So we had an absolutely fun day on Christmas day. Kiwi friends of Krista and Ray's took us in on Christmas so that we too could participate in a traditional Christmas Barbie (BBQ). Tents were set up in the yard with tables laid out with all the finery and Christmas crackers for at least 20. We had lamb and lots and lots of fresh veggies. Canadians introduced our Kiwi hosts to cooked beets (they eat them mostly pickled here) and Schnitz apple pie - a hit with their son. We all had great laughs and were there for the whole day. There were so many desserts that I thought we were at a community dinner. Mira and Kate took advantage of Kate's new scooter and a borrowed scooter from Deb and John, our hosts, to rip around the drive way. What a wonderful way to spend our Christmas away from all our loved ones.
On Boxing Day, we hosted a 'do' at our cabin in Karapiro. We served ham - the traditional meat served at Christmas time. Paul was in the grocery store looking for the right ham and got some assistance from Delores? Pheobe? Mildred? someone sweet who called him Deary and found the most delicious ham I have ever had "out back" for our first party in New Zealand. 
We were supposed to pack up and leave our little cabin the next day but instead elected to "go to the beach!" Not a difficult choice given that both the girls got new boogie boards and Paul got a skim board. The waves were perfect and we kept on slapping on the sunscreen and great day was had by all.
So the next day we really did pack up for the East Coast/Hawke's bay area. But in true Sharon and Paul fashion, we slept in to 8:30 and frantically clean up and packed before 10am check out. The kids are really good at packing in a flurry and were great help scootering the loads to the car. This is a photo by the way of our new-to-us -use-it-until-we-get-a-hatch-back-for-you-car from the dealer... it is much smaller and we have to shove all our stuff in. We now own a tent and mattresses and pillows and, and, and.... Didn't check to see if it had a spare tire? hmm?
En route to Rotorua, we stopped in Tirau where corrugated tin must be readily available. Here is the information centre and below the wool goods and tourist shop. Our kids are in front, of course.
It has rained the whole time we have been here in Rotorua so we are moving on. Our tent leaks - we knew it would so we are off to the beach in hopes of fine weather - plus Rotorua is only an hour from Cambridge so we can come back to see the sights. It has thermal pool and such but not much fun in the rain. Below is an Zorb - a big beach ball loaded with a person and thrown down the hill. We had fun watching but will not be participating, Vomit Bag anyone?
We were all thinking of Dad all day yesterday and thinking that he and mom must have had such fun here in New Zealand. I am sending love off to all in Cobourg and am sending you a hug.
We are off to Whakane today - not far and will fill you in on more from there. Happy New Year Everyone.
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