Finally, Nick, Luke and Jon arrive in Te Atatu

At Boyds on the day Jon arrived, and earlier than that, Nick and Luke were deposited. Marcie looking on.

The boys check out Piha beach.
Gorgeous scenery at Piha, facing Lion Rock. That's Nick and Jon's silhouette.
The Lion and Marcie
Jon and Luke in the back of the car.
The sisters on the beach at Takapuna, after having seen Orcas in the harbour behind them, and now they are recovering eating icecreams.
One of the many cafes visited - this one in Takapuna.
Jon shared this morning, this is Mark sleeping with his eyes open. Nick and Rawiri just behind.
Sisters filled the other side of the room.
Jon reaching for his notes as Rawiri looks on.
LOOK at that mean face from Steve from behind Marcie.
We dealt to it.
The kids entertained and welcomed the visitors tonight, after the barbecue. They sang a welcome song in Maori and one of the church songs.

Day Five/Six

Sunday started off a whole lot more relaxed, with Marcie and Penny getting some washing done, and Penny ironing ALL OF STEVE'S SHIRTS. You can see how happy he is about that.
Then we were off up to the market garden area to get some fruit and vegies, and to have lunch at a cute little store called 'The Kauri Gumstore' - an old 1860 store which has since been converted into this cafe with lots of ambience.
Monday, Mark took the girls around to the museum and other spots, and then in the evening, they came with me up the Skytower, to Orbit restaurant.
Marcie cutting up the turkish bread for dipping.
Great 360 degree views as it rotates once every hour.
And for dessert - a chocolate denso at the Chocolate Boutique in Parnell. Mmmmmmm.
Very happy to be finally getting that chocolate drink I told them about.

Day Three/Four

Off to Arataki Visitors Centre in the Waitakere Ranges to start our tour through the scenic drive and then finish at the Cascade Kauri Walk for an amble before lunch.
View from one of the platforms of a dam in the ranges.

A handy frame awaiting some content.
The Lower Huia dam.
Walking the Cascade Kauri track - otherwise known as 'Auckland City Walk'.
Penny in front, with Tracey just behind, and then Liam, Helen and Marcie.
Meat pies for these two at the end of the walk.
Marcie and I enjoying the picnic breeze.
Mum and Dad joined us for the afternoon, on the slopes of the golf course by the walkway.
Basking in the late Spring sun.
Cheesy grin from Marcie, refined glance from Helen.
During the walk. . .
Marcie and Penny in front of one of our massive Kauri tree trunks.

Day Two

Off to Parnell to sample the coffee first. . .
then around the Parnell Village over the little humps and bumps. . .
and then lunch at another little cafe. Jan did all the driving, bless her. . .
Penny and I.
and off to the Parnell Rose Gardens for the beautiful roses flourishing at the moment.an old favourite of mine - Blue Moon.

Marcie and Penny hit Auckland

Here at last! Marcie with the tulips that Tim had asked to be left by her bedside for her. She's pretty happy he thought of that!
Marcie and Penny within hours of arrival. .
Steve, Liam and Jem nibbling away at food and listening to stories
Me and Marcie at last, and my sister finally gets to meet her. . .
More stories. . .
Liam taking endless photos gets that look from his Aunt.
Guy Fawkes night meant a cold wait for the fireworks to be started outside. . .
Steve and Liam got them going down on the back lawn while we watched.
Marcie and I on the top of Mt Eden.
Marcie and Penny with the SkyTower behind them on top of Mt Eden
The wind WAS cold.