Whangamata 2008

The lads are walking to the beach. Last Christmas (slack yes I know, thought I'd better publish this with Christmas 2008 just around the corner) we had 10 days away at Whangamata, 2 hours drive South East of Auckland. We stayed in a bach on this road, within easy walking distance to the beach which due to fantastic weather, we visited every day.

Within seconds, Scorpio Son and Piscies Lad had made a friend and were kicking about in the shallows.

A section of the beach was roped off to protect the Doterill birds nesting area. This board gave a daily update of their progress, and it was a shame to see that numbers were decreasing, mainly due to attacks by dogs with careless owners. Check out the little shade huts that they build to protect their young.

Scorpio Son had a blast out on the Jetski with his Uncle Robbie.............................................

.............................while Piscies Lad patiently waited his turn, having a snuggle with Nanna.

We were lucky to have a lot of extended family staying at Whangamata, and on holiday from abroad, one afternoon, Ray's Mama and a Papa walked us through making pasta from scratch.

Looking good....................

Sliced, patted down, a little bit of flour and ready for the pasta machine.

Through she goes..................

Deliziosa - fresh Fettucine for dinner!!

On our way back to Auckland - we couldn't miss a trip through the town of Paeroa to visit a piece of Kiwiana. The big bottle of L&P (Lemon and Paeroa) - World Famous in NZ!

Rainbows End

For Scorpio son's 7th birthday, we went to Rainbows End, our local theme park. It was a huge success and he had no fear, wanting to ride everything possible. He has bombarded everyone he meets since to ask if they've been there, and what their favourite ride is. Of course he's hanging out big time for another visit. Here they are above with Rai and Bow the welcoming committee....

Flying Low.......

Log Flume.......

Tiger Woods.......

Steve Williams.......

Beaut West Coast

A calm day on the West Coast, very therapeutic it was, trekking along the sandy shore.

Oh Christmas Tree -- Au Naturale!!

Morning walks are a bit of a rare occurrence for me these days, unfortunately. I try and creep out about 6am, so as not to wake hubby or the lads, and I like to take my camera to capture morning magic along the way.

The picture above is of a Callistemon from the Myrtaceae family of which NZ's native "Pohutukawa" tree belongs to, taken on one of my morning strolls around the neighbourhood. The Pohutukawa is known as New Zealand's native Christmas Tree because of the bright red blooms which decorate the trees during the Christmas/summer season. They trigger memories of long summer days and holidays spent with friends and family in, on, around and under these magnificent trees.