New Years Day trip to the beach

January 1st, 2009

We spent some hours at Maraetai Beach; it was a beautiful day. There was a bit of seaweed washed up on the beach, and Monique had fun pretending it was a necklace. Bryce wasn't too keen on the water, but was very happy sitting on the sand and playing with it - tasting it too! He is one porky little chap in this photo - and there was no way he was keeping his hat on! so his face is showing some of the effects of sunshine. Garry took the other children in the water, they don't usually go in very far. Monique is on the body board, Garry holding Danielle's hand, Diana sitting in the water and Jarrod looks like he is trying to catch something. Bianca was still in Wellington - we had driven home without her, and there was certainly no room in the van for her with all our stuff and the extra presents. Garry's brother had offered to pay her airfare back if she was allowed to stay there longer - with Nana - and help him in his shop. She did some of the baking, and helped to stock the shelves, and thoroughly enjoyed herself. No doubt, shopping for clothes with Nana and Aunty Melissa was another highlight!

We don't often get to the beach, so the children always enjoy themselves when we do go. I find that taking the small blowup boat along is about the only way to tempt me in past my ankles. Too cold - must be getting old! Lots of containers to play with in the sand is a good idea, and we often have other children joining in with ours, making the sand castles and transporting water for the 'moat.' And, if you lose the odd ice cream or honey container, it doesn't matter - as long as they aren't washed away by the water.

Looking forward to getting to the beach again this coming summer.