Sunset at Sponge Bay

We never get tired of the spectacular views

You're such a Luge-r

Luging in Rotorua.

Christmas with the Larsons

We had a great visit with Todd, Tammy, Tara, Lee and Kelsey. They brought Christmas to us: decorations, presents, cards and greetings from so many of you back home.

The Mailman

 

This is a great source of excitement for everyone, except today all we got in the mail was a letter that wasn't even addressed to us. What a pathetic existence we lead.

Christmas in the Summer.

Carson here.

I'm gonna start this post off with a bit of bragging. We are in the first time zone to get Christmas. You folks in B.C will have to wait 19 hours longer for Christmas. Not to mention that we're doing the European thing and opening presents on Christmas Eve. I was quite excited to discover this.

Bragging aside, it's a weird thing watching Mum cook up Christmas dinner in her shorts and tank top. Not to mention our slightly awkward-looking Christmas tree. Lee called it the Christmas weed- which is a fair name. It does resemble a large weed.

Anyways, It's getting hot so I'd better hit the surf. (heheh)

Merry Christmas,

Carson

[P.S it makes me squirm writing "Merry Christmas" in the summer.]

OH Christmas Tree?!

 

Wainui Sunrise

 

Larson's are here! They all made it safe and sound, and we are thoroughly enjoying their visit.

Afternoon at Bushmere

Carson here.

This afternoon (Sunday the 13th) Mum, Dad, and I spent the afternoon at a winery called Bushmere Estate, drinking coffees and eating Garlic bread an onion rings while listening to a great easy-listening band. My idea of a perfect afternoon. Especially because my mocha was exceptional.

Evening Light

Christmas in New Zealand

Here is the New Zealand Christmas Tree -- one you don't have to decorate!: a Pōhutukawa Tree. This one is beside our drive.

 

Swimming with Moko

Moko, the dolphin has been separated from his pod for most of his life. He is very social, and has been seen all along the East Cape. (The boys saw him up at Tologa Bay in September). This is him, this past weekend, swimming with some surfers right off Wainui Beach. We watched as he bunted a surf board out of one of the kids' hands, and balanced it on his nose as he swam away. The kid swam after him, and just as he reached out to grab the board, Moko would flick it into the air, catch it again and swim away. He was playing keep away! He is very persistent when he wants to play. Recently, though, there have been some close calls. He has knocked some younger kids off their boards, snatched their boards and left them stranded. And because the surf is pretty strong to swim in, they needed rescue to get back to shore. He has damaged and stolen quite a few boogie boards, surf boards, etc. Anyway, we enjoy watching him from the shore!