Swim sports

Today was the Middle school swim sports, but I missed Saffron who was first off the block, but got some of India, who won every race in her group easy!  and that's with giving them a head start!  I think they put her in a too easy group!

Autumn Fashion

Cold mornings have arrived, heralding the arrival of Autumn.  But hark I hear you cry, what happened to summer ???  A complete wash out, no tan this year!  non the less the girls need new gummies and some long sleeve tops..............

Continuing in the almost twin theme, still the same clothes (age 10) and shoes (UK 1).....  matching red and grey stripy tops, matching gummies, matching blue (modelled by India) and Red tunics too, also some socks and black and grey trousers.

So all set for the colder days...... and wet summer!

New school year 2012

India and Saffron are returning to Silverstream school to years 4 and 3 and new classes and teachers.  Josh starts Fergusson Intermediate, very nervous and excited at the same time.  First time in 6 weeks he is up before 8am!  Although Saffron is still not a morning person - see the grump!

It should be a fun day all round!!!

Hangdog 1

Day one of the two week Hangdog membership, with mum as ground based support and rope person!

Hair colouring

India has gone for the semi permanent Nanna look with pink added and Saffron is going Goth black!

Josh also has some light red highlights.......... but will not be photoed!

Ohope 2012 part 2

In between the rain we had a few bright days, not that the rain stopped the girls once they discovered the slides were not so scary, they were up and down them all day!  stopping for ice creams, hot chips and when the closed the pool, which was good as they had evening movies too and organised holiday club run by a lovely 20 year old Alison.  Josh was happy to cross the road to the wharf and go fishing on his Todd......  if only he had taken a hat and put suncream on.....

We managed to get to the amazing mazing maze !  ice creams were well deserved that day, no cheats map required!!   Not much other sight seeing to be done, kids were more than happy with holiday club activities, pool, fishing and beach....

a full moon in Ohope

Moon over Ohope

sand sculpture activity

Ohope 2012 part1

 The road trip up there was a good start with views of three volcanoes (4 if you include the Taupo Caldera)!  We stayed overnight at DeBretts Holiday park in Taupo and visited the hot mineral pools.  A little warm, so an hour was enough!  not a cheap hour either!

The kids were keen for an early start the next morning and the sun came out as we travelled some pretty deserted and quiet back roads up to Ohope.  Happily we arrived to warm sun, so getting the tent up was hot and sweaty, but thankfully not wet!  We had 1 full day of sunshine before the weather crapped out with heavy rain and gales.

Some Desert Road Geology

Volcanic sunset from Taupo

Mt Ruapehu

A break to get the Kayak out in the harbour

and the weather crapped out....rain gales

Josh in the camp site pool