Today was ANZAC day in Oz and NZ. Didn't really affect me in any way besides the shops not being open till lunchtime! But it was cool that I was here though eh?! Ben got up for work this morning about 7 and as my bed was effectively in the kitchen under the stairs, I chatted to him while he was making his breakfast. Hannah and Marcus got up a bit later and I had a quick chat with them before getting up myself. I washed and dried a load of washing while planning ...

I woke up this morning to the sound of Zak chuntering away in the room next to me, as per the last few mornings. I'm going to miss that little nutter! I got myself up eventually and reluctantly got ready to leave. I had a cup of tea while the kids were getting dressed and Andrew was getting ready for work. I really didn't want to leave but I had people to see, places to go, you know how it is. Andrew gave me a last few words of advice, I gave everyone a hug goodb...

I had a bit of a lay in this morning. Emma was up early with the kids before going to work and dropping the kids at the childminder on the way. Andrew had some work to do first thing before we went out for the afternoon. I was just enjoying chilling after a non stop month. He came downstairs mid morning and rang his doctors for me - had to have my stitches out today. The doctors were in Warlworth so we stopped at a tree surgery job Andew had to assess on the way....

I woke up to the sound of the kids this morning bless them. Makes a nice change to noisy Americans! We all had breakfast together and then packed the car up to go to the beach, Puhoi. We drove past the school, little local hall and village and it was nice to see where they live etc. The beach was awesome and so empty! Zak was in his element (I took videos and pictures for you mum) and it was nice to be out in the sunshine! After drying Zak off we went to the loca...

Low and behold, I woke to noisy Americans again this morning. Get me out of here. I packed my stuff and checked out. I got directions to the car hire place and walked over. It was hot and a bit of a pain with my bags. I resisted the temptation to call a taxi and stopped at the petrol station for some breakfast. Those cartons of weetabix and chocolate milk are actually quite nice. I made it to the car hire place, only to find that they didn't have what I needed. S...