Update 2nd September - MP

Last weekend we drove out of the city to see some of the countryside. About an hour south east from Auckland lies the Hunua Ranges and a small town called Clevedon. We arrived to Clevedon and found a hill to climb. It was a good 45 minute hike to the top with stops along the way for pictures. It rains often here during the winter. As we descended, it started to lightly rain making the path a bit more difficult to manage. 

 
We've committed to watching a New Zealand based TV show called The Block NZ. Four teams consisting of two people with trades people are competing to create the best home. These four homes are their creation. A live auction to sell the homes happens in two weeks. The homes are being built in the next community about 15 minutes away. So Lynn, Siena and Jonah went on a road trip to find them.

Lynn decided that she would make the swing in the Confidence Course. So we managed to capture her attempts and successful completion on video.

Afterward, we had a snack while driving to the Hunua Falls. There were warning signs about potential drowning in fresh water since it is less buoyant than salt water. We chuckled but decided to play it safe and not swim. 

Maraetai Beach was next on the agenda with ice creams and a play on the beach. We recently purchased wetsuits for sailing and surfing so we tried them out with a quick swim in the salt water. Kids still getting comfortable swimming in salt water.

This past Wednesday Siena and a friend, Mila, went to cheer on the Silver Ferns ad they played England in a serious game of netball! Lynn, Jonah and I purchased some tickets too. It was fun to watch these elite level athletes hustle!

Siena earned a certificate at school this week for being a "super helper and taking initiative". Lynn and I were lucky enough to be able to attend. My principal allowed me to arrive late for Teacher Only Day so I could take some pictures of Siena and cheer her on.

Jonah and I continue to hone our table tennis skills. We are getting better and I think the 2024 Olympics is a possibility for us. 

Last night, Lynn and I scheduled a kidsitter and went out with the staff from the maths department at Onehunga HS. We went to the Titirangi RSA for Comedy Night. Three of the four comics were very funny. We had a great time! 

Today is rainy so we  decided to visit the Aston Martin, Bentley and Lamborghini dealership that was having a grand opening. Free food, posters, and tours around the building and in the cars were so much fun. Some cars you couldn't touch and one car was locked in a glass room. It was worth 2.3 million dollars. I liked the modest Bentley for $370 000.

We have some upcoming adventures that we are looking forward to in the next couple of weeks! 

1. My school is beside the start of a West Coast to East Coast Walk. I think I'll do it one afternoon as my commute. It takes 4 - 6 hours and traverses two dormant volcanoes.

2. I am going to enter the Devonport Half Marathon on September 24th. I've been training and should be ready...

3. Spring Break brings a two week holiday. Lynn's mom, Karen will be staying with us! We plan to site see around the North Island going to the far North and also Taupo. As well, we'll see lots of sites around Auckland. 

4. I have a session booked with a tattoo artist for October 6th.

5. The kids are booked into a Learn to Sail Course for four days during the school holiday. Lynn and I plan to take the adult course starting later in October.

All the best!