NZ Trip in Feb

ur annual trip to NZ started with a week in Auckland (well, for Flynn and I anyway- Blake's work plans unexpectedly took him to CHCH and so he spent only one night in Auckland, before heading off.

We hired a serviced apartment near Albert Park which was very compact but did the trick nicely. Flynn unfortunately got a bad cold and then gave it to me, but other than that it was great to spend time catching up with friends and family, and enjoying being in New Zealand.

Flynn and Miela getting acquainted

 Flynn and I do Japanese 

And sorbet 

Takapuna Beach

After Auckland we went to Nelson, but we are fast-forwarding to Wellington now as I put the photos on in the wrong order and cannot be bothered re-organizing.

Waikanae Shopping Area, playground with Nana!

 

Yeehar! Fun with Auntie Nina and Jordan

 Chocolate chops!

 

Grandad Pat 

 Cousin Jordan takes good care of Flynn and
Flynn idolizes him in return

  

By chance, Uncle Shauny was in NZ (he lives in the UK) for a wedding and Flynn took at immediate shine!

 

 Saying Bye at the Airport 

  

Another Plane!

A spectacular day flying out of Nelson

We went to Marlborough for 3 nights to stay at Dave and Bev's place (Blake's Uncle). We had a great time there and managed to spend some time with them, even though they were supposed to be away, which was a bonus! (they had to return due to illness). 

We explored the region, with a trip to Wither Hills vineyard
(Blake checks out the wine shop)

 Flynn checks out the grape varieties

 Mum and Flynn do boat races

Flynn never knows when to quit

And after one too many, soon finds himself
dancing on the tables 

 Then crashing out on the bean bags with dad

Freezing water!

 

We did some walking and running (respectively) on the Queen Charlotte track, which was every bit as beautiful as I expected it would be. The wind was a bit cold so Flynn wasn't too keen on the walking at first, but he warmed up to it and was posing happily for the camera after a while

 

We did a fair bit of kicking back and relaxing too

Flynn rather enjoys a bit of gardening,
especially if it involves a hose

We caught up with lots of family but are ashamed to say we didn't get photos of everyone! Sorry Dave and Bev, Peter and Anna and Sam and Rachel!!  We really did enjoy catching up with y'all!

Uncle Oli and Auntie Rosie

Grandad Jim

Flynn shows Uncle Oli that white boys CAN jump

And enjoys the attention of an audience, at a Tahuna cafe

Nana, Auntie Nina and cousin Jordan came to Nelson for a few days too

We hired a house on the tahuna hills, so we could spend
time with friends and family

The kids took over the Ipod during a bbq - we weren't

 expecting that to happen for another decade or so!

Plenty of time was spent in the park and Suter cafe

And at the playgrounds along Tahuna beach

 

And we also did Opera in the Park with family and friends

Flynn gets a bit bolshy after a few

A Visit to the Fire Station

In January we visited the local fire station, on an open day.

It was a fun trip as they really make an effort to let the kids get amongst it with the fire engines and equipment.  Flynn got to try the water cannon and the water hoses, plus we took a ride up in the extension ladder.

These guys were heading out on a REAL mission, much to our excitement.

Flynn has a go with a real water hose

We got to wear hats and drive the vehicles

But Flynn wasn't so impressed with the 'fireman carry'

Flynn's Jan (postponed) Birthday Party

Flynn and his buddy (Ethan) had their joint birthday party on Jan 31st - having been postponed due to illness amongst his group of friends.

Flynn was unfortunately a little under the weather with a cold but he enjoyed the party nonetheless, and the bouncy castle was a huge hit with the kids.

Cake time!

Flynn gets stuck in

The mums

The dads and birthday boys

Flynn indicates mournfully toward his empty plate
(hey, what's in your hand buddy?)