Grandparents- Day 1&2 (Travel, Cape Palliser)

I've decided its much to overwhelming to fit everything into one post. So, instead, I will tackle a couple of days at a time.

We picked Grandma and Grandpa up on a Wednesday afternoon from Wellington airport. They looked so dapper and chirper, I couldn't believe they had just traveled over 24 hours across the world! I actually got butterflies in my stomach, I was so nervous/excited to see them!! They said the flights were better than they thought, and they don't know why everyone warned them about the trip because it was "just fine!" Talk about energetic and tough grandparents! They were impressed with the Kiwi service on Air New Zealand- free wine, creamy yogurt and they sweetest fruit they have had in a long time.



We travelled over the Rimutaka hills, back to our little home in Carterton. Of course, Grandma and Grandpa needed a refresher, so out came the coffee and homebaked apple cake with oozy caramel sauce...mmmmm... We took our time catching up, and we still are a week later!



They were eager to see our little town, church and school, so we went for a drive. We stopped by my messy classroom and office (still re-arranging for this upcoming school year) and spent time talking to other teachers and the pastor. Some of my students were playing at the school as well, and Sam and I took time to try out one of their new "skateboards"- not what it is called, but I can't remember the real name. Whatever it is, every kid in NZ is begging their parents for one!







Wednesday night we had a vegetable stir fry with rice/noodles and a crunchy peanut sauce. My mom sent a package of home videos for us, and we watched parts of them, basking in nostalgia. After more chatting and drinking of red wine in the cozy, dim-lit cottage, we headed off to bed. Thankfully, Grandma and Grandpa slept well!



Thursday morning was glorious- sunshine and warmth! Grandma and Grandpa found it difficult to believe they had just left the frigid province of Ontario and now were in a tropical NZ!



Grandma began some serious unpacking and we were spoiled rotten with pounds of droppies and chocolates! Mom also sent Leah a book about Christian life in the Tudor time period -I think its titled Caught in the Web. She's already drinking it up. I can't believe how fast that girl reads- she's usually finished her first library book an hour and half after we get home!



We were a little over exuberant about showing Grandma and Grandpa NZ. We decided to take them out to Cape Palliser to see the Pinnacle Rocks and the fur seals. It was a long day and they were tired, but still thoroughly enjoyed it as is evident in the following pictures!

Drive to Pinnacle Rocks:
We stopped at a ritzy wine town called Martinborough for a few pictures of some cute homes and to show Grandma and Grandpa where Sam had installed fireplaces.





Grandma noticing that the dandelions are a little different in NZ:



Picnic before the trek:



The trek through a dry riverbed up to Pinnacle Rocks:

I almost had a heart attack watching my grandparents climb steep, gravel inclines and bound over large, round, river stones! The walk went well for the first bit, but it was much longer than we expected. Grandpa and I stayed back and relaxed on an old log, talking about the past, future and life in general, while Sam and Grandma braved out on their own. They eventually came to the Pinnacle Rocks- stunning! Grandpa and I were thankful they took lots of pictures so that we could see how truly majestic they are!


















I'm frustrated. It takes WAY TOO LONG for pictures to load onto blogspot!!!!!!!!! Maybe I am doing something wrong- I dunno. But it kinda saps the joy outta sharing experiences with you all!

Plod on I will...

Lighthouse and Fur Seals:







On our way home we stopped by a unique town on the coast. Most of the men are fishermen, and their fishing boats are attached to old, rusty, sea-salt-eaten bulldozers! It's quite a sight to see this equipment lined along the beach. As you'll notice, some proud owners lovingly take the time to paint, decorate and show-off their machines.







We were tired after this adventure! Poor Grandma and Grandpa had a long day. Don't worry, we didn't put them through this much agony the next day :)!



After all that fun, we ended the night with a huge steak and fish dinner! Don't ask where we found the energy to make up a three course meal- salad, homemade garlic bread, fresh fish sprinkled with squeezed lemon juice and dill, barbecued steak, garlic and cheese mashed potatoes, fresh silver-beet (similar to spinach, but a little less bitter), custard, yogurt, fresh blueberries and raspberries and NZ wine. YUM!

We slept soundly :)



I made through this post without pulling my hair out. Success! I like including too many pictures which seems to make the posting process endless. Oh well, I hope you enjoyed the final product!

Now I am heading back to the couch to enjoy some reading with Grandma, Grandpa and my 27 year old hubby, Sam! Yes, it was his birthday yesterday and guess who completely forgot about it?! It wasn't just his wife! He also forgot about his own special day. Talk about embarrassing to find out its your husband's birthday on facebook :)! We were just too busy having fun with our grandparents to remember (lame excuse, I know).

Cheerio!