Such a fun time in the snow

We were invited to join Claire & Vince and their 3 children - Luca (7), Nessy (5) and Elise (2) - up in Turangi at their family's holiday home in the last week of the school holidays. Wow, what a special place, a few metres back from the lake edge and only 40 minutes away from the mountain, how amazing is that?

We had the most wonderful time - we all got along so well and we could not have been made to feel more welcome. Luca, Nessy & Elise are the most special children - Claire and Vince should be very proud of them. Josh loved being with them - and especially Luca.

We laughed and laughed and had fun for the 4 days we were there. We packed in so much - time down at the lake, treasure hunts on the back lawn, tobogganing and building a snowman up on the mountain; exploring a forest walk; dancing and hi-jinks in the evenings; the most gorgeous dinners (Clare & Vince are a formidable team together in the kitchen!) - but most of all a really great time with such good friends.

Thank you Claire & Vince for a most special time together. We love your family and truly treasured our time together !

Mummy put together a treasure hunt on the back lawn for all 4 children - they loved it. They all had to work together as a team and take turns at finding the clue and help one another - climbing high and crawling low!

This brought back memories for Mummy - a walk down to the dairy and emulating honking the horn with your hand as the big trucks passed - and the trucks honk back at you - top score for the morning was 10 honks !

Hi-jinks in the evening - ballet dances, performances & then Claire showed how light she was on her feet by pirouetting across the room & 'landing' in Paul's arms!

The end of another superb day - 3 tired little teddies bundled up on a day bed watching television and having a few treats

So much happiness and frivolity at bedtime on the top bunk together

Nessy became Mummy's little shadow (and Mummy loved it, Nessy is simply adorable). Nessy decided that she and Mummy had to have the same hairstyle - and at one stage we even had to dress the same - bless !

No laughing please - this is serious show business! Mummy and Nessy and Elise put on a dancing show at night, all dressed in our pyjamas - just boooodiful !

Luca and Josh down at the lake and down to their undies !

We had so much fun down at the lake - digging, throwing pumice into the water, paddling and almost going in (who says it is winter ?!?!?!)

Heading home from the lake - shoes and trousers over shoulders

... and now fun in the snow - great sliding Josh !

Mummy & Daddy had the chance to leave Josh with Claire & Vince and have a wander down to the lake just as the sun was setting - glorious !

On the swing bridge on the forest walk

Luca and Josh ... hand-in-hand walking through the forest, in their own little world

Nessy, Josh, Luca & Elise about to head off into the forest

Goodnight Mountain ... we will be back!