Our time here in New Zealand is coming to an end soon.  Sad but true, we soon will be back to the bone chilling cold we have been fortunate enough to avoid.  We've had an awesome time in New Zealand.  Sweet as...as they say here.  The stunning scenery of the South Island has been amazing.  The Nelson area and Abel Tasman National park gave us our fill of beaches.  After Nelson we drove down to Hamner Hot Springs and had a nice soak in the thermal hot pools.  Our last week has been in Christchurch doing some of the more touristy things, including taking in a cultural show about the Maori people, which of course meant seeing the famous Haka warrior dance (google haka dance).  On Saturday we fly to Hawaii to soak up just a bit more sun and then it's back to reality.  The kids are kind of ready to go back.  More just to see there friends and get back into their sports.  Mom and dad are only ready to go back if all the snow has melted.  

"Dad, it seems like everyday is like an adventure!" -  after a two hour hike to Taranaki falls on the base of Mt. Ruapehu.

Merry Kirihimete!  It has definitely been an unusual Christmas.  When you are used to having snow and cold weather, a day at the beach or hiking seems odd.  We  kept some of our traditions, but on Christmas day we went for a long hike through Ohinetonga reserve in Tongariro National Park, where dad and the boys took a dip in the icy cold Whakapapa river.  Dinner was barbecued lamb chops.  They don't really do Turkeys here.  Altogether it was a great day and a neat way to spend Christmas.  

Not as scorching hot as the Cooks, but awesome nonetheless.  Lots of touristy things in the first few days and showing the kids our old stomping grounds.  Brought back a lot of good memories.  Rented a car and getting used to driving on the other side of the road.  No accidents yet...

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Patiently waiting at the airport.  Looking forward to 27 degrees in the Cook Islands.  Made it through customs without the body search.  Nobody touched my junk.