Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Nelson Feb 2011

Finally, the Nelson leg of our NZ trip!

We spent our Nelson  time catching up with family and friends, and getting some much needed R&R. The weather was super hot when we arrived - perfect for hanging out at barbeques, the beach, paddling pools and back yards!

Sid meets Flynn and is straight in with a head massage




Benjy returns the favour as they picnic at Grandad Peter and Nana Anna's



Benjy gets to know Nana Anna (not to be confused with Nana Ann)




Warm afternoons in the garden with the whanau





My beautiful birthday pavlovas! (a la Blake)





Benjy gets into the swing of things




Pretty soon he can't get enough!





"Higher Grandad!"





Grandad Jim gets a second's rest before the next activity






Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
We hired the same house as last year and enjoyed it just as much.





Big fish in a small pond




Flynn loved having backyards to play in and spent lots of time 'watering', digging in and generally tending to family back gardens all over NZ. Benjy spent lots of time speeding around the floors, enjoying the luxury of carpet under the knees!


Sitting outside in yer undies and eating a slice of watermelon... summer bliss!





A visit to Great-grandma Shirl





A picnic by the beach





The three musketeers




A nice lunch at our old friend, The Boathouse





Many play/coffee sessions at the Suter Cafe - why don't all cafes have one of these kids' corners???!!!!





Little Sid out-cools all the babies with his new shades




Sid's favourite spot



Last night in Nelson at Peter and Anna's




Auckland Airport has a great kids' room in the Koru lounge and we dominated it!









Up, up and away! A great trip home and awesome to see all the family as usual! 

This brief scene of two boys soundly sleeping did not last long - or in any way represent the nature of the trip in its entireity. As usual, it was a long ten hours!


Sunday, March 13, 2011

Auckland

The boys and I flew up to Auckland to meet with Blake and catch up with friends - including our friends Sandy and Andy whose lovely wedding we attended.

We stayed at a cool apartment on College Hill, which we booked online. It exceeded our expectations and provided a good pad for entertaining - and marauding kids.




Sandy takes those last few steps as a free woman





The occasion also included a naming ceremony for Sandy and Andy's little girl, Ruby. Ruby loved all the fuss and charmed the crowd! 



Petula gets Benjy to snuff out the candles




Another highlight was meeting cousin Harry - Flynn was delighted!




The boys play at Sam and Rachael's




And even have a cousin's bath!




A quick visit to reminisce at Kohi beach



Get my right profile mum!




The boys are keen on Nishiki Japanese restaurant, our old favourite!




Flynn barely comes up for a breath!




Me, Cat, Blair and Sam




Braden, Ildy, Me, Flynn, Blake and Jo




A very quick stop in Auckland this time, then off to Nelson




"Whaddya mean they don't serve meals on domestic flights????"