Highlights from Christmas continued

Grandma's house is perfect for riding bikes and after spending a few days on a running bike, Kate learnt to ride a bike without training wheels.

This was a big achievement for her and she was very proud of herself.The running bike was a hit with all the kids even though it took some getting used to.

Lachie stuck with Grandma's cool motor bike.

The esplanade in Palmerston North was a still favourite place to visit. Everybody loves the park, pool and train that are there.

We also took Grandma, and went to Taupo to visit with Aunty Faith, Uncle Hamish, James and Bruce. Taupo was a fanastic place to visit! The weather was stunning and the kids had their first swim in the lake. It was very refreshing! Lachie lasted the longest out in the deep.

What an adventure.

The AC baths were another big highlight. This is Kate whizzing down the grass water slide. Daddy and Uncle Hamish had a lot of fun on this too!

We had lovely picnic dinners outside our motel in the shade (it was far hotter inside).

The park in Taupo had something for everyone.

This is lovely smiley wee Bruce.

Sam and Kate particularly loved this enormous spiders web.

Both of them made it to the top sitting perch.

James and Kate enjoyed their hot chocolates at a cafe.

Back in Hawera, there were lots more adventures to be had.

We had a trip to Opunake beach although the highlight was definitly the pool and playground to be found there, rather than the sand and surf.

Bradley, Jack, Kate and Sam climbed to the top of the Hawera Water tower.

Lachie and Mum watched from below.

And Kate, Bradley, Tom, Uncle Si and Grandad climbed the mountain to Wilkies Pools. What a cool experience that was and it was definitley a highlight of Kate's christmas adventures.