The critters of the commute

I am constantly amazed at all there is to see here on this tiny island. While there are all kinds of wildlife around both islands, I actually see all of these animals on a daily basis during my drive to work. There are 3 bison, about 10 ostriches, and 20 or so horses, but hundreds of cattle and thousands of sheep including hundreds of brand new lambs right now. It is also shearing season so most of the sheep are clean shaven. The total sheep population of NZ has gone down over the past few years; there are only 33 million!

The amazing beauty of New Zealand

We continue to be amazed at the beauty of our new home down under. From the clouds lying low in the western foothills of the Southern Alps, to the view from the top of the Mt. Hutt ski field with the mountain tops breaking through the cloud layer, to Tyler continually enhancing his kitchen skills, we are truly amazed every day. Now if it would just stop raining, we could enjoy the outdoors even more and you would once again see new photos of everyone spending time outside.

Galen enjoying all things Kiwi

Galen continues to have a great time in NZ. He has played two rugby matches for the hometown Rolleston Rugby team (under 11 1/2 league, so some big farmboys on other teams). He got his dog fix from Nipper as we had dinner with new friends in Kirwee, and he showed Rick the real way to make the upper crust for Rick's famous homemade apple pie. He pretty much loves all things Kiwi, and if school didn't keep getting in the way, he would enjoy it even more.