A holiday of two halves

We finally got to take our trip to Taupo to show the kids snow for the first time after cancelling last year due to horrid weather and earlier this year due to my surgery. The weather was pretty revolting, but we saw snow! Got absolutely drenched and frozen up on the mountain and it wasn't pleasant. Was pretty sure it ruined Isla's perception of snow and skiing forever, but you forget how kids have an amazing ability to just remember the good bits! Half an hour, warm clothes and a hot chocolate later she was pretty excited that she'd been.

                                           Whakapapa and at Taupo Playground

We've just finished up the last holiday of the year before Christmas. Just over two months to go and I'm already getting excited for Christmas decorations, baking, shopping. Soon it will be time for the advent calendar and Englebert Elf to make an appearance (or "Uncle Bert who comes to my bedroom at night" as Isla said about six months ago. Freaked me out momentarily until I realized she meant "Englebert").

Anyway, the beginning of the holidays started to feel like summer, but it ended up feeling like winter. Naturally we chose the second week (wind, rain, hail) to go away to the beach. Didn't stop the kids swimming however. Crazies. I remember the days when my grandad used to say he would pay us 50cents (big money in my dad kids!) to go swimming when it was freezing like that - didn't even need to bribe them!

It was a relaxing few days away where we did very little and watched a lot of Jake and the Neverland Pirates (Isla's latest obsession). We did manage to squeeze in a couple of walks, bike ride, shopping, the park, the beach a few times, planting the vege garden and horseriding.

Isla was a little sad as her old friend Muffin had gone to horsey heaven (at the grand age of 33) so she chose Splash instead.  So proud of our girl, She helped catch and bring him in, brush him and saddle him up. But most of all proud because she had her first fall, she didnt cry or get scared and she hopped right back on-such a brave monkey. Hah, probably helped that muffin is about four feet tall and it was a fall at the trot so not too much danger involved!

Smaller helmet required!

Little guys first ride - hah, doesn't look all that pleased!

A few catch up with friends involved the Hello Kitty cafe (sadly, very average), the zoo, the Smurfs Movie (Isla was petrified of Gargamel) and a visit to the Seedling store (great fun, but will leave L at home next time!).

Buddies at the zoo - so much fun, Lachy was REALLY into it this time and loved the seals and otters especially.

After the zoo, five minutes of peace for me.

So, it's back to reality and kindy today and a list of things to get done that we didn't get to because of the holidays. Little does Isla know she will be having her vaccinations after dancing today - I am NOT looking forward to breaking that news!