Kite flying

Ok so our first attempt at making a kite although fun was far from successful so it was off to the $2 shop to by a pre made kite.
Instructions given,which consisted of "Here Mana you hold this end and run"

"1.......2.......3.....OK Mana now RUN!!!"

"That's it keep running....."

I don't know who had more fun.
Keiko and I were nearly wetting ourselves watching
Mana running at 4 year old top speed,while trying to maintain some sort of balance (very difficult when laughing so much) but there were "LOADS" of smiles and all for only $2.

But it didn't take too long before Mana was a professional and feeling confident and maybe a little bored with the "So what happens now?" she decided to fly from the comfort of her own Mummy chair.

Continuing on with the whole chair thing it was my turn................which quickly turned into "Flying a kite while on a MOVING chair"

A bit of a tip for those in the know-Get hold of a Handheld cordless drill so when it comes to winding in ALL that string.1 end in the drill,pull the trigger and wind away,nice n neat and super quick.

A day at Daniels Reef

While Mana was at her Japanese lesson Keiko and I took time out to visit the local cafe for a bit of "Down time"

Nothing like a Bacon,Chicken and Avocado toasted Panni and a flat white snack to start the day......well more like "To keep you running for the day for the rest of the day"

We picked up Mana and headed North out of Auckland.

I had seen a programme on "Maori TV" (Tangaroa with Pio) the other night and thought it would be cool to check out a place called "Goat Island"........Stopping off briefly at Makatana "Farmers Market" with every intention of picking up some delicious farmer-y treats,only to find out it was loooooong finished for the day.
Still undeterred we picked up some bread from the local bakery (which turrned out to be abit of a winner) and followed the road...........to finally arrive at the famous marine reserve of "Goat Island"........ but it resembled the Auckland seaside town of Takapuna or some exotic Mediterranean location (without the glitzy glamour) with cars and bodies and more bodies littered from one side of the bay to the other.

I have to admit that I was more than a little disappointed for me as well as "My Girls" and I guess with a bit of pig headed determination...........I followed my nose........"Tiki touring" and stumbled upon a small bay overlooking Daniels Reef with not a single soul to be seen.

Bay on the left........Bay on the right and here we were stuck in the middle........

So it was up to us to "EXPLORE" and explore we did.

Standing up to my knees I fished out all sorts of marine life Crabs of various sizes shapes and colours,Kina's,Starfish,Shells,Hermit crabs,Seaweed and Mana's favourite "Pupu"

There were rocks to climb too which our daughter (Half Goat) managed to do with some difficulty but definitely pleased with herself on completions.

And after a hard afternoon of exploring whats better than to sit down on a blanket under the shade of a Pohutukawa tree and tuck into some fresh bread and sweet pastries.

Authors note-No sea life was hurt or injured during this adventure and were returned to the sea.......