Preparing for Queenstown

The boys have accepted the idea of moving to Queenstown really well. After a discussion about what they were really looking forward to they have been really positive. Alex is looking forward to a road trip in the new truck, Oli is looking forward to hitting the slopes and Tom is...chickens?! Whatever it takes! We have been looking at possible 4x4's, hence the boys trying out backseats, and we have found one already! Trading in the Peugeot for a Kia Sportage, very exciting and cool. Now we need a ski rack!

Tauranga Atrium Apartments 2012 Pt 2

In the town there was a lovely but expensive yogurt shop with lots of toppings to choose from, the boys were delighted as they miss Munchies from our US trip.
We had a great walk around the base of the mount, it was a beautiful day and it was mostly flat!
On our way back from Tauranga there was a great cafe, set in an old train station, full of home made cooking.

Tauranga Atrium Apartments 2012

Fran bought a deal off 'Grabone' website which was a few nights in The Atrium Apartments by Mount Maunghaui (forgive the spelling!) in Tauranga. The apartments were two bedroom with kitchen etc and literally one minute away from the mount. Amazing views with great access to the shops and beach. There was a great park nearby with lots to climb and things to burn energy! There was a surprising amount of shops for a small town and, as always in NZ, some great cafes!

Beauty and the Beast, Spider-Man and Madness

We had a lovely day in Mission Bay were Oli got to jump around being Spider-Man a lot. Alex had a starring role in Beauty and the Beast, he was brilliant as The Baker! The baguettes!
Tom is mad.

Books, authors and madness

Alex continues to read a ridiculous amount of books, he is up to one a night - it's an expensive habit. We now visit the library regularly.
Alex was desperate to meet Derek Landy, author of Skulduggery Pleasant. A wait of an hour and half proved worth it as he was very funny.
We continue to visit many cafes, our latest was a French one at Lake Pupeke in Takapuna - it was excellent.
Tom is mad.

Chipmunks Birthday Party for Tom and Oli

Bit of a Bailey favourite as they always have it here. Tom and Oli love the idea of running freely around with their mates and shooting them with foam balls! They provide food and they entertain themselves so we are not complaining! Alex brought his mate Sam along who is a great friend to him, chilled and a Pokemon fan.
Mummy's birthday cake was a big success, they loved smashing them in and getting lots of lollies i.e. sweets.

Ear infections, high board diving and gingerbread decorating!

Tom had a shocking ear infection which we missed and sent him to school! Told off by the doctor. I got to spend a day with him and spoilt him in Mairangi bay with a smoothie.
Tom is very studious and always completes his homework, likes to impress his teacher- Oli not so much!
The boys get on really well at the moment but Tom and Alex have a bit of a love/hate relationship. One minute they are together drawing pictures and the second they are screaming at each other. Oli keeps well out of it - wise decision, especially when Tom goes green!
Tom has particular love for gingerbread men and was excited by this book - should we be worried?
The boys still live swimming and the high boards at Glenfield pools are still highlight, that's Alex jumping.