Whitianga

We were very keen to explore on our first day so we decided to go to Hahei as it was recommended to us and it was used for The Chronicles of Narnia. Not a great start but as we left we noticed we had a flat back tyre so we headed to Whitianga first to get it fixed. Fortunately there was a garage and a tyre place together so all our problems were sorted. We had an hour to check the town out so we headed to the ferry for times etc. As we made our way the boys spotted 'Squids' which got them all very excited. Oli is still hugely into squids and he was hungry, apparently! We reached the ferry with mixed news. The ferry was passenger only but the location was beautiful and it had a great play area! We had to take a picture of the marina for Poppy, as requested by Alex.

Matarangi

We had a couple of training days at school during our holidays so we shot off straight after. It took us about 3 hours to get to Matarangi which is in the Coromandel. These photos were taken in the morning, it was the best bach we have ever booked! Very clean and in a beautiful location particularly the beach. The garage had been converted into a rumpus room with a football table which the boys loved. Its great that when you arrive you never know what you are going to get and the boys always find something new to enjoy. Alex found a cupboard with lots of brochures about things to do, he made a very long list! I tried to walk with Alex to the beach but ended up on the wrong side by the harbour and Al was not too pleased!

Waiwera Hot Pools

On my mums last full day we went to the hot pools as the boys have been pestering us for awhile about it. On the way we always stop at the garage for a coffee as the play area is one of their favourites as it goes so high.

It was a lovely day and we got to use all the slides which was great. There are lots of different pools varying from 31 - 48 degrees! Mum loved the temperatures and it was great to relax and chat about everything. After the pools we popped into Wenderholm reserve as its so beautiful for a walk.

Rango fights!

The boys got some NERF guns for Christmas. We don't let them use very often for obvious reasons but I take them to a play area and play various games with them. They had recently seen Rango and they loved it although it was a little dark. But there was a couple of duels in it and they wanted to play that and it was hilarious watching Oli close his eyes and blast away. Not quite Dirty Harry!

Joe's Mobile March/April 2

Alex has started playing basketball (miniball) and is really enjoying it. He got player of the day in his first game and scored a great basket in his third game so its going really well.

Alex has recently completed his first triathlon which included swimming, cycling and running. He really impressed us both by completing it all really quickly and wants to do more!

We have had fantastic weather but its slowly starting to cool down with the odd heavy shower but this has not stopped the boys heading down to the beach for a dip! When the sun comes out its still really warm.

Joe's Mobile March/April

We have had a few busy months. The cricket season came to an end with Alex showing a huge improvement which included winning player of the day for the first time. He loved the little bat he won.

Smiggle is 'the' stationary company in NZ. The boys always want to look around and make a wish list everytime we walk past. Fortunately mummy loves their stuff too, so they usually end up with something.

We went to a concert with Opshop, Midnight Youth and Brooke Fraser. It was at a winery and it rained, heavily. This meant we could get right to the front and have a great time whilst being soaked!

We finally got some carpet in the house and the boys rolled around on it for a few hours. We are really pleased with it, the house looks 90% complete now. A few bits to do now.