Botanic Gardens

We met up with our friends, the Reddys, at the Auckland Botanic Gardens during the school holidays. We had a great time, though learnt an important lesson: do not picnic in the "offleash area." A very naughty dog came and stole some of our lunch and jumped all over Adam.

Couch bed

Rich was away in the USA for 10 days and we took the opportunity to sleep in many different rooms and beds. Kind of like musical beds. Here Josephine and Adam spend a night on the couch bed.

Cousins

Charlie and Grace went to Brisbane for 5 days, and during that time caught up with the Atkinsons. Here they are with their beautiful cousins. Grace loved sleeping over with them. Thank you, Atkinsons!

Bay of Islands Holiday

Our Bay of Islands Cruise

Urupukapuka Island

We stopped off at Urupukapuka Island during our half day cruise around the Bay of Islands. It was a fabulous morning, we saw dolphins and went out to see the spectacular "Hole in the Rock." We were very pleased, though, to hop off the boat for an hour and to have a picnic on this beautiful island.

Waitangi

Maori Cultural Performance at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

We saw a brilliant performance of Maori dances and songs at the Waitangi Treaty grounds. I must say that in the past such cultural performances have left me unmoved, but not this one. It was so entertaining and uplifting. It was a joy to be there. I was just a little concerned that the girls were sitting on the floor in front, and extremely close to the jabbing spears, but they seemed to cope.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Maori Fishing Village

This is one small corner of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. A great museum.

Bayview Lodge

We as such a great time at our little apartment. Jane and Josie and Adam were thrilled with everything - it was all jaw-droppingly amazing. We had a great stay here, though missed Grace and Charlie, who were visiting the rellies in Brisbane. 

Out and about in Paihia

Italian in Paihia

It was a lengthy drive from Auckland to Paihia - 3 hours, with a stop in the middle to drop Ted off at his seedy dog motel in Whangerei. He didn't seem to mind the decor. We were all starving by the time we arrived at our lovely little "luxury" apartment, Bayview Lodge. So we headed out for dinner, voted for Italian, and proceeded to eat way too much.

Paihia

Lucky

Lucky the cat lives at bottom of our street. On our early morning walks, she will often ambush Ted and me as we pass by her house. She jumps out right behind us just as we think we are in the clear, and gives us both a heart attack. In the afternoon, however, she is another cat entirely. Lots of tummy rubs from all the kids walking home from school and wide-eyed purring.

Friends

Netball

 Netball season is over. Whew! It was a lot of fun, but I tell you these Kiwis are crazy. When it comes to sports, that is. Nothing deters them. If it is pelting down with rain they play on. Because they are tough Kiwi kids and a bit of moisture won't hold them back. If the wind is howling up from the Antarctic, there might be an announcement made that the children can wear leggings and a jersey. But only if the announcement is made. If there is a severe storm on the way, they may shorten each quarter by 2 minutes. But cancel? Never! Jane is now as tough as only a Kiwi kid can be.

Five

Spring is here!

We took these photos on the drive to church two weeks ago. Today when we drove by the flowers were gone already and tiny leaves are sprouting. 

Beach Kids

Adam and his mates go looking for shells at Campbell's Bay.

Sorry, we are closed.

Very disappointing when the "Everything Shop" is closed.