Last Minute Dash to Waiwera Hot Pools

The next day was a bit of a blur, so I'm not even sure what to write here; but one thing is certain -- Dad promised us that we wouldn't leave New Zealand without at least one dip in the Waiwera Hot Pools. Apparently, the water is all heated by volcanoes?

As usual, Dad made us all late; and Regan and Amelia were having an afternoon sleep (because Dad was wearing them out as well), so we kinda arrived at Waiwera only 40 minutes before it closed.

    I had my floaty with me though, and had been sitting around the house all day, so was ready for adventure. Even though we drove half an hour to swim for half an hour, it was awesome all the same.

Check it out. (This is what it would have looked like if we'd got there during the day)...

After our great swim, we headed next door to the local tavern, poured everyone a nice cool pint of beer (Tui and Export Gold), or a glass of wine; then laughed at the how often the Canadian's giggled at the local New Zealand drunkards. 

Truth be told, the whole situation was catching up on us, and we were totally buggered by this point. (Regan and Lucy even took an off-ramp on the way up, only to drive off again, and hit the toll bridge anyways). 

Jaded, and ragged around the edges, the swim was worth the effort and the Seafood Basket was to die for. Cheers Waiwera - next time we'll show up when it's not raining and the sun's out.
    Yawn!
    Good night for now. I've got an early start in the morning... Mum says we've gotta get up at 4:30am to catch a flight to Dunedin, and...
    I'm pooped...

Wake me when it's time for breakfast...

Yawn* - or maybe, we'll just... eat on the plane...

zZz zZz zZz...

Auckland Zoo & Ragu Too

From Kalia Tattoo we hit up the Auckland Zoo. The Auckland section of the timetable was getting pretty squeezed now, especially with the extra day in the studio, so we invited everyone we could and headed down to see if we could find a Giraffe for Charlotte to gawk at. I'm running out of words now (after the marathon I just ran in the previous post), so here's a photo journal of the experience. Enjoy!

Charlotte riding on the Wildlife.

Lily, Angela, Charlotte, and Tui check out the geckos.

Peeky-You, Cheeky Monkeys!

Keep your eyes on the road, Charlotte.

Lorna, Catherine, Lily & Tui, Charlotte, Regan & Amelia, Angela, and Michelle.

Needless to say, it was a real hit with the kids, but with people from all the four winds tagging along with us, and a rumble in the tum; we had to come up with dinner plans quick smart. While the original idea was to head into the Viaduct for a bite to eat, the suggestion was made to go get Fish'n Chips and hang out on the beach at Point Chevalier. 

    The big bummer there was; none of the three F'n C shops in Point Chevalier were open. F*#k it! Plan B - Regan and Will-bob to the rescue.

    We packed the family off to the beach at the local picnic area at the end of the peninsula (as the Sun was getting dark) and turned tail back to Western Springs. When we couldn't locate a pizzeria, or burger joint, or hot dog stand, we had to act fast. 

Rolling up on Ragu, which was packed, we took our chances. I had to hide the blood that was leaking through my shirt during our stint at the Zoo and tidy myself up somewhat, but eventually; the Manager was called out, and agreed to set us up with a table outside "Just this once..."

    We radioed the troops, and after sending out a search party for a couple of avid shell collectors, we managed to car pool the whole tribe back down to the Countdown (supermarket) carpark across the road, and make it to the restaurant right before Michelle lost her mind with starvation and Charlotte turned into a pumpkin for the day. (I would say Amelia was also about to turn into a pumpkin, but really, she seemed to be having a ball).

Long story short - we saved the day, and the meal was freakin' awesome. Expensive, but awesome nonetheless. Here are a few pictures from the evening's feast. Bravo Ragu!

I got bits of leaf in my hair... haha!

My special thanks to Regan, who at this point, was operating on 2-3 hours sleep a night (with Amelia keeping him up); and was also entertaining us all day and running us up hill, down dale, and all over sundry. Cheers palsie. It was bloody good of ya to keep it all together for us, eh. 

Will

Quick Rinse Off in the Pool

After a day out at the beach, I had the biggest, crustiest, sandiest toe bogies anybody has ever seen. 

    I had sand in my hair. I had sand in my ears. But between my toes, I had entire tracts of the Auckland foreshore; and that says nothing about the piles of shell's, feathers, sand, and rocks I deliberately carried home in my pockets.

    When a young girl finds herself so totally covered in nature, there's only one thing left to do - strap on the floaty, and hit the Base Pool for a rinse off (sorry pool janitor). 

    It was fun though. Amelia even came too.

One thing I should point out to you all, is that back in Canada, I've been doing some swimming lessons. Getting access to heating pools can be a little difficult for us in Canada, because most public pools close down in the Winter time, and like booking ice time in Winter, booking pool time in Summer can be equally as challenging. Competition is fierce, and dollars get you in...

    ...this is my long-winded excuse for the fact that although I'm four and a half years old now, I still can't swim on my own without a floaty yet. (Nor do I like putting my face under the water for very long). 

    That being said, I did pass my Salamander's Swimming Class just before coming to New Zealand, so my confidence levels are on the up.

    Anyway, the only reason I mention my own swimming levels and development, is because of what I found out Amelia could do at the age of only 8 months old. 

    There, in the base pool, while I washed West Coast sand off my softly padded feet, I was witness to a miracle - just like the baby on the cover of Dad's Nirvana CD, Amelia can hold her breath under water! 

    Check it out - it is truly a sight to behold. Her Dad, Regan calls her name to get her ready, gives her a half-count, then dives her under water for no more than four seconds. Amelia instinctively holds her breath and comes up grinning and looking impressed with herself when everyone claps and cheers as she returns to the surface unharmed...

Granted, she does cough a little bit in this clip, but it was the fifth attempt that afternoon at pulling a Jacques Cousteau. Well done, Amelia. You're quite the little aqua-lung.

As for me, I'm quite inspired - and what began as a way to escape the sun and wipe off our sandy features - has turned into renewed motivation for me to practice my floating, bubble blowing, and breath holding on my own (at least, in the bath for now, anyway). 

    Thanks for the inspiration, kuz!

Charlotte

Basking In The Black Sands: Muriwai Beach

After our lucky escape from the Air Force Base earlier that morning, we all made our way in convoy (two cars) to one of Dad's old hang out spots. 

    First we went down to Muriwai Beach where the sand was totally black, and in some places, burned the souls of my poor Canadian feet. (Us 'Nadian's spend most our time in wool socks and snow boots, don't you know). 

    At first, it felt a little strange to be in bare feet, running around all covered in sand, with no one seeming to mind when I splashed them from the rock pools. 

    I know I had a little play in the sand at Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles, but somehow, after my rest day earlier in the week, this felt like the first time I really got to chill out and plant my feet in the black sands of New Zealand.

There was just so much space... and no people anywhere. I just couldn't believe it, eh!

Mum and Lorna went for a big long walk on the beach while Dad stayed back with Regan, Amelia, and Aunty Lucy. After digging my toes into the sand for a while, I ran after Mum and Lorna and flew laps around them to blow off some steam. (There are no snakes or spiders in New Zealy - OMG, I love it!).

    Even though we'd had a big breakfast back at the house, we were all starting to get a little peckish. And besides, it was time to find a restaurant because it was right around this time that I really needed to pee...

    So, we brushed the sand off our toes, and off we went down the street to the Muriwai Cafe. Mum said things were pretty pricey in there in terms of food, but all I really cared about was the fact that they had three things: apple juice, sweet potato fries, and... a potty! (of course).

After lunch, we all jumped in the cars and drove to the Gannet Colony at the top of the hill. Mum and Lorna kept on saying it was "so beautiful" but if you ask me, all I could smell was stink because the hills were coated in poop. (Haha, I just said "poop"). 

    It was pretty cool being able to watch the baby gannets flapping their wings in the wind, getting up the courage to launch off the edge for the first time, and set out on their journey over the Tasman Sea.

It was a pretty cool day if you ask me. I think next time I'll bring my scooter, so I can see what's at the other end of that big gigantic beach.

Love to you all, xx

Charlotte

Meeting The Royals... Kinda...

"Can we go visit Lorde's house when we get to New Zealand?" Charlotte asked, only a few days prior to our departure from Halifax. We stream 91ZM (a New Zealand radio station) into the kitchen at dinner time, so Lorde has became a household favourite of ours, long before her international debut.
    Little did she know just how close to celebrity she would really come, within days of setting foot of New Zealand shores...

Looking Glam, and ready to meet the Prince... well, sort of.

Our first clue that they were coming happened when our friend (and Producer) Lorna arrived in Auckland from Halifax (we'll talk about that later), followed shortly afterwards by Michelle's arrival from Canberra. 
You see, it was near impossible to get the Canadians onto the Air Force Base we were staying on - more so than usual, I mean.
    Don't get me wrong, I think it's good that the people of New Zealand exercise all due diligence before admitting 'foreign nationals' to a secure military area, but I can tell neither of them were too impressed about having to leave their Passports at the front gate in exchange for a two dollar plastic Visitor's Pass (to be escorted at all times).
    The second clue came in the form of a lot of people in blue coveralls, standing around in pairs, on every intersection, and next to every building inside the base perimeter. When asked what all the commotion was about - as we departed the base to collect our passports and head out on our first Auckland shopping trip - we were sheepishly informed of a 'suspected dangerous package' received at the Air Movements hanger. There was a lot of grinning and shoulder shrugging going on, so we figured it was an exercise and didn't get too alarmed.
    Finally, four hours later upon our return, we noted that the sun scorched security detail was still posted, and their grins and nonchalance had reduced to they type of military scowl that it the all too familiar by-product of 'hurry up and wait'. All day! So, naturally we began to wonder what was going on?

The next day, all questions were clearly answered. As it turned out, our time in New Zealand coincided almost exactly with the Royal Visit (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge).

The morning news was saturated with expectant reporters, standing not a few hundred yards from where we were presently relaxing and munching on our morning breakfast. 

    It was clear from their dishevelled hair and extra layers of make-up and lighting that they'd been standing there, up by the 40 SQN hanger since 4am in the morning. On every channel (there are only three in New Zealand anyway), they were diligently serving the Breakfast Television audiences of our nation, and stirring the excitement levels in anticipation of the Royal Visit. Young Prince George, third in line to the throne, about to arrive here to grace our presence. 

    All of a sudden, the mysterious 'suspicious package' from the previous day made a whole lot more sense. Then it quickly dawned on me that getting on and off the Base today was going to be even harder than it was the day before - bugger!

    None-the-less; the TV Presenters got what they had come for and made the appropriate fuss when, finally, the Royal couple arrived.

Watching this all unfold on television made it difficult to reconcile with the fact that the Royal couple were engaged in a ceremonial meet-and-greet not more than a football field away from where we sat, munching on our rice bubbles.

    Looking around the room at everyone sitting in their pyjamas, the next big question was, "So. Are we all going to head down there to see Will and Kate?"

    We must have all been thinking it, but when somebody finally asked the question, there was a pregnant silence in the room. After a minute or two of watching the action unfold next door from the safety and comfort of our television screens, Lorna finally came to the rescue, saying something along the lines of, "Nah!"

    Michelle promptly seconded the motion, "...it's not like they came here to see us; did they?"

   "Fair enough", I replied, somewhat relieved at not having to put my shoes on and fix my hair, "but we'd better figure out how to get off this flippin' base before they jam up the front gate with rubber-neckers!"

    With the day's shopping on the line, you should have seen how fast everyone wolfed down the last of their Easter Eggs and toast.

This very well could have been Charlotte speaking with the Duke and swearing her undying allegiance to Her Royal Majesty The Queen - but it wasn't - because we never bothered to put shoes on and walk the 200 yards down the street to greet them. Besides, Mike the Knight was on TV, and we figured, "they didn't come all this way to see us anyway".

The Duke of Cambridge describes to his beautiful young wife, the size of Swede's head after visiting the SEMP hanger. "Seriously, Kate. You should have seen this guy's melon, it was bloomin' humungous!"

Leaving the base on our way to a day of shopping and good times, we encountered the local primary schools lining the gates of Whenuapai. Clearly, the Royal couple hadn't made their way past the main gate yet, and they school children looked on with anticipation at every vehicle leaving the base.

    Unable to control myself, I rolled down the window and proceeded to deliver my most elegant 'Royal Wave' to all the expectant kiddies. Although I was driving at the time, I did my best to act important and behave in the most Queenly, state-like manner I could muster. 
    This came much to the delight of the children who jumped up and down, waving their New Zealand flags, and screaming. It was classic, even parents got swept away with the excitement, and we ended up photo-bombing the SD cards of about a dozen over-eager early childhood education workers. 
    Ha, serves them right. What Royal couple would leave a Royal New Zealand Air Force base in a Subaru Legacy station wagon with duck-tape on the front fender anyway. Attention to detail people, c'mon!

The point is, we escaped the base just in time and embarked on our well earned day of sightseeing and shopping. One thing I should mention before I sign off is, even though we didn't manage to catch Will & Kate in person as they arrived in Whenuapai - we did make a special journey down the road to a house that 'allegedly' belongs to Lorde. Needless to say, Charlotte was pretty stoked.

Taking a Load off in Whenuapai

After travelling from one side of the planet to the other for a BBQ at my cousin Amelia's place, I decided I'd take the next day off and just hang out for a little bit to catch my breath. I like the TV in New Zealand, and the cartoons are pretty much the same as they have in Canadia. In fact, they even have my favourite show - the Bubble Guppies.
    I loved seeing all New Zealand cousins at the BBQ the day before by the way; but remember, I'm only four. I might be older than those babies at Kari's, but even four-year-olds can use a little down time. On this particular occasion, that's exactly what I did.

    My Mum was still away in Australia seeing my Aunty 'Netty; so Dad was busy writing and disseminating the 'itinerary'. I think he must have sent it to nearly everyone in New Zealand. Even to people like Granddad Kim who don't even check their Inbox, let alone read things like that. 

   He said he wanted to 'maximize his time in Auckland' before heading down to Dunedin, but somehow, he seemed to spend more time writing his silly document than playing in the Sun with me and Amelia.

     (I can't quite read yet; so I'm still not sure, but I think he gradually adjusted my daily nap times to account for the adjustment of my circadian rhythm). 

    Uncle Regan made fun of him for being too organized. Or maybe it was Aunty Dianne who said that? Or maybe it was Dumby - I can't remember. The point is there were a lot of people making fun of my Dad so he'd stop scheduling us all to within an inch of our young lives. (They all said something about the old man being like 'A Creature of Habit', because he turns around ten times and bakes bread before he does anything productive).

    I get it Dad. You just wanted to make the rounds and were worried you wouldn't get to see everybody. But we're on holiday now though, remember... H-O-L-I-D-A-Y... it's where you play games on your iPhone instead of checking emails. 

    They even have real parks in New Zealand too - with slides, and swings, and everything.

    

    One thing I should mention here is that even though the Fall leaves were starting to change colour outside, it was Easter weekend. (Fall at Easter time? I know, right? Random, eh). I know what you must be thinking, but even though the birds seemed confused by all the Spring images and symbols of new life in the Autumn-time.

   Topsy-turvy calendars aside, the important fact to remember here is that there was plenty of Cadbury's chocolate to eat: but not just any chocolate, we're talking Marvellous Creations here. 

   Mmm mmm... C-H-O-C-O-L-A-T-E!!! My favourite is the bar with the pop-rocks... You just don't get the same sugar rush from a Hershey's bar!

    Dad is always trying to teach me things so I understand the 'true' meaning of the world. While I was on my second helping of Jelly Popping Candy Beanies, he started one of his Wikipedia-inspired rants about some dude called Cheeses Crust. I think he said he borrowed our Grilled Cheese Brassier?

    I'm not sure because I couldn't hear him over the sound of the pop-rocks exploding in his cheeks. I do like grilled cheese though. Perhaps we can have some for lunch. (Love you, Dad. I know you mean well).

    Speaking of religious holidays that are completely lost on us - we took a little time out of our lazy Easter lay-about to give our belated Christmas presents to Amelia. 

    Honestly, we didn't forget you little-kuz. We had them all wrapped and ready for you in December; but nowadays, excess baggage fees are cheaper than postage stamps - so we jammed them on the bookshelf until our New Zealand Trip, then smuggled them into our carry on. Only took four months or so to get them to you... which is like, more than half your life span... 

   

    OMG!!! Hey Mum, did you realize we made Amelia wait half a lifetime for her Canadian Christmas presents?! [Let's blame Dad for being useless, OK... (It's our secret. He'll freak out if we can keep a strait face for long enough)].

    December. April - at this point suppose we are splitting hairs over a part of the Calendar no one can do much about. At least until someone figures out how to put a tele-port button in the next Beta-release of Skype. (Wouldn't it be cool if you could just email presents to one another. You could just send hand-me-downs to your relatives by uploading them as an eamil attachment).

Amelia ignores the Charlotte-hand-me-downs and gums
the wrapping paper instead.

    The point is, we finally made it, and on this particular Autumn Easter day, we were given a chance to catch our breath. We'd travelled a long way and were really happy to be there. I remember there being a bit of excitement planned for both the Auckland and Dunedin legs of the trip, and based on Dad's MagnaCarta.docx, we could all tell we were in for a bit of a whirlwind of a tour (Yeah, yeah. OK.  No more tornado jokes, I promise). 

    We have two fun-filled, action-packed weeks in New Zealand yet to talk about on this blog-diary, so clearly adventure beckons; but for now, I think you can forgive me for having taken a day off to sit back, chillax, and hang out with the gang.

(Yaaawwwwwnnn!)

    ...I think I'll take a little nap.

Charlotte

4 1/2 years old.

Introducing Amelia Kate

Amelia Kate Denny, born July 14th, 2013, is the first child of my sister, Catherine... and... my best mate from the Air Force days, Regan-got-some-serious-explaining-to-do-Denny!!! (Nah, just jokes).

    She arrived after much fanfare and anticipation from the excited parents (on both sides of the family), back home in New Zealand.

    Amelia promptly captured our hearts and won us all over - even those of us on the other side of the planet - who could only speak to her via Skype and marvel at her beautiful little face under the magnets on our fridge.

    It wasn't long on the planet for young Amelia, and she got busy, winning people over...

She hung out with her grandparents from Bluff...

She chilled out with her Nanna Niccy...

She captured the imagination of the Old Man up on Saddle Hill...

She even managed to entice a couple of random Uncles out of the woodwork in Waitakare... 

Parenthood seemed to suit both Regan and Catherine right away...

    Actually, I think they're both pretty pleased with themselves for creating such a beautiful little Princess...

Of course, they had every reason to be proud - get a load of those cheeks...

Welcome to the bloodline kid. Proud of my kid sister, and happy to welcome one of my best bro's (and his family) into the whanau too
.

Will, Michelle, and Charlotte, xx