Easter Weekend in Auckland

So... why Auckland for Easter weekend?!?! Well, when our JetStar flight for Sasha's wedding got cancelled in October, JetStar not only refunded us that flight, they gave us each a $100 voucher for travel - but it had to be booked within three months of issue. Panic-stricken the day before they expired we decided we'd go north over the guaranteed four-day weekend. Originally, we thought we would be able to go up to the family farm to visit Auntie Jewel - but since we hadn't thought of that early enough - they were booked somewhere else. We thought about going up to see Sasha & Phil - but since we hadn't thought of that early enough - they'd booked somewhere else. So... well... we got to spend a really relaxing weekend at the most familiar home-away-from-home - the Anstiss Manor!!! 

After a run with Dave, Tony packed us up and we headed off for a little look around the North Shore for potential investment opportunities. Then we got to spend a few hours with our other Auckland relatives - Brian and Anita. We had a good visit over lunch - though the dominant topic of conversation was Kim and Dave's new baby girl who was born between the time Anita and I spoke on the phone to confirm the time we'd be coming over and the time we actually arrived! How's that for fun timing! It also happened to be Caleb's birthday party in Wellington which we missed but we were at his grandparent's house... it's fun to be so interconnected with special friends!

 As it was still such lovely weather, we went for a bike/walk/adventure tour in Albany...

 albeit a very urban adventure...

 Helena saw the wall and just immediately started climbing... she is fearless!!! Though there is a twinge of trepidation in her expression here...

Easter Sunday - we spent the morning in reflection of what Jesus did for us through His death and resurrection. I am so grateful for this gift of faith to believe and receive this message of hope - not only for an eternity with God, but a life here walking with the sense of His love and purpose.

We love visiting Harbourside Church in Takapuna where Tony practically grew up... so that was fun to see some old friends and it's always great to touch base with the pastors there!

Back at the Manor - we had a yummy Sunday lunch with the family - KB & Aaron's family was over and we decided to do an egg hunt for the kids. Tony and Aaron hid a heap of hard-boiled eggs along with our set of resurrection eggs. It took the kids a while to find them - these dads were pretty sneaky - but when they did boy were they excited!!!

 We went through the Easter story using the colour-coded Resurrection Eggs (thanks to my Grandma who sent them last year) - it's such a great way to discuss the Passion of Christ. 

 No little Easter dresses or bonnets for this family (yet?!?) but I did manage to get her into this adorable little outfit my mom picked out for Helena while we were home in October. What a cutie!

 Chris tried hard-boiled eggs maybe for the first time... in the whole sense... I think the initial feelings were good... but well... may not have finished the others like my kids did.

 And the dads... well, the dads were wiped out after that, so Karlabelle and I took the kids and Nanni to Narrow Neck for some fun in the sun while the dads chilled out at home.

 Iconic Rangitoto in the background

 Yes, and that cute little outfit got pretty wet and sandy on this little excursion, but this is Auckland! And it's March. And we're at the beach. Go for it, Mei Mei...

On Easter Monday, we had quite a bit of time, so we went for a bush walk to get out and enjoy the beauty of the North Shore...

 What's this? A rare Kiwi?

 I must say, the bag of potato chips did help the kids walk just that much chirpier.

We packed up and said good-bye to Dave and Bev, then headed out west to visit some other old friends - and while we were there we met somebody new...

 Yes, this is Nathan Clark holding their 5-day old son 

And here's Raewyn, mother of thus said 5-day old son and here they are hosting the four of us!!! Wild... but the last time we were together Tony and I were swimming across Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan and these two were on their way to France. Three and a half years later we're all back in New Zealand and they've got two little boys!!! 

Absolutely precious moments... 

thanks guys for sharing your family (and feijoas) - next time we'll get a bit more time together!