Pakiri Beach

There is something magic about Pakiri Beach. It is a classic remote wild northland surf beach.  Each visit is a memorable experience, even if it is only a trip over a hill and down a dusty country dirt road from where we are staying at Christmas.

This year I took the kids over for a visit with the camera, determined to get some shots of them in action in the white sand and surf.

Lucy took to her heels and ran of course straight down into the surf. It took some convincing to remind her that the waves where not as forgiving and tame as the beaches she is used to.

 On the beach was a surf club in action teaching their nippers.

Both the girls enjoying running down the sand dunes. 

More shots here.

Amelia Turns Five

June is a busy month.

Roll out one wedding anniversary, and three birthdays within the space of 14 days. It ended with Amelia turning 5.

Being 5 involves several things. Well, there's starting school of course, but it also involves giving attitude and having theme based parties involving professional fairies.

He's a photo of Amelia and her pro-fairy sorting each other out on her party on Sunday. Actually the pro-fairy was pretty good. She would have to be - she had 16 five year olds in the palm over her hand. It amazing what a facial expression and a lolly pop can do to a five year old.

Amelia's cousin Gwen came to visit. She got a pro-fairy face paint job. Seems the paint quickly put her 'in role'.

On Monday Amelia headed off to school with apprehensive parents in tow. I'm happy to report that she has flown into the role of being a 5 year old school kid. School uniforms are a relief; no more morning 'debates' on what to wear.