Our trip to Taupo/Hamilton

Asleep in car after a coffee bun
Playing with Tim at Roanne and Roger's wedding
Checking out the ducks in Taupo

The first weekend in March saw us off on another wee holiday. Long time family friend, Roanne, married her partner Roger in Huntly on Friday 7th March. We left home on Thursday and spent the night in Taupo and continued on to Huntly the following day. The Caves all went except Geoff and we all stayed in a great farm house just out of Huntly. It was heaps of fun for the kids (JD, Maddie, Riley and Cullen) as there were lots of farm animals to watch. We took Cullen's little bike and the kids all had turns on the driveway. On Friday afternoon we drove in tandem to the wedding and enjoyed a fabulous afternoon and evening watching Roanne and Roger get married. They had really thought of the children and provided entertainment, great nibbles and little gift bags for them. Grant particularly enjoyed the magician's show. Grant and I were designated baby sitters that evening and after Kylie had tucked her three into bed we settled down to watch American Idol (our fav!). The following day we headed to Roanne's farm for lamb on the spit and then after a major meltdown from Cullen, we were back on the road to Taupo.

We had a lovely evening in Taupo on the Saturday and then on Sunday morning walked into town along the Lake Front. It was gorgeous. After a wee shop and stop at McD's for a big play in the super cool (and clean!) playground we headed back to pack up and head for home. Cullen was a dream on the way back and he slept for about 3.5 hours - almost all the way home.

Our Beach Holiday

Totally cute!
Cullen and Amber at Beach House in Waitarere
Cullen and Daddy
Ross (Grandad), Cullen and Grant enjoying morning tea.
Getting stuck in - making the biggest sandcastle ever
This hole was really deep! Cullen got covered in sand.

In February, Grant had two weeks annual leave. One of which we spent in Waitarere at a friend's beach house. It was a terrific break with some great weather. Cullen got used to the beach and really enjoyed it on our last day when there was no wind. He enjoyed getting stuck into the sand and water with Grant. Ross and Carol came up to spend the weekend with us. Ross bought the boat in the hope that there might be some fishing but the waves were too big to launch it - big disappointment. Rach and Andy also stayed two nights with us which was fun. Andy and I tackled two wasjig's. It was a mission to finish the 2nd one before we left for home. I even managed to get Grant to help me.

It was a fabulous two weeks holiday with Grant at home. In the second week, I was offered two days relieving and Grant had Cullen for two days. They had a ball. We are all looking forward to our next big holiday - probably next year!!!