Mum, Dad and Si

So, after finding out I had Friday off, I decided to head up to Auckland to see Mum, Dad and Si when the arrive in NZ. Unfortunately I couldn't pick them up from the Airport but I got to Gem and James' house just after they did and surprised them there. To attempt to keep them awake we headed into Mt Eden, although they decided to have a few drinks in one of the nice bars (maybe that wasn't the best idea in keeping them awake). When Gem finished work she joined us for a glass of wine before we headed back to hers for the evening. That evening was pretty sedate and Gem cooked a cracking lasagne before Mum, Dad and Si finally crashed at 9pm.

Saturday we got up early (thanks to their jet lag) and Gem, Mum and I went off for a nice brunch in Mt Eden before going wedding dress shopping for Gem's big day. Went to one shit hole that we had to make our excuses and leave, then one beautiful place, followed by a good bridal shop (very similar to a bridal fair but in a shop) we came up with the design of the invitations and finally feel like we've made progress with the plans (and my first chance to feel like a really bridesmaid). The boys all headed off to Waiheke for the day for a male bonding session. They went to a few vineyards and by the sounds of things had a really great day. Saturday evening we went out for a lovely meal together.

Sunday we went for a really nice brunch up sky tower and got lucky to have lovely weather up there. That afternnon we went for a nice walk up Mt Eden to see the beautiful views before Gem, Si (bro), Mum and Dad headed to the airport to fly down to the South Island for a few days.

ruapehu again

So, this weekend we decided to head back down to the mountain. Unfortunately there weren't many people around to go, so myself Si and Fiona headed down together. On arriving we headed straight to the pub for some food and drinks before heading to bed for an early start the next day.
We knew that we would only get one day skiing as the weather was forcast to close in on Sunday, so we made to most of Saturday. Up early and on the mountain by 8.15. Had a lovely breakfast up the mountain before catching one of the 1st lifts up. Really nice day up there and pretty good conditions. (especially after it softened up a little) After having an apres ski drink we headed back down to our accommodation before settling in at the pub for the evening. That evening we watched the final tri nations match All Blacks v Springboks. After 3/4 of the match, Fi and I were so knackered we headed to bed only to find out later that Fi won the guess the score and $120.

Sunday we got up to terrible weather, looked out the window and you would have had no idea that there were massive mountains right on the doorstep. After a few nice walks around the area we collected his winnings and headed up to Taupo to meet Nat and Jason for lunch. After lunch we headed back to Hamilton for a bit of a lazy evening.

Unfortunately I'm working next weekend so not doing anything too exciting till the week after.