Our trip to Auckland went extremely well - apart from trying to get through Tauranga before 8 o'clock in the morning! At least 30 minutes ( felt like much longer) to go less than 5km. Major works on a roundabout coupled with school drop offs (every school in Opotiki had closed by then so this was a real surprise) and then when we finally reached the roundabouts they had lights installed on them - couldn't quite work out how they were helping traffic flow but a few very deep calming breaths and I was a little more reasonable about it (I think). So we got to Auckland later than planned - but Sam was even later. We were waiting at x-ray for him when this extremely tall, very thin, harried looking young man burst through the door. It took a couple of seconds to realise it was Sam. All was well with his checkup and he can now have them done down south which is a relief to his parents credit cards! We stayed at City Lodge ( run by the YMCA - quite appropriate really) which was ok. The first night a group was having a farewell do outside until the wee small hours, then the cleaners started followed closely by the construction site next door - luckily Saturday night was a lot quieter and we had a much better sleep.
Maurie and Sam having a quiet read Saturday afternoon!Saturday night we had a lovely meal at Sri Penang on K Road with Jackie and Eryn. Unfortunately Alex had a sleep over so wasn't there. We then visited Franklin Rd to look at the Christmas lights - absolutely amazing - well worth it. Sunday morning began very dramatically with Lucy tipping out of her bed - my shrieks of laughter were not much appreciated!
Later that day we travelled home via Hamilton to pick Thomas up and bring him home for Christmas - the whole family together for the first time in a year -a fabulous way to end the journey.
