Exploring the surrounds in Rotorua

The walk/bike track near Waipa mill is a great place for boys to explore.  We all got wet.  There was a stream, what else could boys do!

Yep, they're mine!

Quinn

Tighe

Don't panic Mama, I wont get wet!

Made it!

Looks like a "bushman"

Who can hold their breath the longest?

No, the water isn't cold.

Tighe with dragonfly "hat"

Spinning Anneke

The joys of being 10!

10th Birthday Surprise

The children had a great party, and once the feast was over, the surprise turned up...

"Is this for me?  Really?  Really!!!!!"

Gracie, Ava, Ethan

Rosa, Emily, Anneke (Nicole at back)

Tom, Tighe

Oscar, Carenza, Quinn

 The car took the guests for a tour around the village, and the children loved the experience.  They certainly screamed with excitement.  We finished up at Ciccio's for hot chocolate.

Happy 10th Birthday Anneke

We wanted Anneke's 10th birthday to be special, one to remember.  Anneke decided on a safari theme, and a sleepover.  She also thought a pinata would be great.  We threw in a treasure hunt, and an extra surprise.

Clues for the treasure hunt

Fish pinata

Gift opening time

Anneke asked for Nachos (and little red sausages)

Happy Birthday Anneke

Birthday preparations

Anneke turns 10, so special celebrations for a very wonderful girl.
The preparations started a few days earlier.  Quinn helped make the cake.  Anneke wanted a safari party.

Making the stripes for the zebra cake

Happy birthday Anneke

Flippa Ball

Anneke thought she would give Flippaball (junior water polo) a try out.  It's the first time she has played a team sport.  She thinks it is awesome!

Lantern Festival Hamilton 2014

Leon invited us to Hamilton to join in the Lantern Festival in Garden Place.  Visited Lake Rotoroa and played for a while first.

Dancing Dragon

Dancing Lions

Dancing Lions and Dragons

Oscar and Carenza dancing with the lanterns

Kerosene Creek

25 minutes south of Rotorua is a hot waterfall.  It's not far from the mudpools.  Just down a dirt road for about 2 km.  The water temperature is about 35 + degrees.  You get a warm massage from the hot water.  There is plenty of places for the urchins to explore.  A MTB track is nearby, as well as Rainbow mountain.

There are hot springs under the water, and some places are hotter than others.

Tighe and Quinn enjoying a natural hot spa

The boys liked the natural overhang

More exploring

Further up the hot stream.  Great massage