Snow business

We took the girls down to the snow last weekend, and had a fabulous time. We stayed in Taupo the first night, and went to the mineral pools for a swim before going out to dinner. (We would have gone straight to the snow, but had left it too late to book accommodation, and couldn't get a 1 bedroom unit for the Saturday night in Ohakune, hence staying in Taupo that first night). The next morning we headed off to Ohakune, dropping in at the Waiouru Army Museum for a look on the way. While the weather was fine in Ohakune at the base of the mountain, further up it was raining,the winds were high, and the ski field itself was closed. Brooke absolutely wanted to play in the snow though, so we found a relatively sheltered area half way down the mountain amongst some trees where she could build a snowman. It was freezing though, so we didn't stay long. The next day however was perfect, and we decided to visit Whakapapa ski field on our way home. We had perfect conditions - sunny without being hot, zero wind, and not too many people on the mountain. Elisa did NOT like the snow at all, and just wanted Daddy to hold her. Not Mum. Just Dad. Brooke on the other hand LOVED the snow, and enjoyed sliding down the slopes on our makeshift sled (the pram rain cover of all things) and throwing snowballs at us.

On our way home we visited the Kemps and as always were surprised at just how tall they're all getting. Having them stand next to Brooke really accentuated just how small she is in comparison. After also stopping at my folks on the way, we eventually got home about 7.30pm - a long day for Elisa who had decided she didn't need to sleep all the way home!

So, we did it. A successful trip to the snow, and one very happy 4 year old. Our next trip will be to Christchurch at the end of this term to visit Nana and Poppa which we are all looking forward too. Brooke of course wants to go right NOW, and admonishes me for not arranging it sooner.

We are also in the process of organising her Birthday party (mid October). Turning 5 is a big deal, so she gets to invite whoever she wants, and pretty much decide how it's going to run. At the moment she has over a dozen friends/family on her list, and that doesn't include the parents. She's leaning toward a party at Lollipops Playland. I'm trying to convince her to have it at Playcentre and we'll get a magician or facepainter or someone to come in. She hasn't decided yet. This week alone she's received invitations to 3 birthday parties for friends that also turn 5 in the next couple of months. All very exciting at that age.