At the Mount

Over the long Easter weekend, we were able to go to Papamoa and stay at Mum and Dads place.  Jeff was able to get in some ocean swim practice for his next triathlon, while the kids and I played on the beach, out of the cold water. We had a great family weekend, but I did not have my camera for some of the more exciting adventures. We went to a wave pool, yes an indoor pool that simulates the ocean.  The kids loved it, while I was just left paranoid about all the kids that seemed to be getting thrown about by the waves.  Jeff took Caleb and Hayley on the Hydroslide, they though that was awesome and didn't want to leave. After 4 hours of hydrosliding, being bashed by fake waves and our bodies turning in wrinkled prunes we left very happy but thoroughly exhausted.

 Connors awesome wind blown hair

 Jeff getting in his swimming practice at the Mount

Caleb was the only one brave enough to get into the water with Jeff.

Calebs Birthday

A collaboration of pictures from Caleb's Birthday, Hayley and Connor.

 Caleb asked for a Star Wars cake, he wanted each of the figurines made from icing, but thankfully I ran out of time and was able to by them instead, which was much easier and faster. 

 Happy 8th Birthday Caleb.  We love you. Cant believe he is 8 already.

 Caleb had a small party with 2 friends from school coming over and staying the night.

 Hayley looking all beautiful for a day out with me. We went to the Ballet - Angelina Ballerina

 Connor found the fire trucks at the annual Night Glow - Hot Air balloon festival, I think this was the highlight of his night.

 Of course Hayley had to get in on the fun

Connor on the bus with Happy Feet.  I was able to join Connor and his other kindy friends on a trip to Auckland to Kelly Tarltons to see the penguins, sharks, stingrays, and loads of fish.  I was a wonderful but super exhausting day, its hard work supervising 40, 2 -4 years. So glad not to be a kindy teacher

Jeffs First Triathlon

Well Caleb inspired Jeff to do a triathlon. Jeff was then given the opportunity to compete is the Panasonic Tri series (Panasonic is a company that Jeff's work has alot to do with).  So he and another workmate decided to give it a go and he got hooked. With loads of training, a membership to the local pools and gym, Jeff got up each morning at 5 and worked out for 1-2 hours depending on what my study schedule allowed.

 Jeff and Sean about to start and both very nervous

 In the water waiting for the race to start

 Starts with a 500meter ocean swim, though the water doesn't look too bad, it was rather rough

 Coming out of the swim, looking rather exhausted

 Recovering a bit now.... off for the 20 km bike ride, which ended up being quite hilly

 Now for the final stage - the Run which was 5km

 Coming in towards the finish

 Up on stage

And across the finish line.

He completed the Triathlon in 1 hr 28 min, ahead of his workmate Sean.
Caleb, Hayley and I were there to cheer Jeff on, he did awesome and are so proud of him. He is already planning for the next one.

Fun times up the Sky Tower

Thanks to a wonderful website we were able to purchase cheap family passes to go up the Auckland Sky Tower which is 328 metres tall, it is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Then we ate out at a wonderful English pub

 

 Caleb cautiously standing on the glass.

 Hayley and I

 Jeff helping Connor stand on the glass

 This was huge for Hayley, it probably took her close to an hour to get up the courage to stand on the glass

 Awesome views over Auckland

 Our Awesome Kids

Calebs Weetbix Triathlon

Sorry it has been so long updating this, but as you can see we have had a super busy and fun filled summer.
Caleb entered his first Weetbix kids Triathlon. It consisted of a 50 meter swim, 4 km bike ride and a 1.5km run. He did awesome and are sooooo proud of him for his efforts. They have no placings for this event it just about making sure everyone completes the event and has lots of fun in the process. 

 Caleb at his transition point. There were well over 1000 kids so we all helped to make a sign so he could find his bike and gear easily.

 Ready for the swim, race numbers written on.

 Off on the Bike

 now for the run section

 Coming into the finish line, making it look all to easy.

They give every child a race pack before they start with has a swimming cap, swim bag , race t shirt and race numbers.  When they complete the triathlon they get a medal, drink bottle and card of completion.

Such an awesome event, Hayley is looking forward to being old enough to join in next year.

Summer Fun

 All the Savill Cousins

 Jeff and I were able to get away for the weekend to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. We went to Rotorua and enjoyed the beauty that surrounds us. Above is Lake Tarawera.

 Tarawera Falls, this was about and hour hike, the above lake funnels into a beautiful river, then in disappears underground.  This waterfall is the outlet from the underground river, Such an awesome sight

 Proof that we made the hike and didn't just copy the pictures from a website.

 Blueberry picking time again.

 Picnic at the Hamilton Gardens

 Fishing at Thames with Caleb and Heather Savill. Jeff, our Caleb and Caleb Savill went out fishing and caught loads of yummy snapper while Heather, her son, Hayley, Connor and I went to the park and mucked around as long as possible.

Hayley and Connor went out in the boat for a quick spin

Hayley Christmas present

So I have been wanting to make Hayley a Large Barbie dolls house for quite some time now, but could never find the time. So this year since I wasn't working and had time off from school I took the opportunity to get started. I drew the plans and dimensions and took them to the local building supply store and they cut the wood to size for me.  Then I went out to a friends house whose hubby has every power tool under the sun and is very crafty, with his help and tools I was able to build the structure and then move it to Jeffs to work to complete all the finer points of painting and decorating. In all the project took me about 30 hours of which I am very happy with.  Hope you like it.