So the day has finally arrived. Tane turned 6 months old on August 20, and as a consequence…er…result, we now have the privelege of giving him his first taste of solid food. Now solid foods are not for everyone. Jen recently introduced me to an article in one of her magazines that featured a woman who is still breast feeding despite her children being 7 and 9 years old. Perhaps something to think about, although this same family actually still sleep in the same bed every night, so I have to question the sanity of it all.

Anyway - Tane has decided that solids are good. At least after a little while. Below illustrates a nice little progression of our experience…

…..Here it comes!……….. Noooo!!! Abort!!!…….. Maybe not too bad……. Actually pretty tasty!!!……….. Go Hoos!

So rice cereal is now a hit (after some time). Fruit and other mush will be introduced shortly, in the hopes of keeping our little man strong, healthy, and smiley as ever!

In other news, I recently had the pleasure of traveling to a little town called Palmerston North for a trade conference. During this trip, it was made quite clear to me how strange this place is in which I live.

Kiwi Security Example 1: There is absolutely no security for any domestic travel within New Zealand. I literally went to the airport, used my credit card to pick up my ticket. Boarded the plane. No metal detectors. Nobody asking me if I packed my own bags. Nobody looking me up and down suspiciosuly. Nothing. I was quite disturbed. The funniest thing is that nobody believes this outside of New Zealand - Jen thought I was completly making this up.

Kiwi Security Example 2: The yoghurt (yogurt for you Americans) factory. One of my clients was nice enough to take us on a tour of their factory. This was really quite interesting, however, I found it odd that the security at the plant was about 100 times greater than the airport. First of all, we had to put on these bright orange vests (over our suits!) to make sure we were not hit by forklifts. Second, we were only allowed to walk within the “yellow lines” - again - forklifts. Once inside, we were asked to put on 1) moon boots - I kid you not. 2) hair nets, and for one of us, a beard net as well. 3) goggles. 4) A white overcoat that essentially covered up our suits, our orange vests, and anything else that may have touched the outside world. Let me just say - at least one company in New Zealand is super serious about it’s Yoghurt!

Security aside, we are looking forward to the spring, and have begun to have some brilliant days. Although we’ve only been able to take advantage of a few of them as the family has been sick, the sunshine is great to have back in our lives!

Spent a lovely afternoon at a park called North Head with our friends Michael and Georgie (click for pictures) Ella had an absolute ball as there are a series of tunnels and WWII bunkers that were created in preparation for a Japanese invasion that never happened. Great views of the city overlooking the harbour make it a really wonderful spot.

So things are looking up! Spring is around the corner, everyone is close to being back to good health, Tane is enjoying solids, and Ella is still a trip! Keep in touch - and hope to see some more of you soon!