Arataki in Waitakere

Winter in Auckland can produce some lovely spring like days. What makes the city so spectacular is the beauty of the landscape on the western fringes. We took a little walk around the Arataki visitors centre.



Here we are framed and ready to hang on our wall.



There's lots of Maori art to enjoy.



Views from the Waitakere Ranges out to sea.



Theo leading the way.

What a beautiful winter scene.

Everywhere you go there are trees, trees, trees...

and more trees.

But you can't escapre the wonderful sculptures.

When you have views like this to enjoy it's difficult to be too miserable.

Half Term Fun

Half term is always a challenge to keep the kids entertained. During this break we went with Jo and her daughter Anna to the Museum of Transport and Technology. This is our second visit - the last one being in 2004 during of holiday. It hasn't changed much, but the kids are in a better place to enjoy the facilities.



Theo stepping up and giving a lesson in his first teaching post.



In the stocks...



Anna obviously likes being locked in...



...Theo pleading his innocence.

Confused in the hall of mirrors.

Jo taking time out during the Tram ride.

Brick Bay Sculpture Trail

On a cool day during the winter half term we continued our exploration of of Auckland with a trip to the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. It was one of those surprising trips where you discover something new around every corner. It's a trail we will certainly do again when the weather brightens. Check out their website www.brickbaysculpture.co.nz



The trail is set within a park and a fabulous new modern building.



Yasmin sets off to explore the sculpture trail and comes across one of the first exhibits.



This is called 'Silver' by Virginia King. It's a fab large scale sculpture in the landscape.



The atmosphere along the trail was great for the kids who never once complained. It really brings art to life.

We came across this 'frog' on a tree. The kids we so disappointed that is was not part of the scuplture trail but in fact a fungi.

Small World

During the recent half term Theo thought it would be a good idea to take Yasmin back to Monterey Park where there are many miniature models to view in the model and motor museum.



This is a model replica of the R. Tucker Thompson. On our first visit to New Zealand in 2004 we had the pleasure of sailing on the real thing. We lost those photo's so it was nice to be able to remind the kids of that voyage.



Back on the miniature train for a ride...



... as Yasmin finally get to share the experience.

Birthday party in full swing

George having her birthday party at home among some family and friends. Having a birthday in July in the UK for so many years, it was strange for George to have her birthday in mid-winter only to have the same weather as was experienced in the UK on the same day.



Roger and George looking a lovely.



Neighbours, family and friends gather in the window seat to talk about the meaning of life or was it the All Blacks first defeat against rivals Australia?



Craig, Sue and Jo in the bottom lounge keeping an eye on the kids at play.



Yasmin lets her hair down with her best kiwi friends Yen and Anna.

Tuan and Theo are caught out as they played their spy game.

Simon and Hassanah looking very happy and relaxed.

Boys will be boys. There's nothing like cake and a DVD to enhance ones concentration.

Converstaions continue as the alcohol works its magic.

George's Birthday

George celebrated her birthday in real Kiwi style. We had some new friends to share the moment and lots of laughter followed up with some drinking. Last year in the UK we sang Happy Birthday in nine languages, this year it was sung in English alone - so the challenge next year is to beat that.



George doing her best to huff and puff her way through another cake.



Success! As you can see, it was the children who were first to queue for a piece of the action.



Roger gets a well earned thank you peck on the cheek for all his efforts - the real truth is that gratitude should be given to Jo (in red) for actually making a wonderful birthday cake. Theo makes a sly attempt to steal a smartie.



Theo owns up and then demand the first slice.

There's no stopping Roger getting a piece of the action.