Bethel's Beach

Headed out to the West Coast with the swiss (Markus & Corinne) as they're having their last days in New Zealand. It was pouring rain when we first arrived, but shortly turned into a gorgeous day, as often occurs here in New Zealand. We stopped at a cafe after leaving the beach and Chloe enjoyed the sunlight over looking a duck pond on their balcony.


 

The Precious

She doesn't really like hats yet, but she's starting to accept them.
 

The Pig-n-Whistle

We've only been to Rotorua twice, but we've found a favorite restaurant: The Pig-n-Whistle. It's known for its Fish-n-Chips and Mike has become a connoseuire. These shots are our perspective of Chloe and her perspective of us!
 

The Wildflowers

I've definitely found new favor for wildflowers. These are spectacular and they line the roads here! We stopped and shot these on our way to a conference in Rotorua.
 

Photo Shoot

I could really stare at her all day long...that's probably why I get so little done, but here she is all pinked out. When I catch myself staring, I try to practice my photography instead. She's definitely a top model!


 

Virtual Visitors

Many miles and a new baby has been an impetus for many of our family to get acquanted with cutting edge computer technology. What a blessing we've found in Skype! Though I know it hasn't been an easy process, it seems getting to see Chloe Elise has made it a worthwhile one! So far her Gigi, her Aunt Sue & Aunt Bobo, her Uncle Chris & Aunt Julie, her Uncle William, her Aunt Melody & her Uncle Steve, her great grandmother Reedy, & her Mimi C have been on to visit. We've had a great time!


 

there's been a lot of talk about this next song

maybe too much talk indeed, but i've gotten myriads of questions regarding proper roll making. the primal and ancestral art of breadmaking is easy. but you have to be careful not to mess it up. for instance, roll the dough out thin, not thick, make it thin.








then, roll it up tight.











then, use dental floss to cleave the dough into proper - sized rolls. don't use a knife, you heathen.






then, let the rolls rise for ~2hours in the pan before you cook them and....

voila

oh my goodness. did you ever see such a lovely roll?








how 'bout these, eh? they were good tasting, too.






notice the two buckets of rolls on the table at the christmas party we went to in this picture.


and here, notice that the roll bucket is empty (they call the roll holding device a 'roll bucket' here in new zealand - why bother with fancy victorian terminology anyway.) p.s. don't notice that josh and marcus seem to be having a nose picking contest.

Thanksgiving 2006

Mike and I had the opportunity to prepare Thanksgiving dinner totally independently for the first time. Janusz, Mike's boss, & his wife, Katherine invited us to use their kitchen and we had a delightful time!

Thanksgiving '06 (cont.)