In the deep midwinter- Kiwi style.

I find myself in the position of apologising once again for my tardiness in updating the blog. I guess as we settle into our Kiwi life, they will become less frequent as the rate at which we are exposed to new experiences slows. Disorganisation and a hectic work schedule also contribute!

So, we go back to the end of March to Molly's first Gym competition in New Zealand.

And it wouldn't be a weekend without a walk along the beach...

Mission Bay

"That's all" Miranda style!

It may have been late Autumn, but Molly had plenty of spring left, even after the gym.











Molly leaving for her first Kiwi sleepover.

New Zealand's next top model practice on the beach

Love you Mum!

All of a sudden Molly seems to be looking very mature and sophisticated.....must be her birthday!

She decided she wanted an ice skating party, so it was off to the ice rink for the family to brush up those triple salcos!

Dancing on ice!

Smile darling, smile, we need another 8.9!

We need more sequins and spandex, but we felt we were ready for the real thing after the dry run.

They may look like butter wouldn't melt in their mouths, but these are fully armed tweens!

Getting ready for action:

Looking good girls!
























Then time at the end for a barefoot race around the rink!

Yes, very, very cold!

Then back to the house for cake and sparklers

Thanks to our UK neighbours for the lovely pressies!













 Especially the sock monkey!

Molly has been working on a science project. She is developing a website to help young children to learn Makaton sign language.

 This is Molly helping Cayden to use the website at the school where Loo works.

I'm not sure who is teaching who here!

Science project delivered

Yet another gym competition:

Lots of ribbons to add to the trophy cabinet!

I finally had a day off with some spare time, so I treated myself to a walk along Long Bay Beach. In the Deep Midwinter, in bare feet!

How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful country?

I end this blog on a piece of unbelievable news.......... Loo has purchased another pair of jeans. This now takes her past the magic 40 pairs. But this pair were "something special I don't have already"

See you soon!

Kevin.

Mother-in-Law, Museum and Masterchef.

Gill arrived from the UK and boy, was Loo pleased to see her! 

(Gill suffered a little from jet lag although no red wine had been consumed as yet in the picture and any resemblance to Miranda from The Devil Wears Prada is purely coincidental, although she did keep saying "that's all")

The first weekend we explored the Hibiscus Coast and discovered the beautiful Omaha Beach, you can see as usual for New Zealand beaches, it was absolutely packed!

There was a certain young lady who was very pleased to see Gran too!

Lots of cwtching all round,

and still time for a  paddle........

and some bodyboarding, of course!

We caught some good waves.

Would Gill get away with some R and R?

Maybe for a while, as Loo and Molly enjoy a splash.

     That is, Molly was enjoying a splash! Mind the hat!

Molly remembered, she needed to complete some homework, a collage of a goose. 

Luckily the surroundings provided everything that was needed,

-including a workforce  to gather the  materials. 

They required a lot of direction.

Soon,  the finishing touches were being added.

Homework completed!

It is a very hot day, so the water feels a little cool!

Could Gill be tempted in? No splashing, I promise!

You said you wouldn't splash!

The next day we went from shells on the beach to shells in the museum.

Maori carvings.

The latest dental equipment

Molly had a glimpse of the  happiness enjoyed by previous generations of Kiwi schoolchildren.

......and the joy of riding a boneshaker!

There was a panic as Granny lost the Cath Kidston umbrella!

But thanks to Kevin's eagle eyes and Loo's lack of inhibition in wrangling it from the hands of a 7 year old Japanese tourist, the C.K. umbrella and Molly were reunited!

The next day, Molly was back in school and the adults took the short ride out to Long Bay.

A walk along the beach and then a refreshing drink in the restaurant overlooking the bay.

This is the view of Auckland CBD from a hill in Devonport on the North Shore side of the harbour.

The girls on the same hill.

Same hill, different direction. 

This is Rangitoto Island from Devonport Hill. It is an active volcano,

with active shoppers posing in the foreground!

Quick, get ready , we have 10 seconds for the automatic camera!

The various sights of Devonport:

Next up, a visit to Sky Tower, the highest building in the Southern Hemisphere!

Gill and Molly at the base of the tower.

The views from the top 

The museum from the top of Sky Tower. It's also a war memorial.

Girls on top.

We watched as people actually paid to jump off the top of the tower! 

Then down to the harbour to see the yachts of the rich and famous! 

Would we look at home with the boating set?

Or would we be better suited to Miami?
Wassup dudes?

Back at the house:

Our palm tree is flowering 

Chilling out on the porch swing.

A quick stop off on the way back to Omaha Beach.

A little cloudier than our last visit, but Gill is still determined to soak up the rays!

Welcome one and all to the Louise Balding show!

A little Grandmother to   Granddaughter discussion.

The winner of Miss Lovely Legs, Omaha Beach 2011.

Molly and friends were back to school and  had a week of EOTC (Education Outside The Classroom)

Ready, aim,

Fire!

Breaktime.

A little rest prior to the afternoon's hard work.

Sticking her oar in again!

And then raft building, how long will they stay afloat?

Not very long!

A trip to the local indian restaurant:

Gill on another walk with the omnipresent Rangitoto Island in the background.

Milford Beach.

More walking along more beaches......

Another paddle for the girls, will Gill get wet this time?

Is Molly cuddling, or just preparing to dunk Gran?

It was a dunk then!






Yet more walking and beaches.....

Albany, shopping.

North Harbour Stadium.

Molly and Granny, another cwtch.

Molly is obsessed by Masterchef and Saturday saw an opportunity to see her heroes at Sylvia Park shopping mall.

Contestant Michael used to attend Molly's school,  a chance for some autographs.

Guess who was most starstruck?

I guess it would be the person with the goofiest expression.....

That would be Loo then!

Family. 

Unfortunately, Gill it was time for Gill to fly home to Wales.

Just time for some final laughs before the flight to add to the many lovely memories.....

We'll miss you Gill! 

Come back soon!