The Fiji Beach

Here are some shots from a walk down the beach south of the hotel one day. They are a bit abstract but somehow I couldn't resist them. You seem to notice lots of small but remarkable things when walking down a tropical beach in different climate. Here is one of a Fijian footprint in the sand.
A simple shell in the sand
A view south of the beach on Denerau Island.

More shots of the holiday can be found here.

Fiji

Last week the extended Macdonald family packed up and flew out to Fiji to spend a week together in the warm weather. We stayed at a hotel on Denarau Island with a fantastic pool which was great for the kids.
The view from the hotel over the Fiji Islands gave some nice sunsets. The weather was mixed but mostly fine and definitely on the hot side of warm. It was a great chance to get some photos on the kids. This was one of Lucy on the deck looking out over the sea.

This one of Peter, who is rather a photogenic young lad also turned out well.
The days languidly swam by in a relaxed routine. Up early with the kids, a morning in the pool with the kids. Lunch by the pool or back at the room. Sleep time for the young. Afternoon walk through the resorts or down the beach. Followed by another swim in the pool or sea. Then happy hour miggled with kids baths and dinner. We took turns about baby sitting and going out to local places to eat. The local food had improved from memory. One night we even indulged in the local resorts fine dining experience with some spectacular food; thanks Grant. Event the local buffet was quite fun; but I was lassoed into entering a 'Mr Radisson' competition - much to Amy's glee.

Amelia

At such a young age, Lucy is hard to get shots of.

Perhaps it is a combination factors of age, interactivity. While Amelia is easy to get a nice shot. Case in point.

Standing

Caught this shot of the girls in the back garden. Lucy is really getting familiar with her feet now and wants to stand all the time. She can't stand unaided yet but she's working on it. Hard.

In the meantime that's what the rest of the family is for, to act as her third leg.

This weekend was home based. Kids parties on Saturday morning. I took the kids to the Nairnville playground for Saturday afternoon.

The Cakebread's came over for dinner on Saturday night.

Sunday saw us surfing the cafe's and finishing up outdoor jobs. At last the fence was finished. The weather started to deteriorate on the Sunday afternoon with the wind fulling in. The kite was pulled out and flown in the park over the road. This pulled in the neighbors and an impromptu game of four year old soccer and tag. Turned out to be a great time.

Easter Rock Hopping At Ohakune.

On Easter Friday morning the family was packed into the car

and we drove up to Ohakune for a few days.

The aim was to catch up on house and garden maintenance before winter arrived truly. However we managed to get out for a walk and a play or two.

Took this shot on Friday of Amelia jumping between rocks at the back of Turoa Alpine Village. There is never any doubt that getting out the city into the country for a break is always a relaxing way to spend a weekend.

On Saturday I looked after the kids while Sarah caught up on work. Took the kids to see the carrot while

Amelia indulged in more rock hopping.

On Sunday I got stuck into cleaning up around the garden and drive way. Autumn sure creates some nice scenery, but a terrible mess for owners of leafy properties.