FAMILY VISIT

Kresta and Brandon flew their family to visit and tour New Zealand for a wonderful and busy week. They had a layover in Sydney, Australia on the way over and got to play in the ocean.

Needless to say, the Loves make the most out of any situation!

 We picked them up at Christchurch and hit the ground running. We drove that afternoon and evening to Kaikoura where we spent the night and then went on a whale watch tour boat. The seas were pretty high and we didn't get to see any whales but got to see hundreds of dolphins and seals. Well worth the trip--the dolphins are real show offs and put on quite the show for all.

A little down the road we visited one of the many,many waterfalls on the island.

Drink, anyone?

We hit the road again after this and went to Nelson for the night. Here is a were we stayed.

We traveled here over a winding mountain pass in a huge rainstorm. We were worried about the day in Nelson because that was supposed to be our beach day.but after prayers that night we had a window of about 5 hours with clear skies and enjoyed the beauty of that area.

We first drove to a lookout were Lord of the Rings was filmed.

Then on to the coolest beaches ever were we spent the rest of the afternoon. Just as we were packing up, the rain started again but we didn't care since we were just driving to our next place.

On to Westport where we stayed in cabins for the night before checking out the local West side of the island.

Cape Foulwind from the light house over look. Aptly named!

Me taking a picture of Alecia taking a picture of Kresta taking a picture of Brandon taking a picture--way too much technology!

The highlight of this day was the swinging bridge over a wild river gorge and a zip line back!

I was flattered Krew wanted to go tandem with me till I figured out he knew the heaviest would be the fastest,

Then on to Hamner hot springs

They said the slide was way awesom and mom and dad got some quiet time while grandpa and grandma were in the really hot, hot tub around the corner. 

The next morning we had time for a trail ride in the forest.

Look, Grandma, I found a leaf as big as my head!

Just before fording the steam.

Finally we completed our loop and arrived in Oamaru for the penguin show.

We got to see about 150 come ashore that night.

And then went into their little houses for about 4 hours rest before they go back to sea.

Finally got to sleep at grandma's house were we liked to cuddle before sleep.

Then Sunday Church and our wonderful singing Tongans. Their enthusiasm in singing the hymns is so fun and uplifting! It literally brings tears to your eyes at times. They loved meeting the family.

Next on the tour was Elephant Rock were Narnia was filmed and is only 20 minutes from our house.

This is a movie set for Lord of the Rings also at Elephant Rock.

From there we went to Moeriaki beach to see the round boulders. A big "must see" attraction in NZ

Next we went to the local Oamaru seaside park next to the pier. With some we-aren't-afraid-you-are going-to-sue-us toys!

Zip line

A park they will never forget.

OAMARU DOWN TOWN: OLD TOWN

A trip through Eden Garden

 

  

Leaving for ChristChurch and saying good bye to grandma's mission house

  

Lunch at Riverstone on the way. This is a very famous restaurant and super quality food. The owner and author of the book we posted last blog came out to meet us. She made the playground just for the kids to have a fun time at the restaurant.

Next stop--Christchurch for trip out early the next morning. We went to the zoo but can't find the pictures we took there--in some cloud some where.

 We did go punting on the Avon river there. 

We then went for a walk in the park.

Had dinner on the Avon

Sad goodbye to a great family but absolutely had the time of our life. Thanks to Brandon and Kresta for bringing their wonderful family to us. Brandon is such a hard worker.

You da MAN