The last of the Xterra off-road running events was in the Shakespear Regional Park, about 40 minutes north of Auckland. The sun was shining, but it was rather chilly.
Gareth warming up
Hannah coming in to the finish line
We couldn't have a big update post without a few photos of our favourite little kiwi girls...
Fun on the trampoline
Leah finds Daddy's guitar case
At the beginning of September, Ian and Judy came to stay for a couple of nights. They have been such wonderful hosts to us many times in Brisbane that it was wonderful to be able to have them as guests in our home for a change!
A weekend in Rotorua was next on the cards, which is a favourite of ours for a weekend away. As we have been many times, we tried a some new things.
Lunch in the cheese factory near Matamata
Rotorua museum - really worth a visit.
It was in Rotorua that we realised spring really had arrived with the blossoms and tulips.
And then, of course, was the obligatory walk around the steaming lakes and bubbling mud!
As we made our way through September, Hannah's birthday was suddenly upon us and a wonderful weekend with our friends in Matakana.
We visited the Farmer's market to pick up some yummy supplies...
Mags & Y enjoying chutneys and hot chocolate
Enjoyed long walks on the beach...
Jumping Helen
Windswept beach
Searching for shells
Had an evening of cocktails and board games...
Followed by a birthday morning with presents, newspapers, mocktail breakfast and more walks on the beach...
We also managed to fit in a few cocktails in Auckland at Bar21 in the Sky Tower....orange chilli jam. Wow!
What a month of friends and cocktails! Towards the end of September, Hannah headed back to the UK to look after her Dad who needed some surgery, so we have two sets of photos of what we have been up to....Mr G first.
Gareth went to Wellington with Laura and Ben to see the WOW (World of Wearable Arts) show. The weather was fantastic and they enjoyed lots of yummy meals.
Shoe dress
The Beehive
Dessert selection
What better way to finish off than with a yummy ice cream?
Gareth was busy in October and managed to fit lots more in to his weekend....visiting the new stand at Eden Park (in preparation for the Rugby World Cup in 2011), catching up with Ruby & Leah, writing messages to his wife in the sand and listening to the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
Meanwhile, 12000 miles away, Hannah was back in Rose Cottage as the signs of autumn were starting to appear. Her Dad is recovering well thanks to the TLC from all his three children! Hannah had visitors to the Lakes, managed a quick overnight trip down to London and spent a night with Gareth's family in Bolton before flying back to NZ.
The hub - Rose Cottage kitchen
A visit from Mel.
Familiar views
Recovering by the fire
A trip to the local garden centre and cafe
Thames kayaking
Joshua and Isabella
Tash and hiding Ella
Sleeping Ella
Flatmates together again
The road to recovery
Cuppa with Rosemary
Sunday lunch with Hannah & Dave
Hayes in the Autumn haze
New tea cosy!
Fruit, flowers and sunshine...the perfect medicine!
Amy & Kate
Theo enjoying pasta
Theo enjoying the chocolate milk!
Cuddles with Aunty Hannah
Hannah with Lucy senior and Lucy junior
Lunch with Gail
At the airport....wish they could have got in the suitcase
James, Rachel and baby Matthew
So, a busy couple of months and now we are in November. The weather is warmer and the BBQ has been used several times already this week.....lots of vacancies in hotel Gregory over summer if anyone fancies a trip!
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