Akaroa Bay

Akoroa Bay

We spent Saturday morning driving to Akaroa Bay.  It was a beautiful although full of curvy roads.  The Cruise of the Bay was stunning.  The water was a brilliant blue color due to the minerals from the volcanoes that formed the bay originally.  We were able to see Seals, Little White Flippered Penguins, Hector Dolphins, Sea Birds, and plenty of gorgeous scenery.

Castle Rock Boulders

Kura Tawhiti or Castle Rock Conservation Area was a fun stop on our way back to Christchurch.  It was a hot day, but getting out of the car to explore and climb was worth it.  Some of the boulders were huge and had climbers on them.  We stuck to the smaller rocks but had a great time.

Arthur's Pass National Park

Bailey Motel

 We got to our accommodations after dark so what a beautiful scene we woke up to the next morning.  It was beautiful mountain country.  We were just outside the National Park.

 Avalanche Falls

 Our first stop was Avalanche Falls.  It was a short 5 minute hike to see the falls and then down to a church that had a view from the window.  I asked the kids how looking at something God created while listening to His word would be.  I guess I need to remember that feeling each Sunday as I worship at church.

Devil's Punchbowl Falls

Devil's Punchbowl was a longer hike, only 1 kilometer each way, but over 250 stairs each way as well.  It took us a little while to make it there, but it was worth it.  I love waterfalls!  We ate lunch on a platform  at the top of the hike.

Paraparaumu Beach

 

 We took Grandma and Grandpa Flamm to Paraparaumu Beach and playground.  It was a bit windy on the beach, but with jackets we did OK.  Eric found some great shells and other finds in his exploring.  Hyrum and Sabrina focused on building a fort.  Wendy spent time with Grandma.  Zachary spent time with his book.

Seal Safari with Flamm's

 Sabrina and I accompanied Larae and Curt on the Seal Safari.  It was a different experience because it was high tide, and the night before a storm had come through, which meant seals had come in for a rest.There were seals up on the track we were driving on, and we had to wait for them to move.  It was super windy, but beautiful.

Date Night

Kyle and I went on a date!!  Unfortunately this does not happen enough.  We do things together, play games, read, but do not often go out on the town.  We enjoyed dinner at Apache, a Vietnamese restaurant with a french flair.  It was delicious and I got to gaze across the table at a handsome man.

After dinner we walked along Cuba Street.  There was a night market with had bubbles and music that was fun.  There were also plenty of food trucks that made it smell wonderful.

Our final destination was the Wellington Opera House where we watched The Mikado.  Written by Gilbert and Sullivan it was entertaining although a little strange.  It was a fun evening spent with wonderful company.

Sabrina's Birthday

Sabrina is now 3 years old.  She is such a silly little girl, loving to interact with everyone and always dancing.  She likes to be right and will let us know when she feels that she is.  She loves to wear pretty dresses, and pretend with her dolls and stuffed animals.  Purple is her favorite color, she says "Purple is in my heart."  All of her siblings absolutely adore her and will do things for her that they will not do for others.  So in some ways she is our spoiled last one.  We love Sabrina!

Happy Birthday!

 

Sabrina loved opening gifts and was excited to play "Heavy Heavy Hang-over" with each one.  She also received her wish, a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.