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.

Flooding in Sheffield

We've been following the news about the recent floods in Sheffield and seeing how our old stomping ground has been affected. Fortunately, not many of our friends have been directly hit by the floods, but the impact on the city has been quite devastating.

Here's the playground in Endcliffe Park submerged under flood waters. Thanks to Sarah for the picture. The forecast for the weekend is more rain - we hope it passes without too much trouble.

Cool as Ice

Theo took to the school stage for his first public performance. Roger was still in the UK, so this is a little hightlight of this important event.



The popularity of this Assembly Item event for Year 1 children meant a full hall and a very popular show.



Theo takes centre stage playing the role of a block of ice, an ice pop that melts.



Theo walking away very happy with his performance and the appreciation from his adoring audience.



The event was also an opportunity for parents to get together over lunch with the children and share some of the fun.

Hair Today...

When you're young you get the chance to experiment with all aspects of your physical appearance. So, we're not surprised to see the kids making some fashion statements with their hair.



Wild things...



Mr Rock and Roll...

'Now I know what it's like to have straight floppy hair.'

TV Moment

When you're tired and need a little break it's always nice to know you have someone to lean on.



The family keeping warm under Yasmin's birth blanket.

Shame there wasn't anything interesting on TV.

Midwinter Walk

We are in the deep midwinter here in Auckland and although it's 'cold', it's more like an autumn day. We took the kids on a familiar walk/bike ride by the beach at St. Hellier's to catch the morning sun, feel the cool southerly sea breeze upon our faces and tramp along the damp sand. It's always good to get some fresh air.



Roger still looking tired and jetlagged, but wrapped to keep the chill at bay.



George staring out towards the horizon.



Roger caught off guard.



Yasmin & Theo are becoming Kiwi kids with their short sleeves and short t-shirts - they actually thought it was too hot.

Theo walking along Tamaki Drive with its lovely views out to sea.