tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65151468937178526632024-03-13T21:09:25.281-07:00Here in New ZealandZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515146893717852663.post-80240507856727389992017-06-12T04:12:00.000-07:002017-06-12T04:12:43.780-07:00Pohutukawa<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2883.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2883.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515146893717852663.post-44802378886769471792017-01-06T18:58:00.000-08:002017-01-06T18:58:20.386-08:00Piha, Lion Rock, and hot iron sandSo much for keeping this blog up to date. Never mind. I'll just post things when I get around to it :) They just might not be in the order we did them. But you'll still get to see some of the loveliness of New Zealand.
We took a trip out to Piha - it isn't really that far, it just feels like it because the road is so windy.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2771.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2771.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2774.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2774.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
When you finally get through the Waitakere ranges you come around the corner and all the glory of Piha is laid out in front of you. We couldn't stop to take a good photo as the parking bays were all full (and you really can't stop anywhere else as the road is so narrow), so I had to get a shot on the move, so it's not the best, but it still works.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2777.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2777.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
Lion Rock is that big rock in the middle of the beach. You are allowed to climb about 2/3rds of the way up and then there is a gate/fence stopping you from going any further (supposedly, we saw a few people go around it).
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2791.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2791.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2807.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2807.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
So we had our lunch sitting in the shade of the rock, and then climbed it.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2782.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2782.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2809.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2809.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2795.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2795.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
See our tiny car down there? And all the little ant people :)
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2800.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2800.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2797.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2797.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2801.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2801.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
Then we came down again.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2813.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2813.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2810.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2810.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
After coming down we played in the surf for a while. We didn't go too far out, partly because we didn't have our togs, and partly because the currents and rips at Piha can be dangerous and we weren't in one of the two lifeguard patrolled areas.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2841.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2841.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2843.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2843.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2851.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2851.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2863.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2863.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
The patterns the iron in the sand made when the waves washed over it were pretty cool.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2829.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2829.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2835.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2835.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2871.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2871.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2873.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2873.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
If I remember what they told us when we moved here the year 8's get to learn surf safety in their swimming lessons during the first term. DS missed it last year due to our late start at that school, but DD will get it this year. With so many beaches around I think that is a good idea.Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515146893717852663.post-64824220686453583722016-05-09T21:56:00.001-07:002016-05-09T21:56:45.346-07:00One Tree HillWe had a great time at One Tree Hill on ANZAC day (a public holiday here in NZ and in Australia), there was a bit of a chill in the wind, but it was still a beautiful day. We spent most of the afternoon down at the foot of the hill near the Greenlane Road entrance to Cornwall Park with friends celebrating a birthday. Later on as the sun was setting we went up to the top and saw the spire close up (and the hole that was the tree once upon a time), and then down into the crater where the kids played with the rock words.<br/><br/>
The earthen ledges that you can see in some of the photos are the remains of the Maori Pa that used to be on the hill.<br/><br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1897.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1897.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1899.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1899.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1906.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1906.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p> They have sheep and cows on the hill - so the city folk know what the rest of the country is like :p<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1908.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1908.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1914.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1914.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p> See Rangitoto in the background - it shows up a lot of places<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1918.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1918.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p> You can see the Sky Tower and downtown to the left of the background, and North Head (where we were last week) is at the base of Rangitoto on the right<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1937.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1937.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p> Facing the airport - the small white blob in the center is a plane coming in to land.<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1919.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1919.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1934.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1934.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1939.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1939.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1932.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1932.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p> The crater is just to the right of this photo - I couldn't get a good photo of the crater from above as that was the direction the sun was setting.<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1945.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1945.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p> The crater, where people write messages with the volcanic rocks left behind<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1952.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1952.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1941.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1941.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1955.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1955.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1956.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1956.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515146893717852663.post-4311794147872301502016-04-24T00:10:00.000-07:002016-04-24T00:10:15.462-07:00Volcano huntingWe have decided to visit all 53 volcanoes in Auckland. Actually I suppose that should be all 53 known-so-far volcanoes. So last week we met up with some old and good friends and found the first four (Lake Pupuke, North Head, Mt Victoria, and Mt Cambria).
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1879.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1879.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p> (all the black crosses are the volcanoes yet to go, the pins are the ones we've done - might have to make little flags that give the name (so we can identify what we've done) and don't have such a fat top so it's easier to get close ones in)<br/><br/>
(Here's a link to the list we are using in case you are interested - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland_volcanic_field)
<br/><br/>
We started just around the corner from home at Lake Pupuke. It was very peaceful and had lots of Tuis, but they wouldn't sit still for a photograph, so you don't get to see those. So we wandered around, read about the two craters joining to make the lake (we visited Sylvan Park which is on the point between the two craters), and then decided that low tide was about 20 minutes away, so if we went around to Takapuna Beach now we could see if we could identify the remains of the Kauri forest. Turns out that wasn't difficult, and it was actually really cool. So we spent quite a while clambering over the rocks seeing how the trees had left behind all these rock pools.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1741.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1741.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1740.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1740.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1745.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1745.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p> (see - no Tuis to photograph)<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1786.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1786.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1788.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1788.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1751.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1751.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1756.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1756.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1758.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1758.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1761.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1761.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1764.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1764.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1766.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1766.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1770.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1770.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1772.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1772.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
We didn't really think much of the 'specially preserved with metal grate over the top' mould - it looked more like a rubbish dump. Although it was quite large.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1781.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1781.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1782.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1782.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
Then we headed down to North Head where we had lunch and the kids climbed on the guns, and slid down the hill on pieces of cardboard. We also fed the birds and went through the tunnels and cave system, even played on the piano that is in one lookout point.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1850.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1850.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p> Lake Pupuke and Takapuna Beach are up that way further.<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1800.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1800.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1810.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1810.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1812.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1812.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1817.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1817.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>This is where some went down and some went up.<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1823.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1823.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1826.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1826.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1835.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1835.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1842.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1842.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1844.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1844.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1845.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1845.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1848.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1848.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1804.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1804.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p> Looking over to Mt Victoria.<br/><br/>
Mt Victoria came next, not quite as much climbing to be had, but still fun.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1853.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1853.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1856.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1856.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>Looking back to North Head - we were just there!!<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1858.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1858.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>The gun at the summit.<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1860.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1860.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>View of the Harbour Bridge and out to the west.<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1864.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1864.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>There were tunnels here too, but they were gated up so we couldn't go down them.<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1865.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1865.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>The gun from below.<br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1866.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1866.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>Mt Cambria is down there, with Rangitoto in the background.<br/><br/>
Lastly we found Cambria Reserve - none of us had heard of it before so it was new to all of us.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1867.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1867.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1872.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1872.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1870.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1870.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1877.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1877.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1873.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1873.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>Looking back up to Mt Victoria.<br/><br/>
After that we decided we needed ice-cream as a reward for all our hard work :) (we didn't get the 8 scoop one, we only had 2 scoops each).
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1878.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1878.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2016-04-19_153002.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_2016-04-19_153002.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
Next up tomorrow is One Tree Hill - or rather No Tree Hill, since the tree got chopped down by a protesting Maori, and has never been replaced.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1841.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1841.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p> You can just see it with the spire on the top to the very left of this photo - to the right is Mt Eden (cos it's the tallest), and I think inbetween is Mt Hobson and Mt Saint Johns.<br/><br/>
Our final volcano is going to be Rangitoto - pictured here from North Head - also pictured is Browns Island, another volcano on the list.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1792.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1792.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1814.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1814.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515146893717852663.post-39250694591152817092016-04-22T22:46:00.000-07:002016-04-22T22:46:19.273-07:00Getting settledWell, we are now in our own house with our own furniture again. The furniture won't all fit in, so some is being stored for later times (but we did get 21 of our 23 Billy bookcases in :)).
<br/><br/>
Our house in Austin sold nice and quickly with only a little bit of fuss, so we don't have to worry about that any more which is nice.
<br/><br/>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1889.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1889.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
It's hard to see in the photos but it's built on a hill, so the driveway is slightly steep (the delivery truck kept grounding out trying to get up the driveway to deliver our furniture), and the ground level goes up a story between the front and the back of the house. So that deck on the upper level at the side (that you can't really see because it's behind the tree) comes out almost on the ground at the back.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1895.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1895.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
The deck. You can see at the far end the open door from the lounge. In the middle is the windows in the stairwell (the one you can't see is almost to ground level). Then finally at the back is our bedroom, with another door out to the deck. And underneath the top of Kathryn's room.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1890.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1890.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
The back garden - no grass to mow at all.
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We have one neighbour on almost the same level as us, but everyone else is different, mostly below, so it feels reasonably private even though we're not that far away.
<br/><br/>
And inside:
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1709.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1709.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
The lounge which is open plan with the dining room. The top of the stairs are coming up on the right hand side, and the view is out to the deck.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1711.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1711.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1710.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1710.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1715.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1715.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
This doorway is to the right of the stairs and leads to the master bedroom and upstairs bathroom. All the doors to the left are the hotwater/linen cupboard.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1714.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1714.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
The narrow and sharply bent stairs - getting a fridge up there was a mission, especially since there was only one delivery guy so I had to help him.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1721.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1721.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
At the bottom of the stairs looking in from the front door - that's Kathryn's bedroom straight ahead, and the downstairs bathroom to the left. Matthew's door is directly opposite Kathryn's (you could just see his windows through the lower part of the tree in the first photo). Kathryn's room is built into the hillside and under the deck and it's always cold. Upstairs gets sun all day and overheats.
<br/><br/>
And just for fun a couple of mushroom colonies growing in the backyard.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1734.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1734.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1892.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1892.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515146893717852663.post-21420793915636257232016-02-27T22:04:00.000-08:002016-02-27T22:05:44.990-08:00It's been a month nowAnd two weeks since the last post. So I really should write a bit more. But there's not really much to say. We're plodding along, sorting things out slowly, trying to find jobs and making a new list of things we'll have to do once we've done that (like find a permanent place to live). We've had word that the boat with all our stuff will arrive in NZ on the 3rd of March, not sure how long it will take to get through customs, but at least we have a getting closer date.
</br></br>
So I'm just going to put up some pictures of the Firth of Thames as seen from here for your enjoyment.
</br>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0542.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0542.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1576.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1576.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1580.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1580.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1581.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1581.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1587.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1587.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1589.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1589.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1590.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1590.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1592.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1592.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1595.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1595.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1596.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1596.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1527.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1527.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1539.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1539.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1546.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1546.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1569.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1569.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0005_2.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0005_2.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0015_2.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0015_2.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515146893717852663.post-73714569766884001992016-02-09T00:02:00.003-08:002016-02-09T00:02:42.034-08:00Our first day of TechHi this is Kathryn.
We've just went to our first tech lesson, I was doing cooking and Matthew was doing Hard materials. We cooked muffins from scratch, and we each made different flavours of muffins. I made first made vanilla and chocolate muffins with dried apricots inside (super yummy!) second we made double chocolate muffins (also super yummy!) third we made cheese and onion muffins (:P) I didn't eat any!
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0003_2.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0003_2.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
We had to take a bus to get to the other school, so we had to get to school earlier than normal. We almost missed it as we forgot about getting there early until the last minute. It had already picked up kids from the other school that go on the same day we do, and then it picked us up, and then we went to the school where we do the tech classes.
Here's a picture of the result after getting them home - they got a bit squashed, especially since I had to take them out of the oven before they were fully cooked.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0004_2.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0004_2.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
We rotate subjects every four lessons, so next term we'll be doing something different. Our class has three kids from the other school and three from ours. Matthew's class has eleven kids, but I'm not sure if any more people are coming in their class. We get to go swimming at the other school too, there is a morning tea and a lunch, which both have breaks after which we get to play on their enormous playground. We get to swim just before lunch.
Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515146893717852663.post-5067771017159703022016-02-02T16:16:00.000-08:002016-03-05T12:43:44.290-08:00A Small School<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1556.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1556.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></a></p>
Yesterday was the first day of the school year (well, technically Monday was, but this region had a holiday (regional anniversary day) then, so it was Tuesday instead). We started school with a Maori welcome ceremony for the new teachers (2 of), and new students (just us yesterday, with 2 more today). Afterwards we had to shake the hands of everyone in the school - good thing it is only tiny :)
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1553.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1553.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></a></p>
Everyone was back at school after their six weeks off for summer (and Christmas). Our school is very small with only 30-40 students over years 1 through 8 (primary (yr 1-6) plus intermediate (7-8)). Matthew is in year 8, and Kathryn is in year 7. That means high school next year for Matthew (high school is years 9-13).
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1396.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1396.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></a></p>
To get to school we have to walk out the end of our part of the town, and past the cow paddocks, with the beach on the other side of the road, and into school.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0546-2.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_0546-2.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></a></p>
Our school has a uniform - school shirts (which we had to buy when we got to school the first morning, and then change in the bathroom), black bottoms, and shoes are optional - except on Tech days. Every second week on a Tuesday a bus comes to the school to pick up all the year 7 and 8 students (or intermediate age) and take them to another school with tech rooms - where they will all do metalwork, woodwork, cooking, and sewing.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1550.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1550.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></a></p>
Our school pool wasn't quite ready for swimming in on the first day, we have to take our togs (swimsuits) every day for swimming, and the pool should be ready before the end of the week.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1552.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1552.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></a></p>
We are both in the same classroom - we only have two classes at school - the juniors (yr 1-4) and the seniors (yr 5-8). We start school at 8.50am, and finish at 2.50pm. We have interval/morning tea (recess) for 20 minutes in the morning, and a 40 minute lunch break where we get to eat our home-made lunches outside and then play. There is no school cafeteria.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1551.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1551.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1557.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1557.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
We can spend our free time playing on the play equipment (mostly for the younger kids, the older ones tend to break it so we aren't really allowed on it). Or playing on the school fields and court (the rugby field seen over the back of the cow paddock, and the netball court in front of the swimming pool).Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515146893717852663.post-51696458350391400922016-01-31T01:19:00.002-08:002016-01-31T13:19:18.146-08:00Starting OutIt's time for a new chapter in our lives, and so this blog was born as a way to keep all those who are interested up to date with what we're doing. I'm hoping I will get the kids to contribute some posts too.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1239.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1239.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
We were happily living in Austin, Texas until the beginning of January when we were told that Phillip's company no longer had the money to pay him and so he had no job, and hence no visa, and we therefore had 2 weeks to leave the country. This cued a mad rush of sorting and packing and figuring out how we were going to manage everything that needed to be done.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1372.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1372.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
We did it though, and got out and the house is now up for sale, and we're settling in here in New Zealand.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1526.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1526.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
We got here at 6.30am on Sunday morning, first stop was McDonalds for breakfast which had us laughing - travel halfway across the world just to go to McDonalds.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1534.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1534.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
But then we got down to Kaiaua and the beach. Swimming has featured somewhere each day since - the togs barely get time to dry. Kathryn especially loves the water, Matthew not so much. The temperature has us melting (the breezes are nice) - it may be cooler than Austin, but I think the humidity is higher, and there's no air con. The sun is stronger too - we've all managed to get pink tinges despite hats and sunblock and stuff.
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{pretend there is a picture of fish and chips here - I forgot to take one - I'll try and remember (before they are eaten) next time}
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Fish and Chips (with Pineapple Rings) earned the thumbs up, as did all the flavours of ice cream (although we haven't tried them all yet), and chocolate fish. L&P had a lukewarm reception, and black forest chocolate is apparently all mine - not that I mind at all :)
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1274.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1274.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
Kathryn has helped Grandad hang washing out on the line, and Grandma pick vegetables, Matthew has just had his nose in a book most of the time - he was interested in the strawberry plants though.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1253.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1253.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
In the first week we have applied for citizenship for the kids, discovered we didn't need to apply to change a foreign drivers license to a NZ one - we just needed to renew our old NZ ones, opened a bank account, found a doctor, found our IRD numbers, and enrolled the kids in school (which starts for the year next week).
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1266.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1266.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>
This weekend is a big fishing contest here in Kaiaua, so we're expecting a bit of traffic (this is all relative of course, a bit of traffic here is slightly different to a bit of traffic in Austin). And we get to visit some old friends.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1543.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimagesNZ/IMG_1543.JPG" width=300 style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com4