alexi downhilling

2 and 1/2 years old. And starting to get his turns down. Watchout 2026 Olympics.

I suspect you will sense a little pride in da Pappa here!

Oh boy-o

Goodies from gran-ma Lin. Yeahoo!

sledding at mt dell

Alexi had a play dated with Rolf and Andie's Talia. We went up the canyon for a little "Big Jump" time.


They did this a good 20 more "Just one more times".

Momma Andie came buy to watch them get one of their bigger airs of the day.They were a little slacking at "keeping their hands and feet in the ride at all times."

alexi suave with his blondes

Fire truck time!

scarry fish and kid eating monster during sushi at Takashi's

Scarry monster!

Mr big shoes

Christy n carol on mt air sholder

A Whale of a Day: Part I

After a day of rest in Christchurch, we were off to find the great humpback. Unfortunately when we arrived, the winds were high, and had kicked up the surf, so the trip was re-scheduled for the next day.

A pic of Alexi (a bit fatigued after all the travel) demonstrating how to properly pass out in your monster tent.

Whale watching on hold, we set out to explore the area. Our first stop was a roadside grill by the beach which served crayfish fritters. Mmmm. Alexi ate a whole fritter by himself. I was bit shocked when I actually saw one of these 'crayfish' (in my minds eye these are small dark mini-lobster things). This was no crayfish, they were actually the largest rock lobsters I had ever seen. Just down the road was a seal colony hang-out, here is one of the beasts sunning itself after chasing off some tourists.

Afterwards, a stop-off to watch a sheep-shearing. This particular breed, gets sheared twice a year. And for the pro's the shearing record is close to 30 seconds.

The Demo: how to shear your sheep. I think it is one of those things that looks easier than it really is..

The finished product

The Horns: not a hit with Alexi

Farm Dogs, now we're talking. A few wet licks and pets and all was better.

Sunset after our first full day in NZ