Our first geocache

We went on our first hunt for a geocache, and we are now on the board with a smiley face. For those who are not familiar with geocaching - in a nutshell it is a world-wide treasure hunt to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a GPS. You'd be surprised at how many people play, and how many geocaches are hidden in your area!

So we found this geocache on our stroll through Western Park after dinner at Ponsonby food court.







Inside the box was another surprise - a Travel Bug.



We'll make sure it goes somewhere interesting for someone else to find, and perhaps we may end up seeing it again (I'm hoping in Rome, or maybe around Angkor Wat, or perhaps Machu Picchu (although the likelihood of me getting to the 15th-century Inca site is pretty slim compared to other destinations). Who knows, maybe the Travel Bug and I won't even make it anywhere since 21 December 2012 is approaching pretty rapidly.

Anyway, Western Park was the perfect place for us to find our first cache. We love it here, and feel so lucky to have this park as our local.







There was an interesting looking cloud hovering over the Sky Tower this evening. Unfortunately I only had my iPhone so the photo doesn't do it justice.

Motoring to McKenzie Bay

We would have sailed there if the centreboard was down on the boat. Instead we motored out there last Sunday from our mooring at Northcote Point and it was just as exciting.




The view of Devonport as we passed.

Kien spent a lot of the time in the cabin. He just wanted to goof around down there, running back and forth, crawling around, finding loose screws and things of that nature.





He got motion sickness only once, and was really good about it. I'm impressed that at almost three years old he alerted "Mummy, I have a sore tummy. I'm going to vomit", and I gave him the bucket and afterwards he was all chirpy again.

Kien thought the Rangitoto Lighthouse looked like a sky tower. There's definitely some resemblance.



Heading straight for McKenzie Bay. We weren't the only ones.



After logging our journey Jef rowed us ashore.





Kien found that yellow ball in the black lava stones, and it was his new favourite toy for the entire day.



We had some lunch and enjoyed the warmth of the day.



Jef then rowed us to a little island not far away. It was great. We were the only ones there.









Of course Kien couldn't help himself and eventually ended up in the water.



It was such a fabulous day - a wonderful family outing. Roll in summer holidays!

Love those lights

Ahh yes, now we are well and truly into December, and those good folks living on Franklin Rd have once again embraced the spirit of Christmas. Last night we waited until it was dark (and well past Kien's bedtime), and walked up the street to Franklin Rd.

I love the effort that is put in for us Aucklanders to enjoy.









Santa's vehicle - full of wrapped presents. So cool!



Maybe this weekend we'll go and splurge out on lights to deck out our balcony. The inspiration is there!

Visiting at the mount

It was perfect beach weather last weekend. Just as well since we were staying at a beach house 300 meters away from the beautiful sandy shores at Mount Maunganui. Straight after work last Friday we threw our gears into the car, collected a toddler from daycare and headed straight onto SH1 south. A brief stop for dinner at my folks restaurant and we arrived at our destination a little shy of 3 hours. We were back in holiday mode!

We lazed around the house Saturday morning before making our way to the sand.





It feels so fabulous to be in the sunshine, on the sand, watching the crashing of waves as you breathe in the salty air.



Kien loves to run around with his camera taking photos.



Jef showed off his woodworking skills.







It was an awesome morning at Mt Maunganui beach.



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Another little cousin - Sophie

Kien's second, second cousin - sister to Thomas.





Three weeks old and cute as can be.





We spent a pleasant afternoon hanging out at Michelle and Mat's place.

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Summiting Mt Maunganui

Mid afternoon and we chucked Kien in the backpack and made our way up to the top of the mountain.





The views were spectacular.







This was where our cruise liner docked last year when we came through for the day.



On the way down we came across a beautiful native bird, the Tui.



It was a splendid walk indeed.





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BBQ at the house

Of course a hot and sunny day isn't complete unless there is a gathering and a BBQ to top it all off. So the family congregated at the house for aforementioned gathering.



Sophie looks like a doll in her pretty little dress.



It was so good to see everyone last weekend, and to meet the new addition.



You forget how little these creatures are when they come out. They look so delicate in the arms of strong, handsome men.