Albert Park, Auckland

From the Sky Tower we noticed Albert Park and realised we had never been there so decided to go. As the boys are now kiwis when we reached a fountain they asked if they all could go for a swim! Even though we said no Oli tried his very best to get as close to it as possible. A kind gentlemen took about ten photos as he thought he was taking photos but wasn't, it was worth it as the eventual photo turned out to be good. The trees in the park were amazing, this satisfied Oli's constant search for play areas and he wanted to explore each one. Nanna bought some kiwi sweets which kept the boys going as we walked around the park and Auckland. Whilst Nanna has been here she has frequently noted that the boys are starting to look more alike, the second photo confirms this?

Visit to Auckland with Nanna using Fran's new camera

Fran destroyed her mobile a few weeks ago so it was my job to find a new one which tied nicely into her birthday. Her new phone has a fancy camera and so we put it to the test!

We parked at Devonport as we always find going into Auckland on the ferry a lot less stressful! I decided to wear my birthday present from my mum and dad, to practice winding up the kiwis for the rugby world cup. It had been awhile since we have been up the tower and where better to have some afternoon tea! The boys enjoyed running around the tower fighting whilst we enjoyed the views!

Surprise, its Nanna!

Fran had somehow kept the visit of my mum a secret for 4 months! The children and I did not have a clue so our faces were a picture. The funny thing was, I was waiting for Fran to get back from what I thought was the gym and needed to leave to get to a football match which explains why I am kitted out for football. When she arrived I was extremely annoyed as I was late for my match. She told me that I had to help her get my birthday present from the car and I moodily came down the stairs cursing... to meet my mum! It took my mum about 10-15 mins to settle in and start spoiling the boys with hundreds of gifts she had stuffed into her giant suitcase. And a huge thank you also to Aunty Sam for the dressing up outfits and booty bags! The boys thought they were very cool.

Walk to Mairangi Bay

We live minutes from a beautiful coastline and so I was insistent on dragging Lynn and Dave out for a walk. It only takes 15 mins, it was 45. We met Fran towards the end, she had cricket with Alex, and we had the walkway to go but the tide was up. We coaxed Lynn and Dave to walk it and it was hilarious watching them dodge the waves although Tom didn't find it so funny.

Mission Bay with Lynn and Dave

Lynn and Dave had not seen much of Auckland and the boys were horrified that they had not seen Kelly Tarltons! They had a cool advert of the new sand sharks scaring the other fish which was enough to entice us to go. Fortunately the weather was fantastic and we also went for a dip at Mission Bay, the boys had a go in the fountain before the sea which was really warm.