Amazing Volcano Explorer Weekend Part 2

Day #1

Part one of our Volcano Explorer Weekend was all about the preparation. We ended with Riley getting his Explorer pack and then we went to bed ready to get up early in the morning. See Part One HERE

So bright and early on Saturday morning Mr Riley was up and ready to start his adventure

Since we were starting out in Takanini (South Auckland) we decided that we would work our way north.

Did you know that there are 50 volcanoes in Auckland. FIFTY! Crazy huh! We knew that we weren't going to get around to all 50 and I only put 16 in the Journal.  Riley had decided that he definitely wanted to go to Mt Wellington, Mt Eden and One Tree Hill. I really wanted to get to Devonport to North Head and Mt Victoria, plus we had a visit to the Auckland Museums Volcano exhibit.

Volcano #1 - Panmure Basin

I had never been to Panmure Basin. It was a beautiful place. You could see really clearly on the rocks on the shore of the basin the way the lava flowed, it was really cool.

It's amazing when you go somewhere with a specific purpose in mind you see things in a completely different way. I don't think I would have noticed the lava flow rocks or stopped to read the information plaque had we not had Volcanoes on our mind.

Volcano #2 - Mt Wellington

I'd been to Mt Wellington once before but I didn't really remember what it was like. When we got there we saw a whole bunch of guys running around and up the mountain. We learnt that they were league players doing training. After watching the men run looking at the Mountain crater a bit we decided we would walk to the summit up the trail the guys had been running.

After about 1/4 the way up us adults (Mum, Aunty Val & I) were thinking how on earth did those guys run up here repeatedly!
It was worth the effort though because the view was magnificent! And we got to see the full size of the Panmure Basin from up there too.

Looking at Rangitoto from the top of Mt Wellington

Volcano #3 - One Tree Hill

I have been to Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill countless times. On our way up to the summit I made a split decision to go to the Cornwall Park Information Centre. I had never been in there and I was hoping to pick up a leaflet about One Tree Hill or Volcanoes or something we could put in our Journal. Who knew the treasure we would find!!

In the Information Centre we met a VERY helpful lady who showed us to the video room!! There we watched a short video about One Tree Hills volcanic explosion, the Maori Pa sites that were established there and the History of Cornwall Park. It was FASCINATING! I learnt so much about this area that I had no idea about.

They had an area which had lots of books and information about the Auckland Volcanoes which we thought was a Gold Mine! 

After exploring the visitors centre we headed up to the summit of One Tree Hill

After watching the video at the visitor centre and heading up to the top I could look around an see everything with different eyes. You can totally see where the kumara fields were. You can see where the Pa sites were. It was just awesome!! 

Abbey takes a picture of the view

Volcano #4 - Mt Eden

Mt Eden has got to be my favourite Auckland Volcano. I have spent loads of time at the top of Mt Eden with friends and it plays such a fantastic part in one of my favourite NZ books Under the Mountain by Maurice Gee

It was super windy at the top and there were a lot of people. The kids were getting a bit tired and hungry by this stage so we didn't stay up the top as long to explore.

Volcano #5 - Auckland Domain and The Museum

Who knew the Domain was a volcano? Not me! Sadly we didn't get to explore the Domain because as we were heading there for lunch it started raining. We ate our packed lunch in the car and then ran through the rain into the Museum.

We have been to the Museum lots, and we have also been in the Volcano exhibit lots but never with eyes as wide open to the Volcanoes as we did that day. I loved it, the kids learnt new things and going into the Volcano simulation house with a new knowledge was a whole new experience!

Auckland Volcanoes

 Volcano #6 - Mt Victoria

I had been to Devonport loads of times but never up Mt Victoria. I have seen loads of friends take photos of themselves on the toadstools up there so I was really looking forward to seeing what it was like.

Riley & Abbey really enjoyed the toadstools and so did the rest of us!

Mt Victoria was a Military Command Post and there are still remnants of this on the top of the mountain.

With fabulous views of Auckland city we spent quite a bit of time looking out across the water while the kids played on the Toadstools and rolled down the hill.

Look! It's Rangitoto

Volcano #7 - North Head

I think North Head was the kids favourite of the day - leaving the best 'til last!!

I love North Head too. The history of the tunnels and their purpose I find fascinating. We got out our torches and did some real exploring through some of the tunnels that are open.

Tired little (and big!) legs and grumbles starting to come out told us it was time to call it a day.

And what an AMAZING day it was!! Full of discovery and surprises and so much fun!!!

And there is no better way to end a fantastic day than with ice cream!!

Home we went to takeways for dinner and an early night for our next big adventure in the morning .....

going to RANGITOTO!!!!!!

to be continued ............

30 Day Challenge

Day 3 - Your Idea Of the Perfect First Date

Thinking about Dating is a scary idea for me. I am actually in a position where if I wanted to I could start dating again. I don't think I am ready to do such a thing but this question has got me thinking. My idea of what a perfect first date back when I was single and dating to my idea now as a widow has changed significantly.  

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It's been a good 10ish years since I was dating. Things have changed a lot since then. I am a Mum now, I don't have a 20 year old body anymore and my responsibilities are way bigger. Not to mention the way things have changed socially.

This question, as simple as it sounds, is incredibly frightening for me!!

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What would my perfect first date be now? If there was a guy out there wanting to date me (hahahahahahaha) what would I write so he would take me on the date of my life?

To me a first date (not that I can really remember what dating was like!) is a time to get to know and find out if you like this person. You would want to go somewhere where you can talk and have fun and find out about each other.  But here I am assuming that you don't know the person you are going on a date with. How different would it be to go on a first date with someone you already know?

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gees who knew this question was going to be so hard to answer!

Maybe it's because I can't see myself dating at all yet. Maybe it's because I'm not ready to think about having another relationship. 

I have thought about this subject before. The subject of what happens now for me regarding men.  I know women who are older now who were widowed young with small children just like me. One if them never remarried or dated again. One remarried to someone she had known before and had more children with him. One has been married and widowed 3 times.  I have often thought who will I be? What does the future hold for me and my love life?

I am very lucky to have found someone who loved me as much as I loved him. I know there are many people who never find that person. I got 8 amazing years with my love, some people go their whole lives never knowing that kind of love. So should I even consider the subject of dating. Am I being selfish if I think I deserve to find a new special someone?

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Am I happy on my own?

The answer to that is no, but a new man isn't going to fix why I am not happy right now. I am unhappy because I am still grieving what I lost. I am still grieving the life that should have been. So I am definitely not ready to consider dating. I am still finding out who I am after losing Jason. I am not the same person I was and I need to discover myself before i can even begin to think about someone else .. if I ever do.

Gee whiskers! This kinda went off topic!! Sorry about that!

So how about you tell me what YOUR perfect first date would be since I couldn't!

Amazing Volcano Explorer Weekend Part 1

Preparation 

A while ago on a weekend in Auckland the kids and I and a friend were wasting a bit of time and we ended up up both One Tree Hill and Mt Eden. It was late at night so we didn't get much of a chance to explore. I suggested to Riley that it would be cool if we could have a whole weekend exploring the Auckland Volcanoes. He LOVED the idea so the Volcano Explorer Weekend idea was born. I decided to organise it all as a Birthday weekend for Riley.
So I spend AGES planning the weekend. I found out about where we could go, made a Volcano Explorer Journal, made an explorer pack and got my Mum to sew an explorer uniform.
The Friday before the weekend we headed down to Auckland in the afternoon and once there presented Riley with his Volcano Explorer Pack.

In the pack was:
- Camera                                               
- Pencil Case with Pencils & Pens  
- First Aid Kit                                         
- Magnifying Glasses
- Rope                                                  
- Compass
- Torch                                                 
- Water Canteen
- Head Lamp                                          
- Measuring Tape
- Sketch Journal                                     
- Binoculars
- Tongs (for hot rock collecting)

And in the pack was the Journal I made. 
I bought a regular journal which had a leather look cover. I then covered it with embellishments and spray painted the whole thing. After the paint was dry (I did a couple of coats) I gave the letters a light sand so they looked a bit worn and then I sprayed it with varnish.

On the inside I put maps and photos of the volcanoes we were visiting with decorated pages for photos & journalling. These are just a few pages from the journal.

The Explorer Uniform was sewn by my Mum. We found some cool patches at Arthur's Emporium to sew on the pockets of his shirt. I had some iron on tape which I stamped his name on.
The pith helmet is Jason's from when he was a US Marine

So my little Volcano Explorer was all ready and super excited to start his awesome adventure in the morning!!

Tune in tomorrow for Part 2 of our adventure!

30 Day Challenge

Day 2 - Your Favourite Movie

Another hard question!! This is a lot the same as the music one and it depends on what mood I'm in.

If I HAD to pick just one I think I would have to say this one 

The Princess Bride

I walked down the aisle at my wedding to a Princess Bride song (remember I am a geek!)

So here is that song for your listening pleasure too

Willy DeVille & Mark Knopfler - Storybook Love

So what is your favourite movie?

Happy Belated 8th Birthday Riley!!!!

My first born turned 8 last month. 8 seems sooooo much older than 7. I can't believe that 8 years have gone by so quickly!

He was so little when he was born. 6lbs 8oz, my wee little guy. He has taught me so much over the last 8 years.

- Never be off your guard with a naked baby boy otherwise you will get peed on

- The very first time you get called Mum by your child is a moment you will NEVER forget

- You don't truly know what tired means until you become a Mother

- Even though you are a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and have worked with children and babies for 10 years it still doesn't prepare you for your own - and you DO NOT know anything everything

- Hugs from your kids are the BEST thing ever

- You will get just as much frustration from your children as you will receive joy

- Kids never cease to amaze you

He has also been through so much over the last 8 years. 

- moving house 5 times

- Getting stitches in his eyebrow

- Breaking his wrist twice

- Gaining a baby sister

- Losing his Dad

- Moving schools

- Losing His Great-Grandma

Despite all the not so great stuff that has happened he has turned into such a great little guy. He isn't perfect, we have our issues but he is sweet and loving and my favourite boy in the whole wide world!

I love you to the Moon and Back my beautiful son xxxxx

Tomorrow I will tell you all about what we did for Riley's Birthday! 

30 Day Challenge

Day 1 - Your Favourite Song

This is a VERY difficult question. I LOVE music. Picking just ONE song would be WAY too hard so I thought I would share a few.

As you all know I lost my husband. It has almost been 3 years since he died and I don't go a day without missing him and wishing he was still here.  This is the song I listen to when I am missing him the most.

Diamond Rio - One More Day

I am a solo Mum, a Business Owner, a Crafter, a house renovator and the list goes on and on and on ...
The Beatles are my ALL time favourite band and lately this song has been in my head a lot! hehehe I really don't get enough sleep!

The Beatles - I'm Only Sleeping

My kids and I often sit around after dinner and watch/listen to music on Youtube one of our favourites is this one that the kids sing at school and we now know all the words. It makes me think of my favourite people and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy knowing I have people like this in my life

Bruno Mars - Count On Me

I am a geek. I can't deny that fact. I Love Harry Potter, Super Heroes, Star Wars ... etc etc etc

A while ago my friend Mand's introduced me to something called Wrock which is Wizard Rock. Wizard Rock is songs based solely on the Harry Potter Books/Movies. I love it. A geek I know!! My favourite Wrock band is called The Ministry of Magic and this is my favourite song from them. If you know the Harry Potter story it will make sense otherwise .. umm well you're on your own!

Ministry Of Magic - Don't Leave

So that is just a snippet of my musical tastes .. a bit sad and sappy at times lol and definitely not 'cool' and sometimes not even meaningful!! but music is about what it means to the listener not what it means to others! 

Ask me in a month this same question and I'll give you a list of new songs!!

So what music do you listen to when no-one else is around?

30 Day Challenge

So my Awesome Bloggy and IRL mate Neetz over at Stuff From My Head sent out a Challenge that I thought would be a great way to get back into the rhythm of blogging .. I accept your challenge Neetz!!!

So here it is 30 Day's of Blogging 

Anyone else up for a Challenge?

Things I'm Loving

I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what is happening in your life, there is always something you can be thankful for..no matter how simple it is.

I thought I'd start blogging again by linking up with MNM's Things I'm Loving

I am loving a super long Easter weekend which had my kids home for 6 whole days!!!
We didn't do anything overly exciting over the weekend and I actually took very few photos (what!!!!)

So Thursday night my awesome friends Taryn from Orewa and her two kids came up to spend some of the Easter weekend with us.

I ADORE Taryn. She is one of those friends that you can just chill out with. I remember one weekend she was here and we spend most of the weekend laying on a couch each reading our books while our 4 kids played. I never feel pressured to do stuff with her and it's awesome. We chin wag, drink, eat and our kids play. Fabulous!

I am loving the Waipu Easter Carnival. I have always wanted to go and FINALLY made it out there. The kids had a blast doing all the cool things and it was nice to just get out and about.

A super bonus of the Carnival was bumping into Leonie from Kiwi At Heart! She had just returned to NZ from Oz to live (YAY!!!) 

(hope you don't mind me pinching your photo Leonie!!)

Man I need a Haircut!

I loved catching up with Leonie and a few other Bloggy friends at a "Welcome Home Leonie" BBQ. It was LOADS of fun! We ate yummy food, the kids played awesomely together and had an Easter Egg Hunt. Leonie's Mum & Dad were awesome Hosts. It is such an exciting thing to have my lovely friend within visiting distance again! I must organise a road trip soon!!

(more stolen photos! Eekk I'm sure Kristy & Becky won't mind!!!)

Me, Simone (Sima J) Leonie, Becky (Miss Becky Boo) & Kristy (Paisley Jade)

Grown Ups enjoy Easter Egg Hunts too!

So it wasn't a super dooper action packed weekend but it was full with some of my most favourite people and lots of chocolate ... what's not to love!?

It was Time ....

Ok so I thought it was time to blog .. get back on the train .. re-connect with my blogging world.
What shall I blog about?

I could tell you about the Volcano Explorer Weekend that we had for my son's 8th Birthday
I could tell you how exciting it was to have a Welcome back to NZ BBQ for one of my favourite blog and IRL friends
I could tell you about the dangers of not keeping your kids home from school when they are sick
I could tell you about house renovations

To be honest there are loads of things I could tell you about.

But where to start?

Camping

The school holidays are drawing to a close. One week left. I don't look forward to the rush around in the morning before school routines, making school lunches, nagging at the kids to get dressed, have they got everything in their bags, etc etc.  I am going to miss the sleep ins, the flexibility of the holidays, the relaxed days of mucking about doing not much at all. I am looking forward to some quiet child free time, crafting on my own, the food in the pantry lasting longer and not hearing "what are we going to do?" every 1/2 hour or so.

These holidays have gone quite fast for me. Normally the summer holidays drag on and the kids get scratchy and bored and tired of each other. I think that we have had a really good balance of doing stuff and not doing stuff to make the kids have a good time enough to not get overly bored or frustrated.

Our highlight of the holidays was going camping for the first time as a family.
Our friend Danielle asked us and came up with a solution for us not having a tent so I said, heck why not! And it was the best decision ever!!

I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about how the kids would be, since this was their first time camping. It was also the first time since I had been camping since I was a teenager so I was a little worried about how I would like it too!!

So on Dec 27th we headed off to Parakai Springs Camping Ground. Undecided how long we would stay and going with a fully flexible mind.

There was between 3 and 8 tents in our group the whole time. Loads of kids and adults to keep all of us busy and entertained. We stayed until Jan 2nd.

Sleeping in a tent was such a great novelty! The kids really loved it. Plus it's fun to play with torches when it gets dark!!

Watergun fights were a daily occurrence. There were a few ice fights in there as well!

Camp fires were a must have, even though on night three were were told by camp management that we weren't allowed any more. I sorta became un-official fire starter. We didn't have any paper so the kids were sent on dry leaf and stick collecting explorations. Just so you guys know ... eucalyptus leaves burn really well and smell nice too!!

With camp fires comes marshmellow toasting! mmmmm YUMMY!

And then there was the swimming! I am pretty nervous when it comes to water and my kids. Camping at the beach would have been a stressful horrible time for me I think. Camping at Parakai was AWESOME. When we went swimming EVERYONE went to the pool together. It was so much fun. The kids loved it. Much better than freaking out about the kids with the beach near by!!

One of the last days we drove out to the Macadamia Nut Farm - Mac Nut Farms. The Macadamia ice cream and milkshakes were soooo yummy!! There is a little walk where you can head down to this amazing Lily Pond. It was just really cool there. And lovely to head away from camp for the day.

Of course we also had lots of just chillin' and relaxing time. I don't think I did half as much reading as I would have liked (and probably drank a bit too much cider!)

All in all it was a fabulous holiday. We loved it so much we are looking into getting our own tent and everything for next year!!!