potential to see if you just stop and look around. Trust me. I read a comment the other day that said, ground zero is a sacred place to be. Don't wish it away in yearning for the mountain top. There is so much this space will give you if you let it.

Perhaps this is why I find myself back here. A space full of creativity, of honesty and of stories. A space with the power to be anything...

With all of that said - I will finish on the best possible note. Dated as they may be, allow me to introduce my beautiful darling wee girl.

xoxo

HERE COMES THE SUN (DO-DEE-DO-DOO)

2016-07-31T00:51:00.000-07:00

If what they say is true, then in the coming months we should knock off at least four of the top ten stressful life events.

It's a toss up as to what will occur first...the baby, the house, the move or the job.

Because why not?

(said absolutely no one ever...)

In the fight for space and comfort, my belly and I have declared civil war. My jackets have capitulated and are refusing to zip-up, and I'm fairly confident that the state of my maternity leggings is being treated as a matter of national security.

To distract myself from ALL of the above I have been nesting. On the bright side our cupboards have never been cleaner. We are now on a first name basis with the staff at our local refuse station, although our frequent trips along the Northern Toll Road (relocating ~~junk~~ stuff my parents) has me convinced we are funding some employees children through University. Our cat has developed an anxiety disorder from constant change (I think I may have developed an anxiety disorder from constant change).

In my purge I came across these photos.

Our year began in the far North on a camping holiday with some good friends. Despite being washed out by a tropical cyclone, it was a dream. These snaps are some of my favourite - the first from our day trip up to Cape Reinga and the second from a sea-biscuiting adventure.

If you're like me and already contemplating your Christmas vay-cay consider going off the grid - we stayed at Wagener Holiday Park, on the Houhora harbour in Northland. Its listing as the #3 classic camping grounds in New Zealand has not been by chance.

Offering daily activities for the young (kids club, movie nights, arts and craft etc) and situated at the gateway to some of NZ's best fishing and beaches for the old, you are unlikely to find yourself at a loss. There is even a pet friendly section of the camp so there is no need to leave the fur babies behind.

So while the rain beats down on our windows like some ominous battle cry, I'm off to dream of sunshine and wine.

Much love.

Jacq

LIFE…AND OTHER INTERRUPTIONS

2016-05-29T01:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight, for the first time in months, I sat down and pulled pictures from my camera.

You see, my reality is this:

No matter how hard I work, no matter how many books (blogs, inspirational quotes…) I read or how often I practice mindfulness I will never have enough hours in the day to do it all.

In my head (a strange and often misunderstood platform of reality), our lives are balanced on a set of scales. In my head these are gold and of the vintage variety… feel free to get creative.

I can do anything in this life, but I jt do everything.

I can have a great job, earn good money and have amazing friendships but family and relationships take a backseat.

I can have a great family an incredible relationship with my husband but friends and work might not be at the level I would like them to be at.

I am not implying that one could not have everything they desire in perfect balance, merely that I have yet to strike that perfection for longer than a moment, and I'm alright with that.

For now creativity is taking a backseat and I'm okay with this because in three short months life, as we know it will be tipped onto its head.

So while life has not been lived through the pages of social media, it most certainly has been lived.

For those of you convinced I've fallen off the planet, or using this blog as a social gps for the family here's a few snapshots for you.

I should have photoshopped in a tan…

The annual Christmas Snap

All spruced up for Anzac Day 2016

ONE SUMMERY SATURDAY MORNING

2015-10-10T14:40:00.002-07:00

We stole away, you and me,

One summery Sunday morning.

Down by the sea, you and me

One summery Sunday morning.

We collected bugs, you and me
One summery Sunday morning.
We talked of farts, you and me
One summery Sunday morning.

When we're old you and me,
We'll remember this day and smile
When we stole away to the sea,
One summery Sunday morning.

ADVENTURES DOWN UNDER

2015-10-09T03:40:00.002-07:00

Against many people's better judgement (including our own), we spent a large portion of last weekend in the car with the crazies.

I'm not going to lie to you there were times when it wasn't pretty, but when a good friend gets married who wouldn't walk over hot coals.

Check out Jules - sister takes wind swept to the next level…

MINI-PEOPLE, MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

2015-10-09T02:52:00.001-07:00

For the Griffin family at least...

20 early Saturday morning starts

10 team members

1 "Player of the Year"

Pride…pride in spades.

Way to go Willis!

Love your biggest fans

xoxo

K&J's- 2015 EDITION

2015-07-20T02:04:00.001-07:00

I've been editing a few pictures tonight and came across this.

That moment when your children genuinely bond with those of our closest friends is a thing of great beauty. Particularly if that bond does not involve a strangulation hold … yes Julia I'm talking to you.

Love these two crazies.

LEGO BOSS

2015-05-31T02:10:00.001-07:00

The coolest thing about magic is that the closer you look the less you see.

Watching your kids grow up is a little like having front row tickets to the magic show of your life. You're so close to the action, you forget how far you have come.

Then one day **POOF** out of seemingly no where it hits you.

You've magicked up this fully functioning mini-human that can do incredible things. Proper people things.

Today our biggest school boy built this entire Lego creation all by himself. Like a boss.

UNDER THE MOUNTAIN

2015-05-06T02:34:00.001-07:00

I love a decent adventure.

At University I was always up for a Wellington to Auckland roadie (for you non-New Zealander's that's a cool 10 hour one way trip…)

When I was living in Melbourne we jumped in the car and hauled it up the Hume to Sydney (for you non-Australian's that's a 12 hour one way trip).

At the beginning of this year a girlfriend and I did an overnighter to Mangonui…8 hours of solid driving.

What can I say…I love the journey. Which is where I'm at right now. Enjoying the journey.

Somewhere between studying, working, writing and giving our family milestones the attention and energy they deserve is right where you'll find me. This doesn't leave much room for photos or blogging and for that I've got no doubt you'll forgive me.

There will come a time when my journey will return me here, and when that time comes I can't wait to share everything that has been underway.

Here's a snap from Easter - I've had the Tongariro Crossing on my bucket list for some time now and I finally managed to knock the bastard off. Quick plug for the Ruapehu Farm Chalet in Ohakune where we stayed - great value and surprisingly spacious for a large group (we had 10, with 2 x under 5's).

Much love

Jacq

JUJU

2015-05-06T02:03:00.001-07:00

One too for you, young lady.

Because one day you will look at this blog and wonder why I only ever wrote stories about your brother.

You picked this dress especially. It was freezing. You wouldn't take it off. You wanted to wear Dad's gumboots. Mum said no. You screamed. I took you outside for a photo. You screamed louder. Thank heavens for the helicopter, this is the only shot I got.

Love Mum

WILLIS

2015-05-06T01:56:00.002-07:00

Here's the future.

Here's five years in the making.

You're going to mountains one day kiddo.

17 Days to go!

MY LITTLE SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED

2015-02-04T01:20:00.000-08:00

We are all a little weird,

And life's a little weird,

And when we find someone who's weirdness is compatible with ours,

We join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it Love

Dr. Seuss

My little sister is getting married.

It's just a smidgen of a little of a whole heap of awesome.

Wedding's are neat (as are their fur babies)

A MOMENT IN TIME

2015-01-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

I was editing pictures today, working my way through the archives while you rested on the couch after your big ride, your ice cream and the heat.

You're speaking Spannish with Diego. You will start school this year.

My mind cannot conceive how quickly you've grown.

You are my biggest little boy. You are so brave, so patient and so quirky. I don't give you enough credit for this.

You saw this flying fox and you wanted to go on. You didn't want to line up. Sometimes you need to warm into these things. Sometimes I forget this about you.

I got cross. You got upset.

We argued. Nana stepped in. Mummy put herself in time out.

You waited in line. When it was your turn you jumped on the pummel and flew through the air howling like Tarzan.

You had about 100 turns.

Mummy took herself out timeout and joined you.

I was so proud of you.

You've always surprised me.

I love you

ADVENTURES IN THE MOTHERLAND: OUT AND ABOUT - MIDLANDS

2015-01-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

The theme for this post goes a little like this…

That time when you go to show a good friend some places to visit around Milton Keynes then you realize you spent hours prepping photos and forgot to click 'post'.

This isn't exhaustive by any means, for instance I highly recommend visiting Bletchley Park despite the lack of pictures, and the majority of these are kid centric - but it's for my lovely friend Steph to spark the imagination about exciting adventures to come.

Much love

xox

CAMBRIDGE

Let's be fair you can't really go wrong in this picturesque town.

CARDINGTON AIR HANGERS

Worth a drive by for sheer wow factor.

EMBERTON COUNTRY PARK

A great day out for families and right next to the glorious little village of Olney (which, for those of you who care, is where the song Amazing Grace was composed…)

THE FOREST CENTRE

Okay so this place saved my ass more times than I care to count. Another great outdoors destination for families - take a stroll around the lakes, spot some wild life or dine at the great cafe.

Thank you Forest Centre…my soul thanks you.

SHUTTLEWORTH

If I was to do it all over again I would have discovered Shuttleworth several months before I did.

This treasure trove of a park is home to one of the worlds largest, and oldest, collection of historic aircraft. Great for young and old.

I highly recommend attending the Shuttleworth Proms - an evening watching vintage airplanes being flown by kamikaze pilots while a symphonic orchestra somewhat ominously plays 'Ride of the Valkyries'…yes please.

WOBURN SAFARI PARK

I've raved on about this place on a number of occasions so for now I'll simply say go. Just go.

SNAPPY, SNAPPY...

2015-01-11T00:36:00.000-08:00

This post is for my husband who, after reading yesterday's offering, requested less 'blah, blah, blah' and more 'snappy, snappy' (direct quote, I'm not even kidding).

Here's a few snaps from Christmas day at my sister's in Palmerston North - Julia's rocking a new outfit (and some serious sass) and yes…William is in thermal pajamas in the middle of summer. That's how we roll.

Love lots

Jacq

THERE AND BACK AGAIN

2015-01-10T01:45:00.000-08:00

Hi folks,

Wherever you happen to be when you've taken the moment to stop by and read this blog, I hope you've had a tremendous festive season.

Down here in NZ we've been enjoying the type of summer people write sonnets about.

This makes a nice change from the weather's usual antics, which is to tease with wall to wall blue skies up until the week before Christmas before declaring all out war on holiday makers - anyone else remember Cyclone Bola?

Not this year.

Since mid December we've been treated to endless Azure skies that dissolve into a golden evenings so delicious it's as if a honey pot has been tipped over upstairs. I've taken to reading/writing/living on the bench swing in our backyard which I've positioned beneath our plum tree.

If it sounds quaint, it is.

This is the life.

I am exactly where I need to be right at this moment.

Yet time waits for no one.

2015…Two THOUSAND and fifteen.

When I was about seven years old my parents would let me and my sister stay up and watch a show called "Beyond 2000" - it was a real treat and not just because New Zealand only had three channels in those days and we couldn't get two of them.

The show profiled gadgets and gizmo's which were going to revolutionize our lives. I'm presume someone in Marketing choose the year 2000 as the target because it sounded snappy and back in the late 80's early 90's truly did seem like the future.

I often wonder what became of those inventions. Could anyone have fathomed what life 'Beyond 2000" would really be like? As the clock powered towards 12:00am on the 31st of December 2000 I remember thinking, we're nearly beyond 2000…now what?

This is what.

Sitting beneath plum tree's. Chubby cheeks dripping with juices from freshly picked strawberries. Impromptu dance parties in the lounge (kitchen, bedroom, hallway…). Slip n Slides. Friends who make a 4 hour car ride seem like 30 minutes and you still can't stop talking. Sprinklers beneath trampolines. Sand (here there and everywhere). Easing in to the day with a long, lazy brunch that suddenly becomes a BBQ with the whole neighborhood. Falling in to bed on sheets that have been kissed by the sun. Adventures in your own backyard. Living. Life.

Lately I've been feeling the need to unplug.

I'm a huge fan of the future - the internet, social media, constant and instant connectedness - yet every so often I find it suffocating. I get caught up in the quest for perfection. The house that looks like a show home, a Christmas that would bring Martha Stewart to her knees, a vacation that doesn't involve either cold war between you and your husband or a gastro bug of some description, perfect squeaky clean children that couldn't look more like a Pumpkin Patch catalogue than if you ironed them flat and slipped them into the letterbox…who comes up with these things? Is this a thing or is this just my thing? In any case it's exhausting.

So I've decided to unplug.

Retreat. Perhaps that's a better way of putting it. I've found that if I am open, honest, attentive and loving to my kids, family and friends then things usually end up working out. The big things do at least. The rest truly doesn't matter.

AND this is what I've been doing with my time. Indulging in an over abundance of every food group not recommended to man and traveling. In that order and, where possible, at the same time.

I've got more than a few pictures to share - all in good time.

For now I'll leave you with a few snaps of Mangonui and this "Look Up" video which manages to put into words everything I've been thinking only a bazillion times better…

Deep breath. Small sigh.

Much love

SO THIS HAPPENED

2014-11-26T18:40:00.001-08:00

For my Mum,

Who knows why.

The kids say they got your back with facial expressions…