I've slipped into a sort of Takaka malaise and I've let the blog slip a little. Also Jan, Holly and Charlotte came up on Sunday so having to test out all the cafes, beaches and river pools has been exhausting :) Charlotte is a dream baby just like Holly was. She never cries and smiles lots. It's been lovely for Matthew and Emma to have Holly and Charlotte up to play too and to show them our excellent swing over the river behind the house.

Last Saturday we had the Mardi Gras in Takaka to celebrate Waitangi Day and Matt and Emma were holding the Tungiwha for the parade. After the parade was over and we were waiting for our 'fush 'n chips' Emma and Matthew asked could the ride on the shoulders of Sugra the unicyclist which he very kindly let them do although my heart was in my mouth.
Matthew and Emma are both really enjoying school and are full of chat about all the fun they had when they come out each day. The teacher did have to have a word with Matt one day last week. She was talking to them (ironically about having to listen) and Matthew 'didn't think her announcements were that important so I carried on reading about what to do in case of a tsunami.'