Sweet, sweet memories...

As most of you would now be aware, my Dad passed away suddenly in NZ just a few weeks ago. Despite such sad circumstances, the beauty of NZ is hard to ignore. And in that beauty comes a certain peace for Mum and our family that Dad is buried in his hometown. 

I apologise for the HUGE number of photos...but even when it's raining over there (which I might add, it rained every day we were there apart from the day we arrived and the day we left!!), it is such a picturesque country. We spent our whole time in Whangarei staying with Dad's wonderful relatives on their dairy farm. The children loved every minute...even though it was cold, raining and muddy!! 

I have spared you a few photos though, as as we were driving back to the airport I suggested to Mum that I could stop and take some (more) photos of the scenery. She did pull out the 'mum tone' by not letting me stop in the middle of the dual carriage way just for a photo!!

The view from the kitchen - that is the dairy in the background. 

 A few photos of the gorgeous vintage style inside the house.

Missy very excited to be collecting the eggs :-)



 

  Around the farm...

  

 Fruit trees... 

 The g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s calves!  I could have brought a few home :-)

Missy not so sure when they started sucking on her dress!!

 

 Master teenager thought having 2 days more on the farm than younger brother gave him foreman privileges!!  

Afternoon milking time (at the more reasonable hour for me to be taking photos!!).

Onerahi Yacht Club 

 

 Some of the beautiful flowers sent in Dad's memory.

   

Aunty reading Missy a book <3 

 

 Fresh milk for the pigs! 

Not sure he'd be poking tongues if he knew we'd have the last laugh!!

  

 Freezing cold outside...but the kids couldn't resist the hot tub!!!

Much needed wood pile!

Lucky enough to be there minutes after this gorgeous newborn calf was born (the kids watched...I was busy packing!). 

  

 Getting ready to leave and out comes the sun!!!  Needless to say the packing had to wait :-)

 

Calf ready for a local boy to take to school!

 

  

 One (and only!) stop for photos on our way home.