Oxford...not the one you think

We went out to Oxford this past weekend to see our friends the Swiss Family Robinsons.  After perusing the local farmers market and taking a wrong turn that took us through a cattle farm, we finally made it to their place to check out their amazing place: alpacas, sheep, horses, vineyard, orchard, weaving studio, outdoor pizza oven, and veggie patch.

Camping

Over the weekend, Rocky took The Squidd camping for the first time. They went to a campground in Christchurch, so the return home would be quick and easy in case something went very wrong. We need not have worried. The Squidd had a ball playing with his friends (they met up with 3 other families we know) until late at night, roasting marshmallows, sleeping in the tent, etc. The campsite itself made the whole event very easy: full kitchen facilities, bathrooms with hot running water and showers, a cafe, an amazing kids' playground, and a beach around the corner.

When he came home, The Squidd said he wants to go camping again "for months and months."

Here he is running down the beach at the campground with his friend E. Clothing optional.

While the wintertime is still a little challenging here with so many facilities still closed or torn down due to earthquake damage, our first full summer here has been incredible. Nowhere else we can think of would we be able to visit beautiful ocean beaches, hike in the mountains, camp, and pick berries/stone fruits/apples within 20 minutes of our house.