Around Auckland

We only really had Monday to explore Auckland so we were glad that we got in so early in the morning (5am) and then took naps and felt fine to explore the rest of the day.  After the aquarium Barbara wanted to visit one of their famous beaches.  Not that amazing really but the kids are pretty happy with shells, sand, and waves.  

Even fully clothed and in 60 degree weather, they'll dig in the dirt.

Then we were off to see Eden Park where the All Blacks Rugby team plays.  Sadly it's the off season so we couldn't see a match.  This was especially tragic for Barb and Clint who both played Rugby at the University of West Virginia and Barbara who played 2 years after that on a semi-pro women's team.

After those short stops, we headed downtown to go up the Sky Tower.  The elevator ride up was fun for those who like to look down through the glass- not so fun for Grams who is terrified of heights and was smart enough to just not look at the boys.

And then we were at the top.  Notice Grams trying to keep Isaac back for the glass.

A losing battle I'm afraid.

The views were amazing.

Taylor was a little preoccupied trying out his go pro camera.

And the kids enjoyed walking the full circle with glass panels under their feet.  Kind of freaky.

And then they weren't satisfied with just walking and wanted to actually enjoy the view- on their bellies.

And they got a little bored with Dad taking so long with his camera.

And Isla made herself at home.  Grams stayed back and tried not to watch :)

And then lucky for us, some much crazier people than us decided to bungy jump off the top of the Sky Tower and we got to watch them zoom past.  That black speck in the middle is a person.

And now he's almost at the bottom of the window.

After that it was dinner where Isla learned to say everyone's name and their new names will forever stick because they are so cute.  And Isla fell in love with Uncle Mack because he'll color with her. 

Mack=Ma........tt, Sam=Zazz, Esther= Ezer

This is what our little entourage of 15 looked like walking through town.  The only reason these trips work for us with 4 kids is that there are so many aunts and uncles and grandparents that my kids love to be with (and will obey).  I don't stress about where they're at all the time and they get to build great relationships with these fantastic people.