Lake Taupo

A final swim in Lake Taupo before getting home. Lake Taupo is 2.5hrs from Bulls. A great place to stop and cool off and have lunch. They love to snorkell and have a good explore.

Trip to Whitianga.

On the second trip back to Tairua

the kids visited the cousins in Whitianga, Cameron is missing from the picture hence why the kids have their arm around no one. I was in Bulls having a couple of days to myself and working at the pub while these guys were lapping up the sun, lucky! Of course after a hard day on the beach you have to jump into the spa to relax, life is tough at the beach. This is Joanne otherwise known as Ada, I have known Joanne since we were kids at school. She is one tirless mother who just keeps on going. The horses name is Mana she is my nieces (Jessica) The only other girl in the clan of boys!

My Mate Melissa

My mate Melissa goes camping also at Tairua, so of course had to go and see her for a beer and

a catch up. Dad called in to pick the kids up for a swim.

It was a great week, with lots of swimming and fishing. Connor and Nyah stayed on for a week then Anton and Shea went back to pick them up. A 6hr trip. So they were lucky. Melissa has been camping with her two kids Bryanna and Carlin for years and one of these days we will all go on a big trip again.

More Rellies

Us with more Rellies in Tairua. This is Mum's brothers bach (Brian). So called in for a

beer and a catch up.

All Together.

Xmas day having a few drinks - as you do! Mellowing out and catching up. Carol and Alan. Our youngest Toomey Ben having a bit of a cuddle. The blondie is Moniques youngest Samuel. Me with Daisy Mark and Merries wee dog, just the coolest. a few shots of Carol and Alans new place in Cambridge. The kids pitched tents for a few days.

Toomey 11

Here we all are in one big shot. What a motley crew we make.

From L-R Front Row-Joseph, Cameron,Cole, Patrick, Samuel, Ben, Jessica and Nyah

From L-R Back Row -Shea, Luke and Connor.

Apart from Anton doing a pop-eye impression at the top, not too bad really.

From L-R Anton, Monique, Justin and Mark.

Crazy Santa

That time of year for Alan (Antons Dad) to launch into Father Xmas. It was a good day with all the cousins together, first time in a long time. Alas poor Nyah did not get the pony she has been waiting years for.....maybe one day.

The Fear Factor Challenge!

The kids got into the Fear Factor Xmas Challenge. It was alot of fun and laughs!

Flour mixed with salt and marshmellows. Spaghettie and worms!(lollies). Raw mussles dipped in something I cant remember.

Rangitikei River Ride

Anton hired some kayaks from base and took Connor for a 3hr ride down the river and they ended up in Bulls. They were knackered when they got in a perfect day for it though and no doubt they will be off again before the holidays are over. They go past a friends farm that backs onto the river and thought about camping there next time. There were some small rapids to ride to make it a bit exciting. I am sure he will get a few that want to go!

Bulls Parade

Getting the school float together for the parade. It was alot of fun and the kid had a good time. Yep thats me giving the peace sign above the purple L, cool day out! It was a huge float, we could of had a dance party on it, maybe next year.

Out and About.

Took the kids to the pools in Palmerston North for the day, it was all part of Sheas birthday. Thats her in mid air. Then we all went out for lunch. Hot as and a good day.

Shea turns 12!

Shea had some mates come over for tea and a sleep over. I was working so missed out a bit of what they got up to, but here are some pics. No pics of Connor turning 14, played paintball with mates and did not take the camera. all had a good time though. The calm before the storm of xmas.