Saturday, January 9, 2010

Christmas Holidays at the Beach

Christmas was very relaxing. We headed up to Urenui (small beachside town) which is about 35 mins from New Plymouth on the west coast, four days before Christmas. We stayed in Viv and Neil's 'bach' by the sea which is situated on a camping holiday site. It is perfectly situated for an easy stroll to the beach and local shop and if you're a keen golfer - it's also ideal!
We arrived just in time to beat the mad rush of Christmas holidaymakers and spent four very quiet and relaxing days soaking up the hot sunshine with the kids on the beach. On Christmas eve, we packed up and headed down to Hawera for Christmas brunch with Viv and Neil and family and then onto Murray and Trish for lunch. We spent a lovely day catching up with all the families and stayed over in Hawera that night and then instead of returning to windy Wellington, we decided to return to Urenui for a bit more R&R!
The weather wasn't as good the second week but that didn't matter as the girls were more than happy to occupy themselves either covering each other in black sand at the beach, playing at the local park, in our backyard beside the bach or eating ice-creams at the cafe with us. We can't wait to do that again.
Madeleine and Lauchlan (best of friends and conspirators!)
Lauchlan is our step-nephew.
The Grandchildren: Madeleine; Lauchlan; Reece; Molly; Caccia and Eli.

Water pistol fight!


Viv comes under attack from all directions.


Madeleine stops for some light refreshment!


Viv gets her own back!

Molly explains a thing or two to Peggy (just 90 years of age!)


Madeleine's 3rd Birthday.


Pretending to be shy.

Viv's cake (I just put on the decorations!)

Nick on the kayak at Urenui, New Plymouth.

Beth and Madeleine.

Beth and Molly.


Urenui Beach.


Pohutakawa (NZ's Xmas tree).

Madeleine's birthday present - 'Dora' Scooter!

Molly and Maddy get new nighties just in time for the hot Summer weather!

Molly sings 'Somewhere over the rainbow' from inside a bucket in a kayak - wonder if that's ever been done before?

Nectarine and nudies!





















4 comments:

Gudrun Johnston said...

Looks like fun was had by all! Lovely to see so many pictures of the girls.

James McLauchlan Johnston said...

Any chance there's a video of Molly singing in the bucket?

Laughton and Patricia Johnston said...

Missed the pohutakawa blossom this Xmas! Does Lauchlan know what he's taking on? Looks as though you had a good time at the bach.

Beth Armstrong said...

Sorry, no videos of Molly singing that one but will remember to take one next time! We do have another video though so will try and upload that one.