Waihi Beach NZ

As part of our new tradition - we are heading to the races on Christmas eve - when in Rome!

Hello all, Another Blog from NZ... we are having a great time. This land is not very Christmas-y, not much in the way of Christmas music and decorations but the kids KNOW that it is just days away.

In the meantime, we had to get out of our B&B this past weekend so we headed to the Waihi Beach on the east coast. We had a unit with a deck the faced the ocean. There was a heated pool and a jumping pillow - see below.

Beach is always a great way to spend hours and hours having fun..

We finished off our weekend with a hike on Mount Maunganui. Kate ran ahead to the summit. The Kiwi Christmas tree are out in full bloom. We hiked through sheep pastures and got close to the wee lambs.

Kiwi Christmas tree overlooking the ocean from the summit of Mt. Maunganui

Our intrepid hikers.

Postcard material? Can you see the sheep?

Cambridge is Home of Champions - lots of very expensive horses. Mira is in her glory.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. We aren't having a white Christmas but that is ok. We are happy to have a very different Christmas, this year especially. I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

I was looking at the Southern Cross high in the starry sky this past weekend and thinking of our friend Kathy in Juneau. We send you our best wishes Kathy - take care.

Merry Christmas all.