"Home" to Aotearoa

January 31, 2013

It’s not my home, but....both of my boys were born there, Andy’s entire family lives there, we owned our first house there, my iPod is full of old-school kiwi music, and some of the best friends I’ve ever made are there. My family even accuses me of sometimes having a slightly kiwi accent with some words. So, it’s not surprising that I always feel very “at home” in New Zealand. 

We have been fortunate enough to have had the last two Christmases in New Zealand with family and friends. Last year, we escaped rainy Vancouver for a summer Christmas in NZ. This year, we travelled from Doha to Bangkok to Auckland for another fun-filled three week adventure all around the North Island. 

Highlights of our Trip (in no particular order)

The farm in Taikorea. Will and Ben were in heaven on the farm - fresh air, running around, climbing trees, playing cricket, swimming, and of course, collecting the chicken eggs. Sam, Tom and Sophie were proud to introduce us to their new little brother Leo, the newest addition to the Mullin family. 

• Road trip to Rotorua - On our way back up to Auckland, we stopped for a night in Rotorua and to visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. Will and Ben were amazed by the geysers and all the thermal activity, but in the end, were most excited that our hotel pool was heated!

• Beachlands - staying with the Hydes in Beachlands was just like old times, like no time had passed. The kids got along famously. Ice creams at Maraetai (two for Andy). Robin taking the kids kayaking in gale force winds. Drinking wine with Kirsten and Nina. New Year’s Eve and Cranium. Swimming at Maraetai School. Cricket at Omana on New Year’s Day. Planning Will and Bethany’s wedding in 20 years time.

• Time in Auckland - catching up with the Stewarts, going to the zoo with Mike and Von, seeing Kristina and Amelia. The boys loved playing with Ronan, Mike and Von’s dog, in the back yard.

 Santa finding us at Grandma and Grandpat’s house in Ashhurst. Backyard cricket with Grandpat. Staying over at Steve’s house in Palmerston North. Seeing the look on Grandma’s face when she saw the wooden elephant we brought her from Sri Lanka. 

Thank-you, New Zealand, for another wonderful trip. We miss you and think of you often.