Just a quick soccer update. Omokoroa Rangers 4 - Otumoetai Glory 2. Both the boys played really well and suprised everyone with the level of skill they both showed. We were really proud of them both. Sam played midfield and worked really hard throughout the whole game. Joe played up front and scored the 2 winning goals and set the other 2 up for Josh to score.

Here is the man of the match! They were awesome and made it a great game for the parents to get excited about and shout from the sidelines!!

The photo of Joe with medal and trophy will be coming along next week as we forgot to take one and he is now refusing to put his kit back on and pose!!

We have been enjoying the Easter holidays keeping Grandma and Grandad busy. We have spent time around here in the Bay of Plenty, the weather has continued to stay lovely and sunny during the days so we have been able to go and explore. I have posted some pictures grandad bob has been snapping.

Here is jess having a chat with Barry in Katikati.

We spent some time at Katikati the mural town. There are 46 murals painted on the buildings around town and we managed to see them all but 2. One of them was actually inside the bank and it was closed.

We have visited Mclarens Falls.

Grandma and Grandad being Daddy, Mummy and Baby Bear at Marshall's farm.

We have been to Te Puna Quarry park. Jess is hiding in the undergrowth.

We have had lunch at the beach.

The boys have signed up to play for Omokoroa Rangers so there first match is tomorrow so we have to be on the field for 9am in the morning. Then Sunday is Anzac day and there is a family fun day planned at the golf club after the rememberance ceromony at the church. So again we have a busy weekend planned. I am not sure how Grandma and Grandad are going back to the hectic lives back in the UK, they will have to continue their nz habit of morning tea and afternoon tea latte and muffin breaks!!

Love to allxxx

Well we have spent the past few weeks keeping our visitors busy, we have been to Karangahake Gorge, Wahai, Katikati, Te Puke, Mount Maunganui. We are now in Autumn here, apart from late evening you wouldnt know. The days are still hot but once the sun has gone down it drops quite cool. This cafe had a roaring fire even though it was quite warm outside.

Jess's catch of the day- the big one got away. She is not squeemish at all and was quite happy to watch the fisherman cutting up the fish for bait.

We have had a chilled out day today, having a coffee and fishing on the wharf. Great way to spend a Sunday morning.

Here is Grandma and Grandads house - set in 10 ha of land with views of the bay. Only draw back is a very lively dog called Morris - who when you tickle his tummy wees straight up in the air!! Ask Bob about that one.

We took our visitors to Kiwi 360- which is a small orchard which gives tours around the grounds and into the pack house. This is the first time we have been at fruit picking season and it was amazing to see how many kiwis are processed through the plant. These are just ready for picking, there are 2 varieties above Sam and Jess the gold kiwi and the green kiwi.

We are not stealing really! Oranges fresh off the tree were lovely.

That is us at the top of the giant kiwi honestly.

Then we have been to Mount Maunganui.
Here we are half way up the Mount. Trust us to pick a hot sunny day and set off at 11am. (mad dogs and englishman!)

We made it to the top of the Mount, here we are just taking a well earned rest. Not too much oxygen was required.

We are now half way through the Easter Holidays. Sam and Joe are having tennis lessons this week to try and burn off some energy. Will try and post some more photos soon.

Happy Easterxxx