Off we go into the bush...

On our way back to the carpark from the Waitomo Caves visitor centre, we found this track. It looked easy enough so we decided to go for a little hike.  The boys were full of enthusiasm.

As usual, they side tracked checking out things.

Pretty soon, the enthusiasm waned and somebody needs his personal porter to carry him on the steps .

Noel posed with the rocks/boulder formation

Soon Abel was walking on his own again..Hooray for the porter

perched on rocks of some sort.

 

Spotted some morning glories on the way back to the carpark

 

We made a long weekend trip down to Wellington end of January to get an emergency certificate for yours truly. The trip was made after Abel's party and our first stop was at Waitomo Caves. We didn't go to the caves but kinda just made a loo stop and checked out the visitor centre and also the small track available around the area.

 

 

What's that Mum?

Noel posing at the stairs

On the way back to the carpark, there was a small track one can do so we did that to make sure we are not just siting in the car all day long.

白马王子

 

Dear Abel, Happy 2nd birthday, wishing you good health and many blessings be upon you. :)  

Blowing the candles

Cutting the cake

Breaking the pinata

 

 

 

 

I had no where to hang the pinata, so I just had the kids break the pinata on the ground in our backyard.

Abel's Birthday

Abel is a big fan of the Wiggles. His birthday cake is a blackforest pudding cake with obviously his  favourite group of people

He's all dressed up for his party :) - Noel is somewhere in  the house

 
The spread - includes Hong zhao chicken (typical foochow dish) , sambal telur, and I cooked the usual rendang and a lamb curry..etc

Noel and his party hats!

Jake's bbq umbrella. He bought it at Briscoes before New Year 2012. Already the colour is  fading..

 

~the banner~

Here I made a banner for Abel's birthday. It is  quick job involving word, fancy scissor and coloured paper and ribbons to connect the words.

Abel here with Baby before his party in mismatched Pjs.

The making of a pinata

Thanks to Dora the explorer Noel knows what a pinata is. So here i am making one. pardon my non-coordination of my pj pants and tee shirts!

 
Noel wanted me to take picture of him and all the lollies. All the moms are going to 'hate' me for these lollies:P

I couldn't believe I allowed myself to buy so many lollies at once!!!

I googled to find some ideas how to make pinata ..Tada, here's my version using mushroom box and lots of crepe paper ..and I cut out number 2 and then covered it all up with the crepe paper.

Mason's birthday..

 

 

 

Mason was noel's classmate at CB kindy. The party was held at thte practice pool at the lyold elsmore recreation centre.  Nicola M's mom invited quite a number of the school friends. Noel was a little shy at first because I didn't bring the float with me.  but after about 20mins he warms up and decided to go into the water. Luckily he only stays in the shallow part.. he had a ball and enjoyed the transformer chocolate mudcake :)

Shamrock cottage

Noel was playing in the sandpit in Shamrock cottage.
It is the 2nd oldest building in Howick. Now it is a cafe.
and I would recommend people to go there.. it has plenty of seats outdoor and some seating indoor.

chomp chomp chomp

I don't know why I am craving for Vietnamese food a lot these days.
maybe because it is a lot 'lighter' and there's more 'greens' in the bowl.

Sprinting...