hi ellasons!!

So exciting to have visitors!! Anna, Eric, SI and Abel came to say hi on Thursday March 21. We had dinner and then a chocolate tasting (I have a problem where I just have to buy all the different chocolate bars to try)-we had some fancy truffles and some plain and everyone found a favorite.

Hi SI!!

The next day the girls went to school, and we all went to the girls' assembly. Magda's class was in charge this week, and she had to present a bit on hector's dolphins 🐬 to the whole school!

On the way back from the assembly we stopped for some warm drinks.

Then Josh and I took Anna, Eric and the boys to see the seals (the babies were so playful!) and to see and surf in Tauranga Bay.

Gorgeous as usual.

PB&J for lunch!

Eric and the sea.

Go Abel!

SI is up on the board!

The beach is so very reflective.

Aaaaaaaand they're off!

Surfer boy.

After the girls got out of school, we went back for the school's Twilight Gala-a fundraiser with food and games and pony rides!

Magda's class had made a bunch of fudge, and then took turns being in charge of the stand. She took a turn with Alice and Anna.

They had the best face painters. I want to learn!

Van is getting a fierce dragon.

Yummy dinner! And no dishes!

Pony rides....

and bubbles....

and more face paint! Abel's face was so spectacularl!

Hugs for all.

The next morning we headed out to Pancake rocks and the Truman track to show Anna and the boys.

Taking a break!

Anna matches the sky and sea.

We had fantastic blowhole action!

And back to the cafe for pancake lunch. Except all the Hegman girls who ordered pancakes (yes, you, van--and frank, and lu!) all wanted Magda's pizza instead.

Pals.

SI the weka whisperer.

Found more blue mushrooms on the track, different from last week! It was very fun to see the bright blue newer ones, and some that we saw last week had turned to a lighter blue grey.

See?

Abel in the fantastic forest.

Van practicing her moves in the pebble beach where the Truman track ends..

Hi Lu and SI!

Kids on a trail.

Happy early birthdays, lu and Anna!

This is Neil's Eels-a random spot in Westport with signage and all, where you can feed the eels! Such fun!

Hello eels.

Don't fall in, Frank!

Beach day! Magda and Lu got in some boogie boarding, while Josh took SI and Abel for one more surf 🏄‍♂️ before they left.

Van singing her heart out.

Thanks for the awesome visit Ellasons!!