Annabelle's first birthday

While up north on holiday, we were able to attend Annabelle's first birthday party at Steve and Ange's house. Kids sure do grow up fast when you don't get to see them that often! So here are some photos:


The birthday girl


The cousins meet


Reuben with Annabelle (and dolly)


Who wants cake?!

We also met for a quick brekkie with Grandma and Steve and Ange and family before heading out to the airport.


Family stripes :)


Grandma


Reuben with Annabelle and Zara

Mount Maunganui

We recently had a lovely 4 days at Mount Maunganui celebrating the 'end of the golden weather' with Liz. The place we stayed in was a tidy apartment with a view of the Mount and it was close enough for us to walk down to the beach every day. Golden sand, sparkling clear water, and warm sunshine - we were very pleased to be there.

One day we looked up the two houses that Lizzy and my (Katie's) grandparents had owned - one that mum had been holidaying in as a teenager the summer she met dad on the beach (a "mind if I sit next to you" moment from dad by all accounts) and then the house my grandparents had retired to which I had a few vague memories of visiting as a child. It was cool to dwell on parts of our family history in this way.

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We went for several walks along the beach and also around the Mount, and even managed a picnic bbq by the beach Wilson-family-style with "public facility bbqs" (eew yuck, unclean!). Reuben, being the man he is, swam every day. It was a very relaxing holiday with some beautiful views and was a lovely way to end the summer.

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We also stopped in Paeroa on the way through - Reuben holds a certain passion for L&P so we had to celebrate this suitably... hence the photos!