travel

Hobbiton

I have to be honest, Emma and I weren't very excited about this day trip.  I wanted to check it out and see it, but I'm not really a huge Hobbit fan.  Mark and Adam have watched all the movies, Nathan some of them and Cole and Adam played the Lego Lord of the Rings video game together in Australia.  So, they were all well educated in the characters and the story.  I have seen the play (which was really good) but I have just found the books and movies to be a little long for my attention span so haven't really taken to them.  Anyhow, going into the day not really knowing what to expect, I was blown away with the attention to detail at Hobbiton!  The number of hours to prepare the set to EXACT demands (like fake trees with THOUSANDS of wired on leaves that had to be repainted two days before the shoot because the paint had faded ever so lightly.....) paid off.  The set was AMAZING!  The details and artifacts were awesome and we loved the tour! Here are some fun facts you may or may not know:

Location of Hobbiton

• Distance from Matamata = 20km; Hamilton = 43km; Rotorua = 74km; Auckland = 180km
• Matamata population:13,000; 6000 (town), 7,000 (rural)

Hobbiton Farm

• Farm area: 1250 acres or 500 hectares
• Farm stock: 13,500 sheep, 350 - 400 beef cattle
• Farm production: lamb, beef, wool
• Visitor numbers: 240,000 in 2013 / more than 800,000 since opening 12 years ago

Hobbiton Movie Set

• Film set area: covers approximately 12 acres
• Hobbit houses: 44 hobbit holes
• Roads: 8km created
• Party tree: 70 - 80 metres tall
• Construction: 70 set builders
• Catering: During production, three meals were served daily to cast and crew, plus snacks on demand for 600+ people
• Gardens: 2.3km (and growing) hedges; 30 - 200 plants around each hobbit house
• Ground staff: 7 - 8 gardeners during height of season, 5 in winter
• Traditional ales, cider and non alcoholic ginger beer, all brewed exclusively for Hobbiton, are served from barrels behind the bar at the Green Dragon Inn

One of the definate highlights was visiting the pub at the end of the tour.  They brew three beers just for Hobbiton that you can only purchase here.  We ended up with quite a few souvenirs from Hobbiton and really did have an enjoyable morning!  I highly recommend this tour for anyone in the area!

Welcome to New Zealand

We left for New Zealand at 5:30 am on January 1.  Our flight didn't leave until about 9:30 in the morning but we had to be early and it was a good thing that we were.  Mark and I had to get new passports while we were in Australia as they expired in March and we wouldn't have been able to travel to New Zealand or the US if we didn't renew them. So, when we got our passports we just assumed all would be well.  But in order to travel in and out of Australia you need a Visa.  We had one when we came and it was electronically attached to all our passports.  But when we renewed the passports the Visa didn't automatically carry forward.  It wasn't a huge deal but it did add about 45 minutes to getting through security and made it a little tight for time.  I think the flight was about 3 and a half hours (which by the way Adam and Mark got an upgrade to first class while the rest of us squished into economy:)  Anyhow, by the time we landed, got our ground tranaportation and checked into our hotel we basically drove around a bit, had dinner and then went to bed.  

We got up in Auckland first thing and headed to Coromandel Beach.  We were told this hot beach was a fun one to visit.  I think about a million other people were given the same information as it was BUSY!  Not just busy, crazy busy.  You walked onto the beach and saw just a few people around, it was lovely.  We started walking to the right, turned the corner and BAM.... TONS of people!  

Hot Water Beach is a popular tourist destination. A geothermal-heated hot spring filters up through the sand; dig into the sand and create your own spa pool.  This happens twice a day, in low tide for about two hours each time.  I was amazed at what a small area was affected by this hot spring (and just how many people could squeeze into this area!)  We rented a shovel and the kids had fun digging in some holes that were already dug up.  We didn't stay too long as the water was shockingly HOT and the people there were a little possessive with "their" pools so we just wandered back down to the dead end of the beach, walked through the water and dug in some sand.  It was a nice start to our day.

New Year's Eve

Well, what better way to bring in the New Year than in Sydney..... amazing!  Nathan's good friend Tim and his family invited us to join them in downtown Sydney to watch the 9 pm fireworks from Andrew's office (Tim's dad).  It was on the 34th floor overlooking Circlular Quay.  You could see the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House from the office windows.  About 25 people were gathered with us to watch the fireworks.  They were impressive.  The kids liked the "waterfall" off glitter and sparkle at the end of the show off the Harbour Bridge the best.  We took the train into town and were home by about 11 after the display.  Adam, Emma, Mark and I stayed up to watch the midnight fireworks on tv and they were AMAZING!!!!  It was the show we saw times about 10!  They were stunning!  Next time we'll check those ones out:)  We were thinking of staying downtown but we had to leave for New Zealand at 5:30 am so didn't think midnight fireworks and then making our way home with millions of others would be a good idea:)

Saying Goodbye is NO Fun!

We had lots of goodbyes and so many people that made a difference in our year.  I know I won't mention them all and I do apologize, please know that if you're not in a photo it doesn't mean we won't miss you or you didn't change us, it just means I didn't have my camera:)  On the 30th, we went to visit Adam's coworker Rosie and her beautiful family.  She was blessed with a baby mid December named, Joseph.  He is ADORABLE!!!  We were so lucky to squeeze a visit in their very busy schedule to say hello and of course to also say our goodbyes.  I wish we had more time to spend with Rosie and Ellie.  They are a wonderful couple and have an amazing family as well!  Thank you for feeding Adam, introducing us to Lebanese food and for your friendship!!!!  

Another tough goodbye was with the Scott Family.  I have been so grateful to Stampin' Up! for so many things but the number one thing we have always said is the relationships we have been given through our passion.  I met Aaron probably about five or six years ago now and we clicked right away.  When I found out we were heading to Australia, I contacted Aaron for his opinions and it turned out he lived only 20 minutes from us!  I got to know Karen the year before we came to Australia in Utah and we also clicked (they are an amazing family!)  Right from the first day, Emma and Sarah became friends.  Throughout the year we were able to get together as families and also the girls got together.  I am so glad we had the time together that we did and that I got to know the rest of the family better over the year.  I know our paths will cross again soon and am glad it will be a relationship that will continue to grow!!!  Thank you Scott family for a great "last supper" and a fun night checking out the bats in Parramatta Park.  See you soon!!!  xo

Tennis Anyone?

Nathan has wanted to play tennis almost since we arrived in Australia.  Unfortunately it was something we just kept putting off.  But finally (we had the time and I remembered) we set up a little tennis practice for the boys at home.  Andrew (next door) gave us the idea and of course the supplies to use.  While Adam and I packed and cleaned the boys worked on their tennis game!  We put a tennis ball in the end of a nylon and the boys practiced hitting the ball over and over again!  This was hours of fun, with no arguing and lots of smiles!  Will set something like this up at home when we get back!  So fun!

Cole's Response

Cole was SO excited and had a HUGE smile on his face when I told him his class was emailing him a message!  Thank you FDK class!!!!  Here are Cole's responses:

Hi Summers Family:

 

HI ALL MY FRIENDS IN MY CLASS AND TEACHERS.  

We are just getting caught up with you again and the kids are asking when Cole is coming home.

 

I HAVE ONE MORE SLEEP IN HAWAII AND THEN I HAVE TO SLEEP ON THE PLANE.  I THINK I MIGHT BE TIRED SO MY MOM SAID I'LL START SCHOOL ON WEDNESDAY.  I HAVE TO TRY ON MY CLOTHES BECAUSE I'M BIGGER AND I CAN'T GO TO SCHOOL IN SHORTS.

 

We have truly enjoyed all of your blog and all want to move to Australia!!

 

I LIKE CANADA BETTER BUT AUSTRALIA WAS FUN.

 

When are you coming back, says Ryder,

 

ON WEDNESDAY.

 

we are your best friends, says Tara,

 

I HAD A BEST FRIEND IN AUSTRALIA.  ANDREW IS MY BEST FRIEND EXCEPT HE'S OLD.  HE PLAYED WITH ME AND SO DID MARGARET.  I THINK I'M THEIR BEST FRIEND TOO.  I AM EXCITED TO SEE MY FRIENDS FROM SCHOOL.

 

Do you remember us we remember you, says HAyden,

 

I REMEMBER MOST OF YOU BUT I THINK I MIGHT FORGET SOME NAMES.  

 

We miss you Cole, says Kali, and we want to hear all about your year away when you get back!

 

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE SNOW AND PLAY OUTSIDE IN MY SNOWSUIT.  DO YOU STILL GO OUTSIDE TO PLAY?  I HOPE SO BECAUSE I ONLY GOT TO PLAY IN SAND.  I LIKE SNOW BETTER.  

 

Mrs Parsons and our FDK class

 

Thank you again for checking in with us!  It means a lot to our family!  Can't wait to see you!!! 

Emma and Jess

After we left Bendalong, Emma spent another three days with Jess.  I can't speak for the girls but I can say from the outside (and as a mom) they are amazing friends!  Emma has been so lucky to have met such amazing friends this year and I think this friendship will last a lifetime!  xo Jess!

Bendalong

We were so lucky to get to spend two days with the Harvey family (you'd think they'd get sick of us!)  And Emma even stayed for the rest of the week with Jess.... they must be sick of her!  Jill and Paul have a beach house south of Sydney (about 3 hours) in a sweet little town called North Bendalong.  Their home is beautiful and SO close to many beaches.  There is one at the end of the road that you can quickly take a dip in and just enjoy a quiet little beach.  Then about 1 km down the road is a surfing beach (where Emma, Jess and Will took lessons throughout the week).  And then a little further on is stingray beach (not sure of the real name) where we went and saw some stingrays in the afternoon.  

We left around 8 am and really didn't hit any traffic until we hit Nowra.  And we wouldn't have been too bad but we had to stop not once, but twice for my car sick little munchkins (looking forward to this ending!)  Nathan and Cole really don't do well on windy, hilly roads.  We arrived around 12:30 and right away the kids were playing cricket on the street.  I suppose rather than street hockey, the Aussie thing to do is street cricket.  They played some ping pong and we headed to the beaches as well.  

After dinner we headed for a little wander around the neighbourhood and my bird whisperer decided he is also a kangaroo whisperer and spent some time trying to feed the wild roos.  I love our group shot that even included some of these critters!  Adam, Nathan, Mark, Cole and I headed home after a great dinner (and smores for dessert.... the Harveys had never had these!).  It was another great day with the Harvey family, thank you!!!!

Christmas Afternoon

How lucky for us!  Two invites and TONS of food!  The Harvey family who have been amazing to us this year as well invited us for an early dinner and swim.  SO strange!  The kids LOVED swimming on Christmas and would have for longer had we not had a storm come in.  

Jill put on quite a spread as well!  Ham, turkey, prawns and then heaps of salad choices.  My favourite was the pesto salad... it was delicious!  It was all really good and enjoyed by all.  It was so nice to meet Paul's family and spend time with them as well.  They were so welcoming and we really felt at home.  Thank you Jill and Paul for including us in your special day!!!!  We loved it!

Christmas Morning and Lunch

Christmas started FAR too early for my liking....Nathan came in at 5:30 super excited.  I did have him curl up and snuggle until 6:30 when we finally got everyone up.  The kids were a little surprised to see a package of lollies shoved into a sock (we forgot our stockings so the kids put a sock out for Santa).  Each of the kids were given their favourite Australian treat and a letter from Santa saying he left all the treats and treasures in Canada for us.  We thought that was really nice of him and the kids were okay with it!  As for gifts, each of our munchkins received an Australian treasure and something to do on Christmas day.  Cole received a boomerang and a mini Lego set.  Nathan received a stuffed Kookaburra and a mini Lego set.  Mark got a Rabbitoos scarf and a mini cricket set (which I should say has been a ton of fun to play in the basement) and Emma got a charm and a cute sign for her room (she was okay with not having something "to do").  Mark made me a beautiful cutting board and bought Adam a selfie stick.  Emma bought me a cookbook from Eden High School.  It was a lovely morning and to top it off we had a great facetime with my mom and later Adam's sister.  

For lunch we went next door for an Australian lunch.  It was delicious.  We had a few types of salads (lamb was my favourite) and pavlova for dessert.  Margaret is an amazing cook so it was a fabulous lunch.  The boys had fun with Andrew's train (around his tree) and giving their gifts to Andrew senior, Andrew junior and Margaret.  Throughout December Cole had so much fun going next door and "helping" Andrew Junior keep up with their advent calendar.  It's a calendar that Margaret made 20 plus years ago from felt and each day you take a shape out of the numbered pocket and velcro it to the tree.  Cole loved it!  (maybe next year I'll have to remember this one:)  Thank you Andrew and Margaret for including us in your day!  We are forever grateful!