Pukeko's on the run

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2 weeks in NZ was relaxing but at the same time felt busy. The main purpose of this visit back home was to see family and friends, and two special events Sarah & Geoff's wedding and meeting little Hugo born about 3mths ago making Scott an Uncle.

I arrived first in NZ and went straight out the door again for Sarah's Hens Night, we stayed at The Westen Lighter Quay (a superb hotel on Auckland's waterfront) and after a lovely lunch waterside we headed off to cup cake decorating class. After that a few games back at the hotel then off to dinner. The day was good fun and a success. The wedding itself was lovely, the day was bright, sunny and hot. It was very relaxed around at the Cassidy's preparing but it all got a bit hectic when it was time for the family to leave and final preparations. Sarah looked absolutely stunning, the cermony was touching (even with the distraction of a little too much wind) and the reception great fun. Sadly I only have a few photos as my battery ran flat
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We managed to spend lots of time with Nic, Quentin and the new addition to the family Hugo James Reade, what a little cutie!
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He really is a sweet little boy.

While we were back we manage to do a few day trips with the Hartshorne's & Cameron's. Parkiri to check out the old farm, which seems to have turned back into scrub land, but the beach is still amazing ... white sands, streches as far as the eye can see and througherly wind swept. Scott also went to Waiheke, Wenderholm, plus we went to check out Mangawhai Heads. But the most relaxing part of the holiday was the short trip made to Hahei. Scott's uncle owns a batch that is beach front with sweeping views. They bought it back in the 70's and it was very interesting seeing the 1970's photos of Hahei, it has certainly changed over the years. We managed to spend some time over at Hot Water, sadly not the right time for a hot pool though, and walked over to Cathedral Cove early one morning a stunning spot in NZ. There was also lots of pukeko sightings, they are cool little birds.
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Had a wonderful time catching up with the girls, meeting some new kiddies and seeing how big others have grown. Lots of BBQ's, Ponsonby dinner and brunch action ... great!
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And 26hrs on a plane back to London and rain, but spring is on the way!

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