It's been a while

A few of the kids

Sunset at Piha

Pics are backwards but a few weeks ago we zoomed out to Piha in the afternoon to catch the sunset. It was so nice, we took a picnic for dinner and ate out there too. The kids loved it.

Sausage Roll

Muddy Puddle

Maia found this puddle of mud and just loved it. She ran through it back and forth for ages!

Nana Dulcie comes to visit

Dean's Aunty Margaret is over from the States so we had everybody over for a bit of Sunday afternoon tea. We were happy Nana made the trip too, at 94 she does pretty well!!

TNP Crew

Dean's regular Thursday night appointment...

Rutherford Preschool Multi-Cultural Night

Each year the kids preschool has a cultural night. Nathan was in a couple of little songs, they did a vegie haka - "Aporo Aporo, Panana, Panana, Kumara, Kumara, Kareti, Kareti - HI!!!" And in a story where he was one of the Waka paddlers :)

Ryoko's 21st Birthday

Bruce and Miriam have got a Japanese Student/Teacher staying with them for 2 weeks. To celebrate her 21st we took her out for dinner and showed her around the city at night. For some funny reason we took her to a Japanese restaurant, i'm sure she's had lots of Japanese food in her life, but hey, just in case she was missing it I guess?

Nathan working those chopsticks

Auckland City at night from Mt Eden

Tipene's 2nd birthday

The kids were invited to Tipene's 2nd birthday. It was a cool afternoon with lots of party goodies and games. The kids had great fun!!

Playing as a good friend

Nathan was given this star at Mat time at Pre-School for 'Playing as a good friend". The story as told by Nathan...

"Victor was running and fell over and started crying. I ran over and patted his back and asked him if he was alright. Marie my teacher came over and said that I was a good friend for helping Victor. At mat time she gave me this star."

A few pics

In the morning at Dawnhaven

Having breakfast in the sun

Is this a cuddle or a tackle? Kael's not so sure

"Now Nathan, what style can I give you today?"

My baby turns 2

Maia turned 2 on the 6th August. She went to Pre-school that day and shared some little cupcakes with her little buddies.

Later that afternoon she got to open her present from Mum and Dad

She carefully gave it the taste test first

It passed, she loved her little baby doll. She loves her teddys and now has a little baby to add.

The next day we had some of the Family over for dinner as a little celebration, she doesn't know what's going on yet, but it was a good excuse to get together

Here she is with Poppa, Nathan and Brobee

With the Cuzzies

Nathan on a mission in the background

To make a bridge

And then test it out - it was a good bridge!!

Picnic for the kids

A feed of Mussels for the adults

Ready for Bed!!!

Whanau trip to Wellington

Yay, we scored some cheap flights to Wellington - so off we headed for a couple of days. The kids were good on the plane, Nathan loved looking out of the window and even chuckled that is 'tummy tickled' with the tiny bit of turbulence we experienced.

We stayed at my cousin Kirsty and her husband Andy's house, which was near the airport and very handy. It was great catching up with them and also my other cousin Cameron and his family. It was a great quick trip that we'll have to do again sometime...

Lil Miss just had to push the trolley

In the air

Rugged up and playing outside

Sunday was pretty typically windy Wellington. I enjoyed the waterfront, I think they have it well set up in Wellington for families. I think Auckland could learn a lot from Wellinton in making the inner city more user and family friendly, giving more access to the waterfront areas!!! Hmm maybe I better join the Supercity council and give my 10c worth :)

Walking along the waterfront to Te Papa Museum

Hanging out at the Blue Whale Heart

We got home from our Te Papa trip to find some cuzzies to play with

Maia and Zoe

Nathan and Jake being "Marching Gorillas"

Max

Nathan and Jake keeping the Gorilla theme

A bit of chill out time on the couch

Our good friend the Navman - helping us get around Wellington

Monday was a beautiful day, and we set off looking for Seals, there was none to be found, but we enjoyed the beautiful scenery

A drive through town past the Beehive

Up the Cable Car

From the top of the Cable car we went for a walk through the Botanic Gardens and came across this cool playground

Then the Navman helped us get to Petone to visit Anna and the kids. Jake got home from school and the kids had a great time with Dean on the Tramp