Thomas thank you to Nanna for parcel

Alex thank you to Nanna for parcel

Oli thank you to Nanna for the parcel

Nanna's parcel is huge!

As you can see in the pictures the boys couldn't believe their eyes! Nanna is wonderful and sends parcels regularly but this was particularly special. It included a lego game, which are incredibly expensive over here, and lots of bits and pieces they all loved.

Whaiheke Island

After the run, fortunately, we relaxed by catching the bus to the main town - Oneroa - via the ferry terminal and enjoyed the incredible beach. Fran and I went to the Caribbean years ago and it was a disappointment as it didn't match the photographs of the brochure. The beach here was closer to that picture, stunning and the water was strangely warm! Wonderful place and we will definitely be coming back again as we only saw a fraction of the island.

Whaiheke Island and the hardest run ever!

Joe and Mark were running in a crazy uphill run on Waiheke Island so Tamsin and I thought we would go along with a picnic! On the ferry Tamsin showed us all what a card shark she is teaching the boys - Strip jack naked!! Alex and Tom were really good and this while Oliver thought he would sit on me and squash me for the whole boat trip. Tom officially looks exactly like my mum now after seeing him wear those sunnies! Sorry about the after the race finish as I look like some hideous alien whose head is about to explode but it was the hardest race I have ever run, three hills about 3km each is not easy. However the finish was a lovely surprise as the beach was stunning.

Bits and Pieces

Tom may look cute but he has a ferocious temper and is capable of moaning for hours if necessary. Unfortunately I get the blame for this character trait!? Our house is coming along nicely, we have finished decorating the living area and kitchen so next up is the carpet. We had an opportunity to buy a cheap telly so the boys can leave the dream and have one in their 'boycave'. They think its the best thing ever, 'our own tv'. Oli is still the cheeky one and is constantly up to crazy things, sometimes they are even funny.

Alex the lifeguard

A friend mentioned 'City Nippers', activities and games based around life-guarding, as being great fun and spending lots of time on the beach so we were convinced. It starts at 9 at Takapuna beach and finishes at 11 which gives Tom and Oli plenty of time to build castles, or as Tom describes them - mountains, and have a splash. It's a great time to go as the sun isn't too hot and it leaves you with plenty of time for the rest of the day when it's finished. Alex has loved it so much that we have enrolled all three of them this week. You have to love the hats!

Wellington Day Two

Another fun day in Wellington. Although, it was much colder on day 2. Cooler than Auckland. Alex found one of the pieces of art .... interesting. Although I am not sure he would have succeeded in pushing the iron statue into the water!

The boys were very keen to return to Te Papa and see more. We all had to go and see 'squiddy' again. The boys also loved the interactive parts of the museum. Oliver had to be coaxed out of the blue whale's heart.

They also enjoyed some retail therapy and made essential purchases with some of the money they were given for Christmas. Alex bought spy gear, Thomas bought a how to draw Mr Men book and Oliver a giant cuddly squid...........mmm.

Wellington Day One

We were not satisfied with Te Papa and the botanical gardens so we insisted on dragging the boys around the shops and to have a quick look at The Beehive (Parliament building), actually we came across it. Alex was desperate for the toilet as I took the photo of the front of the parliament building and was not happy! We finished the day by strolling along the waterfront as it was so nice but importantly to go back on the slide!

Botanical Gardens pt 2

As I said earlier, the boys loved the play area and Tom particularly loved jumping on swings and flying through the air like Superman. Forgot to mention that the view at the top was spectacular. As we reached the bottom we found a treehouse which was an information centre on everything in the garden and Tom was blown away by the bug tree which you opened little doors to find some disgusting creature. At the end of our walk, there were several different types, we ended up in the rose garden, which Tom described as amazingly smelling of roses?!, for a lovely carrot cake and coffee. Alex had sprite as he is currently obsessed with it.

Botanical Gardens

The real surprise was the botanical gardens. We had to get the 'famous' cable car to the top of the gardens, which was a little disappointing as it was so short, but the walk back was incredible. We couldn't believe we were 5 mins from the city, we thought we were in the middle of a forest! Then we found a great play area which led to great excitement and disbelief, could it get any better?