Good morning on Mon, Mar 22

Hi,

I know you're waiting for a big entry because I've had a long weekend, but I'm not sure I can sort it all out for this morning.

Craig and Carolin arrived on the midnight flight from Sydney on Thursday and I collected them with hardly a yawn.  We drove back home and I fell into part two of my sleep without a bother.

Up early and getting Toby ready for school.  There was a bit of stress, but we all walked Toby to school, then finished flinging stuff in the car and we took off.  We stopped at the French bakery in Greytown (as you do) and I didn't make anyone sick going over the hill this time.  We got to the Stonehenge Aotearoa at 10.50am - perfect timing.  It was just us on the tour, and a lovely warm day.  Craig and Carolin loved it and I loved it just as much as the first time (about 3 years ago).

From there we went to Mt Bruce and we had lunch.  Then we spent a while at the Kiwi house and got a good look at the two kiwi in there.  Then we walked around the park for a bit.  Back in the car and the next stop was Napier (oh - with petrol at Pahiatua).

The Napier Top Ten Holiday Park was full to bursting and only had campsites available.  About three big events were on in town.  We pitched our tents and wandered to the ladies toilets to use the electricity to pump up the airbed for Carolin to sleep on.  Trouble is, there is a slow puncture in it.  By the morning, when Craig got up at 6am, Carolin ended up on the ground.  So we were all up early.  Mike and Toby had arrived at 10pm after their big drive and Toby was carried asleep from the car to the tent.  We all slept well.

We struck the tents and wandered into town for the art deco walk.  We just missed it by minutes but watched the video and bought the self guided tour book.  We had brunch and wandered down to the beachfront.  Craig and Carolin checked out the cathedral and the rest of us lazed under a tree at the beach.

Then it was early afternoon and we drove to Taupo.  Registered at the Top Ten Holiday Resort and pitched the tent.  Craig and Carolin had a very nice cabin unit (with ensuite and kitchen and LCD TV) and we were pitched just outside.  Toby and I went swimming and jumping and then we had a BBQ tea.  Very nice.  Mamma Mia was on TV so we watched the last half of that and went to bed early!

The next morning was stunning.  We packed up and left to see Huka Falls.  It was a spectacular as ever and it has been quite a few years since I was there last.  The jet boat looked very enticing as it came up the river from below the falls.

From there we went to Craters of the Moon and spent an hour walking around steaming vents, bubbling mud and big craters.  All very exciting.  Well, sometimes for Toby.  Excitement interspersed with boredom I think.

From there we had lunch at Turangi and drove home.  More boredom for Toby - that drive is so passe for him now.  Heheheheh.

We called in at Mum and Dad's place on the way home and met Dad just arriving home from work.  We had a lovely dinner (ta Ma) and Craig and Carolin caught up (however briefly) with Mum and Dad.  Then home to sleep.

Up bright and early for the ferry.  They should be leaving now (8am) as I type.  The weather is poor so I hope the crossing is ok for them.  Oh dear.

Have a great week, everyone.
Love,
Angela