Homebush Park

Last weekend it was beautiful, and we couldn't sit inside.  So we went to Homebush Park in Khandallah.  It was a great family time.  All of us finally were able to get Kyle to stay up on the SeeSaw, but it did take all of us.

What a View!

Time with Ang

Ang Haroldsen came back with myself and the children to New Zealand.  She then stayed with us for about a week.  The kids loved having her here and we did go on a few small adventures with her.

Zealandia

Kyle's work put together a volunteer group to do some work at Zealandia, which is a sanctuary for native animals of New Zealand.  It has a pest proof fence/wall all the way around so that the animals, particularity birds can flourish.  We went prepared to work, but it was determined that the work was too strenuous for little people so we got to go on a tour of Zealandia while Kyle did the hard labor.   It was cold, but fun,

This is the group from Kyle's work that volunteered.

Park on Kapiti Coast

One afternoon after school we took a drive up the Kapiti Coast and stopped at a park near the beach.  It was a short, yet fun outing.

Super Rugby Game

Zachary, Eric, Ang, and I attended the semi-finals of super rugby.  It was the Hurricanes (our home team) against the Chiefs (a team from Australia)  It was fun and thanks to Nick from Dunedin who was sitting next to me, I actually understood a bit of what was happening on the field.  

Hobbiton and Rotorua

We arrived into New Zealand Thursday morning, We quickly turned around and drove to Lake Taupo that evening.  After a good nights rest we visited Hobbiton.  It was a misty day, but the sun came out for us; plenty of green and beautiful countryside was seen.  From Hobbiton we drove to Rotorua where Ang was staying and spent the evening with her.

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 The next day we visited Hells Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Bath Spa.  It was a unique experience.  We started with a walk around the park and saw the geothermal sites.  We then spent 30 minutes in a mud hot-pool and then rinsed off and enjoyed a sulpher pool.

Nature treated us to a beautiful rainbow when we went home to wash off.  We then met Ang again and went to a Mauri Living Village.  It was enjoyable and informative.  We were able to see different presentations bout Mauri life, enjoy a performance of songs and chants, and taste a wonderful Hangi meal.

Moments in July

We enjoyed the time we spent in Idaho.  We did a lot of things, with a lot of people.  It was hard to head back to real life.  However, easy to go back to Kyle.

Waiting for Idaho Falls Fireworks

Hell's Half Acre hike in the lava fields                  Cousins at Great Grandparent Schwieder's playground

 Mom and Dad have a juvenile bald eagle that visited their trees.  A magnificent animal. 

 Fireworks at the Simmons' House

Ammon Splash Pad

 

Rigby Lake with the Simmons family

Doing a little yard work at Grandpa Haroldsen's house.  We were able to stay at his home during our time in Idaho.  It worked well for our family.

Family with Great Grandpa Haroldsen.  It was wonderful for my kids to get to know Grandpa.