Happy 10th Josie!

Josie hit double digits this year so since it was such a monumental occasion we offered her the choice of a party or a trip to Auckland with a friend to go to Rainbow's End - New Zealand's biggest theme park. She chose to take her good friend Tessa and go to Rainbow's End. On her actual birthday we had a quiet celebration at home with the family. Her birthday fell on a school holiday day so we got to hang out all day - we had presents at breakfast then went to lunch at the Marsden Village cafe and ended the day by having the Sheppards over for dinner and cake.

The birthday girl in her new outfit.

We got up really early to make the 7 am flight to Auckland because we wanted to be sure and be there for the opening of Rainbow's End. We dropped our bags at Kate and Ant's and had coffee and breakfast with Abi, then it was off. Thank you so much Abi, Kate and Ant for letting us stay with you and for the use of your car!!

Bucket full of cotton candy. We ate it all and got a refill, then ate that too.

This was the only ride that both Tessa and I refused - see the video below. Josie loved it!

Josie with Holly dog - she's getting so old but is as sweet as ever.

On the flight home.

Easter 2013

We hit the road for the long Easter weekend and headed to the Morrison Family Bach in Waitetoko on Lake Taupo. We all love it there and this trip was extra fun because we had friends also staying in the area and the weather was warm enough for some swimming in the lake. We took Chloe along - a little unsure of how she would do on such a long trip - and she loved it too. On the way we stopped in Palmerston North and had a visit with Grandma and Grandpa over lunch - always a treat. I need to take more photos when we are with them!!

Ellie and Chloe LOVED swimming - they did eventually get chilled but it was still hard to get them to come out of the water. Meggie wasn't with us for Easter this year - she and her friend Katie went to Scouts camp and had a great time but we missed her like crazy.

Playing a fun game - you had to guess what the card on your head said by asking questions.

Thank you so much to all the grandparents for the cards, eggs and presents! The girls were completely spoiled.

We got together with friends for an afternoon Easter Egg hunt - the second of the day for our girls. I still can't get over the fact that we can hide chocolate eggs here - that would never work in Florida and rarely in Texas, the eggs would be a melted gooey mess.

On our last night there Katie spent the night with Emily and Josie, Ellie, Dugald and I enjoyed the scenery while walking the dog after dinner.

Here are a few shots of Meggie at camp that I took off of her ipod . . . she was disgusted by the toilet situation but she and Katie R survived "Survival Night" when they had to set up their own bivvy, make their own food and generally look after themselves for 24 hours without adult intervention.

With Richard - the troop leader.

Punga Cove

My girlfriends and I took a lovely trip down to the Sounds for a weekend "glamp" in March. I always look forward to these weekends away with friends!

The view from the ferry. 

Our water taxi ride.

Walking the first day.

These guys were quite friendly!

View from the top as we walked.

Arriving at our destination after a four hour walk - ready for a drink!

Some of the girls jumping of the pier after running back - I was in the spa having NOT run.