21st January 2018

No photos today but just a great appreciation for a wonderful holiday and our home to come back to. It's been deeply satisfyng to wash cars, mow lawns and get loads of laundry dry!
A quiet day with all the kids away or working so good time together

Had a great swim in the sea this evening at Mellons Bay with Tess jumping the waves with us.
Interesting chat with Sam who has resigned so we may getc to see him sooner than expected. ..watch this space.
Despite it being schoolwork it was satisfying to start putting ideas down and planning for the term ahead.  Wade working on the TOD science presentation and am quite happy with how it' come together. ..I hope it's what's wanted!
All in all any immensely satisfying day

13th January 2018

What started out as a very wet day definitely ended with a cloudy sky but no more deluge.
We tried to get to  Wharariki beach but the road was flooded to above the fence posts. We tried walking in only to meet with flooded fields around the corner. All very exciting.
Popped in at the  Wainui falls where there was a ton of water flowing. ..it was dramatic!
Grateful today that the rain finally stopped and we were able to see a bit more of the area.
Tramp starts tomorrow!

13th January 2018

Grateful today for safe travels in getting to Golden  Bay, finding a dry and warm motel, hearing from  Ben about his flying and how great his weather is. Feeling a bit sorry for ourselves that our own weather is so wet but thenough we've had sunshine every time we've stopped to look at things!

12th January 2018

Haven't had a chance to post the past couple of days. We've hadone this really awesome time on the  Shard on the Marlborough Sounds with the Smaills. Managed to swim, snorkel, catch fish,  eat mussels and really get away from it all...what a wonderful experience.
Tonight we're at The Tophouse close to  Nelson Lakes...a new area for us. Somewhat rainy and grey which does put a bit of a dampness on things. Still we were able to do a BIG load of washing. ..have a lovely cottage and are warm and dry. ..tomorrow's another day.
Ben and Sam are both safe and I'm grateful for that.

6th January 2018

Grateful for living in a time of peace - having been through the war memorial museum.
Great to collect Ben an Rachel from the airport for the next part of our adventure.
Excellent Thai food either French crepes for dessert and a ride up the Wellington cable car

Despite the wind which howled today and the cooler temperatures it'seems been a great day.

5th January 2018

Grateful for heaps today :
*Hasslefree SA High Commission passport applications
*Sunshine for the morning as well drove around to Red Rocks
* privileged to have a  4x4 to drive onto the beach with and save ourselves a LONG walk
* great drive on remote roads to Makura Beach
* fascinating visit to Makura cemetry with all the different cultural groups identified and catered for
* fantastic meal at a Mexican restaurant with wonderful food.  Original decor and great sangria
* finally, knowing the kids are safe after the diabolical weather in Auckland. ..awesome footage on the Grapevine!

4th January 2018

Grateful today for safe travels from Auckland to Wellington despite rain all the way. Nice hotel and great beer at Foxgloves pub on the beachfront.