What does it takes to be a beach bum?

Well we've been working on mastering our "beach bum" abilities! It's quite a challenge to leave every morning and ensure that you have enough snacks, sandwiches, fruits, drinks, sunscreen, beach toys, beach shelters, towels, nappies, etc to last the entire day. You don't want to find yourself on any of the spectacular beaches without some of the key amenities! You would then only have a great time instead of an amazing time. So, to improve our "beach bum" abilities we've put ourselves to the test by going to the beach everyday this week:
Monday - Oakura Beach
Tuesday - Ocean Beach
Wednesday - Whananaki Beach
Thursday - Oakura Beach
Friday - Morrisey Bay Beach

It hasn't been easy. Lots of sun, sand and hot weather! Always at least +24C. The ocean is very warm and full of waves. Makes it a real challenge not to spend a couple of hours playing in the waves with our buggy board or walking along the beach. We always have to remember to reapply our sunscreen.

And we can't forget all that white stuff. It's everywhere when we come home. In our chilly bin, in the pram, in our beach bag. Mackenzie and Breeana have some everywhere, not including the bulk they ate at the beach!

But you know what it's all been worth it! Probably only another week or so and we will have it down to a science.

A Kiwi Christmas Holiday

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Where has the time gone... these past couple of weeks have gone by in a flash. It feels like it was just yesterday that we picked up aunt Jacqueline, Mr. and Mrs G. in Auckland and yet, aunt Jacqueline left on the weekend to continue the rest of her journey on this side of the world and Mr. and Mrs. G. left two nights ago to make their way back home to snowy, cold, white Ottawa/Gatineau.

Time went by quickly because we were so busy taking it all in...

We didn't give Mr. and Mrs. G or Jacqueline, any time to rest! Everyday was a new adventure.

We started off with a drive out to Oakura and Helenas' Bay. You will all remember this one since it is one of the winddiest roads on the North island. We also took them to some of our favourites beaches - Pataua, Matapouri.

Then we all got to experience an authentic Kiwi Christmas at the beach thanks to Glenis and Chris, Leon and Lea and Aaron (Sara's family). We had so much fun. As promised, there was amazing company, tons of food (mostly all barbecued items), lots of drink, sun, heat and ocean. Santa even managed to know that Mackenzie and Breeana were going to be there. They both received some beach gear and most importantly - kiwi icons: their very own "busy bee" and "marylou doll". Since then "busy bee" and "marylou" are part of the family and travel everywhere with us.

We also spent a few days up North at Cable bay so that Mr. and Mrs. G and Jacqueline could tour around Cape Reinga on the 90 mile bus tour. The weather was fantastic so we obviously had to go to the beach as well. It's been great not only to admire the beaches and the ocean but finally swim in it as well.

You can't come to the North island and not visit the Bay of islands. So we drove along old Russell road (very scenic drive along the coast) to make our way up to the Bay of islands. When we arrived we booked our boat cruise to see some of the 144 islands that are found there. The high points of the cruise were to see hundreds of dolphins and to actually sail through "the rock".

Over the entire holiday period we spent lots of time enjoying good food and great company with Margaret & Selwyn (Fraser's parents), Glenis and Chris (Sara's parents), Cheryl & Tommo, Frog, Johanne and Jessica. They have all spoiled us and made sure that our Christmas here in NZ would be unforgettable. Thank you for making it so.

Finally, we spent New Years' eve at Ocean Beach, New year's day at Ruakaka Beach and then finished it all off with some shopping and sightseeing in Auckland.

The house feels empty now...