Celebrating Someone Special

Mr Fox's family have been here the past few weeks as we celebrated his Mum's 70th Birthday.  It was wonderful to be able to spoil her for a whole week. She is a very special and treasured person in our family. Mae adores her as much as we do.

Before the Birthday dinner at the Viaduct.  Toby, Mae, Grandma Ann and Veronica

The days flew by with meals out and trips to the Aquarium, Butterfly Creek and a special High Tea in Devonport. Ann's sister flew up from Christchurch.  Along with her lovely partner and daughter we were able to spring a couple of surprises, including a cake. It's not easy to surprise Toby's Mum!

The Birthday Girl and her surprise cake

Selecting hats for High Tea

We made a day trip down to the Waitomo Caves a few hours drive South of Auckland. A brilliant day out. The cave tour ending with a boat ride through the glow worms was incredible; magical really as the tour guide sang beautiful Waiatas into the inky darkness.

Mae was in awe of the caves....when we entered she kept repeating "di-di" her word for dinosaur. It wasn't hard to imagine a dinosaur lurking in such an ancient space. In addition to all the adventures we had it was lots of fun just all being together. 

Grandad Kevin, Grandma Ann, Veronica, Toby and Mae. Just outside the glow worm caves in Waitomo.

Miss Mae thought it was rather great to have so many people to entertain. It was the first time she had met her Aunty Veronica and they became firm buddies. I'm afraid it will be quite a shock for her when it is just her and I come next week! Oh how she will miss them all. 

More interested in a baby chick than this gorgeous bunny!

Grandma Ann and Mae watching the Chinchillas

The second week Mr. Fox's Dad arrived to spend time with us before Veronica headed home to Istanbul, Turkey. We were able to squeeze in a bush walk while the sun shone. The rain has set in today; a perfect excuse to catch up on the neglected chores and blog!