It’s been a big weekend here, arrived in Auckland on Wednesday night and had the night there to ourselves before driving down to New Plymouth on Thursday. It was a ‘hot’ day then, 30 in New Plymouth so the kiwis were all dying of heat stress! Very dry driving down as the country had had very little rain for months.
The first night is always the best they say and we did it well of course even though only a dozen of us around.
Friday was roll up day for everyone and by about 5pm all the family was around so. It was more alcohol and noise all round. 7pm the bus turned up and took 30 of us out to the restaurant right on the coastline – weather was magnificent and evening over the ocean was delightful. All the usual entrees and mains had by all then by 11.15pm the bus turned up to take everyone back again. Dropped off the ‘young un’s’ to where they were all staying then the remainder of us back to Mums. So that was Friday over.
On to Saturday and a pre arranged photo session with photographer for all and sundry – 30 of us to get to the local gardens up the road by 9.15 – even the younger lot all made it on time after a big night out! That’s the Darren, Jason, Mami age group.
A whole bunch of photos for all family groups, partners, Mum and girls and whatever was needed. perfect day, cloudy and no sun so no squinting required! Mum gets to choose whatever she likes as far as photos go, as her birthday present and the rest of us and pick what we like as well.
So back to base for an early lunch then. Total of 80 odd began arriving about 1pm! Only slight drizzle a couple of times and everyone outside so we really didn’t want too much rain. All worked out perfectly and the rain stayed away. Best part of the day was a group session playing the card game – Cards Against Humanity – ask Jess, she’ll understand, but talk about laugh, we were all into it! A few drinks helped of course! And not sure if the neighbours like Mum any more!
A big day had by all with a BBQ for about 20 odd at the end. Talk about a weekend of food and drink! Kemm and I caught up with friends around the corner this afternoon in an attempt to miss another bunch of mums Bridge playing friends, but damn it, they were still here when we got back! So it’s now 11 pm Sunday night and there’s still 6 of us plus Mum here and we all disappear tomorrow morning so she’ll be back to normal tomorrow again.
Weather has packed in today and it’s bucketed down all day, more rain than they’ve had for months so everyone here is happy.
We head to Wellington tomorrow for a couple of nights then on down to Dunedin for 2 nights and over to Wanaka then back to Brisbane on the 11th. Driving to Wellington so hope it’s not TOO wet whilst driving.
