The time finally rolled around for another one of the much anticipated mother's retreat weekends....this time I was super excited as it worked out that Suz was up here for the weekend so joined us. Once again, treasured times with like-minded mums with kids with disabilities to share and support. I couldn't quite believe that I managed to pull off yet another great piece of art work at Ursula's art sessions...I looked forward to this without trepidation this time, after having such an awesome experience last time.The only worry was, could it be that last time was just a fluke that I made some fabulous art work and what if I couldn't pull it off again?
But not to worry, with some inspiration from other mums at the weekend I managed to produce "Dare to Dream" - something dear to my heart and have found a perfect place to hang this where I can see it every morning when I wake up and ponder on it. And I do dare to dream....Robyn's words from our many animated conversations come back to me..."See it, dream it, do it"....and I can set about making these dreams come to fruition!
We have had soooo much fun with these art sessions that we have decided to have an art party, so have been gathering materials in preparation for a gathering coming up at Sharron's.
Daniel has been on yet another sleepover at Lezanne's - he had fun baking with Leandri. He is also a big fan of hot chocolate which he likes to have in my original bunnykins wee cup I had from when I was a child. (Yes that is one chocolate-covered mush).
As winter sets in I went about crossing yet another thing off my bucket list...a whale and dolphin safari.
Cameron came with me this time - he was a little nervous but once he saw the cool cruise liner and that it had a cafe and hot food in it, he was happy!
The day was absolutely perfect for the trip, water like a millpond and sunny clear skies without a breath of wind. We managed to see not only several pods of dolphins, but also 2 whales and a couple of penguins.
We went right out past the back of Rangitoto Island to the coast of the Coromandel. I did not take too many photos/videos as I wanted to enjoy the moment and didn't want to be stuck behind the viewfinder. In the commentary from the Whale and Dolphin Explorer they mentioned that there are often stingrays hanging round the rocks at certain times, so it must have definitely been a stingray we saw by the rocks on the Paihia wharf in the summer.
The last day of June dawned special for Daniel - he had his highlight of the week:swimming, then I took him out for lunch at a cafe and on to meet Dora the Explorer at the Warehouse in Albany - it was the talk of the week for him!
Since we got the ipads the kids have been having fun using photo apps to make some cool photos - this is only a very short collection of what they have made. Below is one Daniel worked out and took of himself!
Nicola has taken many shots, this being just one of the awesome shots with Camera Wow.
This hair makeover app was just the funniest to see Todd with girl's hair, Nicola as a cool dude boy and Cameron as a girl. Me? A change of hair colour with slightly longer locks..., think I will stick to blonde and cropped!
July school holidays have sprung upon us in no time at all...Auckland is definitely four seasons in one day...from a freak 20 min flood with heavy rain to brilliant sunshine an hour later!
But not to worry, with some inspiration from other mums at the weekend I managed to produce "Dare to Dream" - something dear to my heart and have found a perfect place to hang this where I can see it every morning when I wake up and ponder on it. And I do dare to dream....Robyn's words from our many animated conversations come back to me..."See it, dream it, do it"....and I can set about making these dreams come to fruition!
Daniel has been on yet another sleepover at Lezanne's - he had fun baking with Leandri. He is also a big fan of hot chocolate which he likes to have in my original bunnykins wee cup I had from when I was a child. (Yes that is one chocolate-covered mush).
As winter sets in I went about crossing yet another thing off my bucket list...a whale and dolphin safari.
Cameron came with me this time - he was a little nervous but once he saw the cool cruise liner and that it had a cafe and hot food in it, he was happy!
The day was absolutely perfect for the trip, water like a millpond and sunny clear skies without a breath of wind. We managed to see not only several pods of dolphins, but also 2 whales and a couple of penguins.
The last day of June dawned special for Daniel - he had his highlight of the week:swimming, then I took him out for lunch at a cafe and on to meet Dora the Explorer at the Warehouse in Albany - it was the talk of the week for him!
Since we got the ipads the kids have been having fun using photo apps to make some cool photos - this is only a very short collection of what they have made. Below is one Daniel worked out and took of himself!
Nicola has taken many shots, this being just one of the awesome shots with Camera Wow.
This hair makeover app was just the funniest to see Todd with girl's hair, Nicola as a cool dude boy and Cameron as a girl. Me? A change of hair colour with slightly longer locks..., think I will stick to blonde and cropped!
July school holidays have sprung upon us in no time at all...Auckland is definitely four seasons in one day...from a freak 20 min flood with heavy rain to brilliant sunshine an hour later!
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| Skate park at Browns Bay
July dawned and we did the family tourist trip up sky tower and on the Wynyard tram which Daniel absolutely loved. Such a gorgeous day for it.
  We were lucky enough to finally have Tracy and Bryer visit for the second week of the July school holidays.    |
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| Wynyard Quarter, The Viaduct, Maritime Museum and Mexicali food |
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| Kaipara harbour sunset pals |
The time spent with great friends special in our hearts went way too fast, fitting in quite a few expeditions but certainly not everything in the short time they spent here. So they promise to come back over summer, and we are going to hold them to it!
