Summer in New Zealand: Week 3

Sophia's 9th Birthday! She requested an angel food cake with fresh berries,

which was proudly made by her mum!

YEEAAHH! Personal pizzas for all the birthday guests. Pineapple and bacon

were among the favorite toppings. Yes, it was a lot of work for mommy Enaj!

Sophia's little toes and my mosquito bitten foot step onto the beach at Lake Taupo.

After visiting a glass shop in town, we all took a dip in the refreshing lake, renowned for trout fishing.

Driving back through Tongariro National Park, the sun settles behind Mt. Ruapehu, which is one of the

world's most active volcanoes. 

Cheers! Here's to auntie Stella who made a chicken curry with green beans. Notice the Tabasco bottle?

Had to spice up the dish after the fact, couldn't make it too spicy for the little Kiwis.

Make a funny face if you want dessert! I think Sophia wins this one.

Awww, little Carter didn't like the water. Good thing Dad is around to carry him! 

It was warm and sunny at the beach, the winds were roaring across the Tasman Sea. The kids loved the 

water, but we all could of done without the sand flying into our eyes!

I love the country...this is a stand in front of a house where one can purchase fresh eggs, honey and

vegetables on the honor system. 

Deven, Sophia, Georgia and James demonstrate the "hand" signals of the Pee Wee Kiwi Campbell Street

gang of Wanganui - West side.

Everyone hold up their Tamagotchi's!

With mastery and precision, Deven cooked me up a delicious omelet!

Carter giving me a nonchalant kiss in the morning. He's more interested in looking good for the camera!

Sophia, Deven and Georgia braved the 800+ steps up Durie Hill to see the views of Wanganui and its river.

Deven and I climbed up Durie Hill Tower, a memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers of WW1 from Wanganui.

Sophia and Rick check out the panoramic views of Wanganui.

View of Wanganui, looking west towards the Tasman Sea.

Oh, what to do with my leftover New Zealand money? Okay, candy for everyone!

As I sat in the plane before take-off, I snapped a photo of my beloved New Zealand family as they waved goodbye.

After being home in LA for a couple of weeks, I received this drawing from my niece. I love the curly-Q runway,

the family waving goodbye and my little head looking out of the plane's window. The only thing missing were

the tears running down my face. Yes indeed, I'll be back...

Presenting the Kiwi Bunch!

Enaj, Carter, Rick, James, Alice, Deven, Stella, and Sophia.

Summer in New Zealand: Week 2

Packed up the kids and went camping at Kaitoke Regional Park, which was the filming location for 

Rivendell and the Fords of Isen in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Set up tents by the river and went tramping

in native bush forest, which is filled with fern trees - a national emblem of New Zealand.

Mom watching over Carter as he fights through the jungle to save his auntie Stella!

Deven shows off his latest acquired artwork - a temporary site installation

via SPF 30 - by his buddy James.

James and Deven conquer the river, but despite their efforts, sandflies are abound! But the crystal clear water

and bright, warm sun made it a perfect day.

Deven demonstrates his cannonball jump into the refreshing Pakuratahi River.

Sophia manages to find a comfortable spot in the Pakuratahi River, which drains into the larger Hutt River.

Deven, Rick and Carter stand on a swing bridge over the Hutt River, which provides most of the municipal

water for Wellington.

Snuggled up in a sleeping bag, Sophia sleeps with her eye's partially open...or is she awake and spying on me

with her little tiger?

Roasted Leg of New Zealand Lamb! Made with garlic, lemon and rosemary - not too shabby for a first time try.

The family enjoying a home made dinner of roasted lamb, smashed red potatoes, broccoli and of course some vino!

Sophia and I made some delicious peanut butter cookies.

After a morning run, I saw Carter awake in his parents bed through the window.

Summer in New Zealand: Week 1

After a 12-hour flight from LA to Auckland, I boarded a 12 person plane for an hour

flight to the river town of Wanganui to visit my sister and her family. The town is 

located on the west coast of the North Island, about 7 hours south of Auckland. 

My first day with the kids: Carter-2, Deven-10, and Sophia-8. I arrived on a sunny New Year's Eve day

and being with the kids made it one of the best yet!

Little Carter fell asleep at a picnic outing on New Year's Day.

The other kids, Sophia, James, Mika, and Deven had heaps of fun climbing trees via New Zealand style...barefoot!

Sophia and her adopted auntie Alice, who is a glass artist and the hip mother of James.

The day after New Year's Day is a holiday in New Zealand, so we had a bbq at the house. Carter approves

of the sausage-on-a-stick and being surrounded by the women of Wanganui: Mom - artist extraordinaire,

Alice - a glass artist, Sheila - a painter and her mother April - a ceramicist. 

Me and the little one. When he isn't sucking on his index and middle finger, his favorite word for 

EVERYTHING is Nooooooo!

Sophia couldn't resist the last little bit of pink marshmallow on her cheek.

Even in summer it rains, but the kids make it fun and entertaining during an outing to the farmer's market.

Uuuugh! Carter struggles as he attempts to open up a tin box from the wrong side.

But he doesn't know it and he just looks so stinking cute!

Missing my Kiwi family - Oct 2007 photos.

Little Sophia.

Sleepy Carter.

Stopped off at Opunake Beach on the way to New Plymouth.

Deven & Sophia at Opunake Beach.

Winery in Hawke's Bay.

Deven & Sophia at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth.

Carter's first haircut.

Rainbow in the backyard, Wanganui.

Lee/Baum Family at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth.