As some of you may already know I have finally gone out and got myself a job! I start on the 14th May at the local polytechnic and am looking forward to a new challenge. Sadly it means that my 'extended' holiday is finally coming to an end. So here are some scenic photos of the Mount and Tauranga Harbour taken from the top of the Mount.
Autumn has well and truly set in now, with cooler weather and even some rain!!!! The boys are in their fleeces for school and the leaves are changing colour.
We spent the weekend down in Rotorua, staying at a campsite that has hot, thermal mineral pools. Now that the weather is cooler it was great to 'heat up' in the hot pools. We went mountain biking in the Redwoods forest where there are some really good trails for all levels..even me! We all completed the Grade 2 and they where challenging enough - it might be some time before I am ready for Grade 6!
Lake Rotorua is one of the most thermally active areas in the country, probably due to the fact that it is a great big volcanic crater! The Lake has HOT areas where you can go and dig yourself a hole and it fills with hot water. We didn't do that but did paddle at the waters edge - and got a few burnt toes for our effo
rts. You can even see the steam rising up from the shore line.....very wierd. 
rts. You can even see the steam rising up from the shore line.....very wierd. 
We are now awaiting the arrival of my mum who is less than an hour away from landing as I write. We are all very excited about her visit and are hoping for lots of sunshine and blue sky!! Neil is picking her up at the airport in Auckland and we expect them to arrive here about 2.30am! Tom plans to get up to welcome her but I doubt he will!!!
The boys have their first football matches of the season on Saturday and we don't want to be watching in the rain and cold! It's Neil's first season as coach (and maybe his last!!!) so we will keep you updated on how that goes.
Our next holiday will be skiing in July so you can look forward to photos of snow and ice!
