I have to apologize for our lack of blogs lately. I'm sure any of you that have been checking have now stopped. It is all my fault as I haven't got wireless yet and we are using the computer on the floor and get numb legs in 5 minutes!

Anyway all back at work now as the school holidays kick in for the summer back home - enjoy yourselves as it will be over before you think!!

Been down to Christchurch (biggest town on South Island) to visit Xav (below), Leanne and Joshua, which was great.

























We went on the trans-alpine train ride which has some amazing views as we went over Arthur's Pass.

























On the last day we stayed in the same hotel as the Springboks before their match at Jade stadium later in the week! Saw some semi famous rugby players - but as they had only brought a second team over, didn't catch any that were worth an autograph for Danny!








Back in Auckland we felt we wanted one more trip before school started again and we drove five hrs to Mount Ruapehu, where the school has a lodge. From the top is an amazing view of the North Island.










The picture below is of Mount Taranaki / Egmont taken from Ruapehu!! What a lovely day! The weather was great so everyone and his dog had gone to the mountain to ski as well.

Unfortunately there wasn't enough snow for us all and I slipped on the ice a couple of times - obviously a bit rusty!!
















Here is Leila in her favorite skiing mode - standing in the sun near the bar!













On the way back we went through the town named after Martin! Pirongia - an enigma of a town.





On news from back home, congratulations to Steve and Mary-Jo for the birth of Ambrose and in the same week Tim and Polly for the birth of Tiye. Lots of love to all of you and sorry we can't be there to wet the babies' heads with you. We shall have a drink here though to celebrate of course!!

Some more piccies for you: