Mission Bay Jazz

Each year there is a jazz festival at Mission Bay. This was our first opportunity to sample a flavour of the free festival scene in Auckland and it proved most enjoyable.



Here's Katie (one of Yasmin's friends from school), Lee and Mel whom we met recently.



Couldn't tell you who was playing, but the kids loved it.



The kids contemplate having a dance.



As the sun set, we continued to make the most of the night's festivities.

On the beach... again

These days going to the beach is a bit like our trips to the Botanical Gardens in Sheffield. It's a short walk and when you get there it's heaven.



The now familiar view of Ranigitoto from Kohimarama beach.



Whist having a picnic on the beach a wedding group arrived to have their photos taken. I couldn't help joining in too.

Queen Mary 2

On Saturday we had the pleasure of having the Queen Mary 2 arrive in Auckland. It was a big event here with people travelling miles to see this huge 'ocean stretch limo'. It's length is a massive 41 double decker buses, has five swimming pools, eight jacuzzi tubs and the the main restuarant can seat 1347 people. The 23 storey high liner can hold over 4,000 passengers and crew. So, it was a sight to behold.



However, this is as close as we could get.



The kids making their way across town.



This is the main train station. We've not had a reason to travel by train so can't comment on it.



A reflection of us in the station fountain.

Sleeping Beauty

What do you do when your son creeps off at bedtime, seeks a safe secure hiding place and promtly falls asleep? This is typical of Theo and his bedtime antics. On hearing it was all too quiet in their rooms I went in search to discover what mischief they'd been up to. Yasmin was sound asleep, but Theo was nowhere to be found. Not in his bedroom, not under our double bed, not in the cuboards (he's been found alseep in these before). Tried the garden and beginning to panic now. Until I hear a faint wheeze coming from Yasmin's toy box and behold, beneath pillows and blankets lies a sweaty little boy. In the morning he can't remember a thing. So, here's one for the best man speech.

Picnic in Wenderholm

Summer wouldn't be summer without a few picnics in the park. We went to Wenderholm Regional Park with Simon, Hassanah and Max to play games, catch up and chill out. As always, you can't beat good food and good company to ensure a fine day out.



Tartan blankets on tour...



This is reminiscent of the views to get in Derbyshire.



'Pile on!' We won't be doing this in ten years.



Climbing trees is still part of the adventure whenever we find a new park...



And taking a well earned break is the best way to end the day.

Jon's last day in NZ

It was great to have Jon over for his month long visit. He is like a real brother and the kids treat him like a true uncle. During his time in NZ he became a integral part of our family and we miss him already. We hope it's not too long before we see him again - who knows, he might stay for good next time.



The departure at Auckland airport.



This is the best picture we could get of Jon who is notoriously camera shy. We took him to Waiheke island for his final day in NZ.



This is the Gun Pit at Fort Stoney Batter on Waiheke. Built in 1941 to defend Auckland from any future enemy attacks during WWII.



Later, we put on our togs (swimming gear) and swam in the warm sea. A great memory for Jon to take back to cold, grey snowy Sheffield.

Two Seasons

Being on the other side of the world means our seasons are reversed. So, at this time of years we would experience some pretty bad weather, but now we in the midst of a glorious summer. We promise to show you the worst weather we get in Auckland - when it arrives.

This is a street in Walkley, Sheffield and this is what we've been missing.



St. Heliers beach, a short bike ride from our home on a hot, busy Sunday afternoon.

Out West

We took a trip to West Auckland to catch up with Tuan & Yen and their family. The beaches out west are known for their wild and rip currents so we decided not to go for a swim. As always the kids had a great time just being together.



Theo got crushed when they hit the bottom - a little moan and he was fine.



'Cheeky!'



Theo making easy work of the climbing frame.



This is the whaft where many people go to catch the fish.

Seeing is believing...

Here's something you will not have seen before. Roger presiding over a hot barbeque. He's spent his adult life avoiding the responsible of cooking in the great outdoors, but Kiwi life has finally caught up with him and he can offer course in mild food posioning - visitors beware!



Ahh, look at his little sausage...



Success, it might look good, but will there be any takers.



Theo takes the plunge with great pleasure.



Yasmin just can't get enough. I wonder how often the barbie will see action in 2007. We'll keep you posted.

Roger gets the call...

Over the past months Roger has had to respond to the continuing taunts of local cricket fans as the England cricket team suffer a number of crushing defeats at the hands of rivals Australia. So, he took to the nets in an attempt to put himself in prime position to give the England team a boost should they decide to call upon his services.

A long session in the nets proved a worthwhile experience.

Facing a bowling machine pitching balls between 60 - 70mph (and the odd one at 99mph) and striking each delivery with consumate ease was enough to give the selectors food for thought. He's still waiting by the phone...

However, the next generation are showing great promise. Which country he will choose to represent remains undecided.