Friday, January 2, 2009

Christmas in NZ

Finally....Family
All of us on top of Lanarch Castle
We just had and amazing Christmas here in NZ. Mom, Dad, Jenny and Troy came to visit us for ten days. It was so special to finally see family and get show them how amazing this country is. We spent the first couple days here in Dunedin and then went to Queenstown for two days, then moved on to Te Anau and spent three days there, and finally we drove through the Catlins and made are way back to Dunedin. In Dunedin we went to Lanarch Castle (the Only Castle in NZ) and went to Tunnel beach. We got to go Paragliding in Queenstown, It was awesome!! The best part was that we all did it together. It was so cool to see 6 parachutes all in the air at the same time. We then did the Mountain luge later that day. It was a special day packed full of extreme sports. Then we made are way to Te Anau which is just outside of Milford Sound. Milford Sound is kinda the "Face" of New Zealand, when you see pictures of NZ they were probably taken at Milford Sound. We took a boat through Milford Sound and it was incredible...Breathtaking really!!! Pictures do not capture how beautiful and huge this place was. On our way back we stopped in the Catlins at the petrified forest and were blessed to see 4 yellow-eyed penguins come out of the water and walk to their nest. Awesome little dudes! We then rented another surf board and borrowed some body boards from my mate Glen and spent the next day at the beach. We all had so much fun and were exhausted....but not enough to keep us from playin a few card games before we went to bed. We played cards every night and that was definently a highlight. It was very hard to see them leave, but we are so thankful they were able to come see us and see New Zealand. Thanks Mom, Dad, Jenny, and yes you to Troy, for making the trip, we love y'all very much! Cheers

Lanarch Castle (NZ's Only castle)


My sweet mom and I are standing in front of Tunnel Beach


Natalie and Jenny tried to out run this wave and Natalie tripped....need I say more


32 years of marriage and going strong.

Mom and dad taken a break at Tunnel Beach

Natalie and Mom in Queenstown


These mountains are called "The Remarkables"....not really sure why ;)

That huge boat gives you and idea of how big they are.

2 comments:

Cathy Ray said...

I am having so much fun reading your blog, just got the address from your mom and enjoying it immensely. Know you had a great Christmas, your mom sure had fun and said you two are doing so well. What an awesome experience you two are having and making lots of memories for years to come. what a beautiful place to live. Can't believe you got to paraglide and that your mom said "yes" : ) Love you two, Cathy Ray

Jodi said...

WOW! I loved reading about your vacation with mom, dad, Jenny, and Troy! I wish Tim and I could have been there so badly....oh well. I love being home visiting mom and dad. They have been making me laugh for a week now with stories from their trip to NZed with you and Natalie!! I love you both soooo very much and am so thankful to have y'all as family...even if it means thousands of miles away...it is only for a time though! :) Love you, Jodi