Friday, February 5, 2010

Gotta love SUMMER!

We were too preoccupied with our summer holidays in NZ to think about blogging!

A lot happened in the short space of time we were there...as they say “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” definitely rung in my head a few times while touring our beautiful country.

Most importantly family was definitely top priority while we’re there. Our family is what made our vacation special. It was great seeing and catching up with everyone (even if some were for a few minutes!!).

First my Nana’s unveiling on Flat Island, Great Barrier Island. The spirit felt and unity among my extended family was very present and strong.

Our Christchurch trip with Dad and Frances was a delight and surprised me with the beautiful scenery there...good food, good company!

Charles’ Tipene family held a Noho gathering at the Cambridge Marae where we felt the same strength of unity and love. It was awesome catching up with everyone, the late night games and marae style sleeping!

We also visited my baby sister Raihi and her husband in Hamilton which was so great because I hadn’t seen her since we moved to Tonga...we had ALOT of catching up to do.

We then returned back to the Barrier after all those trips where we simply relaxed and reflected on the whirlwind of different whanau activities. It made me smile knowing that we have these wonderful people in our lives.

Charles headed back to Tonga for work, so the kids and I stayed at the Barrier where I caught up on a years worth of reading, and the kids embraced their inner ‘bushman’ and ran riot ...fun times.
We all returned to Auckland (Charles as well) where we had Eli’s baptism. It was exactly how we wanted it...small, simple and memorable. Topped off with dinner at Gengy’s (can’t go wrong) the day was a winner.

We couldn’t leave NZ without meeting our newest niece...so we made a quick trip to Hamilton to meet Kalem and Livee’s new baby girl Indiana. She’s gorgeous. Our kids had so much fun playing with their cousins too.
Now that we’re back in Tonga we really do miss everyone and STILL extend a welcome to anyone wanting to come here for a holiday...All I ask is for some NZ chocolate and you’ve got free accommodation and a tour guide.
The weather here is stinkin HOT, but the mangoes are in full abundance, so there’s a positive :-)
Here are some photos...enjoy
Great Barrier Island:


Christchurch:
Tipene Noho:

Baptism:

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