World's Steepest Street

Today Max (and Liam) and I went to an iconic New Zealand even. 2013 Jaffa race on Baldwin Street which is the World's Steepest Street. (Two blocks from our house) Jaffa's are chocolate balls covered in a candy shell. Cadbury makes them and sponsors a week in the school holidays (a two week break between terms). 

It made me laugh a lot because Sam and I constantly laugh (and even make fun of) this street. It has bus loads of tourist every day to see this street. It's just a really steep street!!! It's hilarious to me and you can even buy certificates and shirts. 

It was a little anticlimactic when the 25 thousand Jaffas raced down the street. In my American head I pictured massive waves of orange (the colour of Jaffas) but really it wasn't that. Oh well it was still fun. Bubbles, clowns, flags, friends and lots of chocolate made for a great day 

Jaffa race!!!

Steepest street in the World

Showing you the yummy orange Jaffas they scored. 

Their awesome purple Cadbury flags

Me and my cutie at the iconic event

Cute boys waiting for the race 

Our friends we love met us there! Max loves these girls and I love their mom so it works out awesome! 

More waiting 

See the faint orange at the top? That's 25,000 Jaffas

On their way down!

Uncle James!!!!

We loved having James here this week. It was such a fun week with him. We were all sad to see him go. I wanted to keep him and not put him on the plane. Max loved having his Uncle all day everyday to himself. He constantly was playing with him or laughing with him or tackling him. James is such a fun joy to hang around. He is so smart and has such cool ideas about his life. He's such an awesome brother and Uncle. We love him!!!

Playing forts and huts. 

Starbucks fun. 

Max's hair was a tad bit out of control. Ha. 

First movie ever!! He got this cool backpack with popcorn, candy, and water. He was very proud if you can't tell!

Getting ready for Despicable Me 2

So happy 

At the Butterfly Museum in the tropical forest. 

At the Gardens looking at the birds. 

Feeding the ducks at the Gardens 

Looking at more birds with Uncle James 

Playing Rugby. James was awesome at kicking. He made everyone! 

We love Uncle James and were so glad he came. I thought Max would have a melt down but he did okay...until this morning. We put James on the plane last night so he woke up with no Uncle in his room. Twenty minutes of a crying tantrum later we were okay. 

Thanks Uncle James for coming and hanging out with us!!!

Lately...

We have had such a busy and fun week. Here's a few pictures of our week. 

Max sporting his Dunedin look. 

Playing at Liam's preschool. He loved the diggers. 

Arie had his 3rd birthday. Liam dressed up as Buzz Lightyear. Max just went to the party :) 

He loves NZ party food!

Went for a swim at the pool finally this year! 

Then as we were heading to the water and the fire alarm started blaring!!! We had to go outside!!! It was freezing but at least we weren't wet yet. I put Max back in his jacket, boots, socks and a warm blanket. 

Heard this quote on Grey's Anatomy last night and cracked up: "My jacket doubles as a sleeping bag Meredith!" She was wearing my jacket while living in Minnesota. Ha!!!! I feel her pain! 

Have a good week!!!

Scuba Diver

Kiwi's love their dress up days! Max's music class had an Under the Sea dress up day on Monday. It was so fun because Max went as a scuba diver. He loves his Uncle Mike and all the videos him & Tyler send him. So it was fitting that he dressed up as a scuba diver complete with Nemo. 

He was a bit mad at me for pulling his hair with the goggles. Ha! 

A bit over me taking pictures. 

Liam and Max at their music class. 

The teachers go all out and fully decorate for the kids. It's such a fun great class!

Beach Day

Sam is close to ending his semester break. So we headed to the beach yesterday. The weather, as most days, left much to be desired. But the ocean and sand is such a calming place for our family. We feel like ourselves there. 

Then we headed to the rugby field for a few kicks and drills. I'm absolutely looking forward to summer. I cannot wait and it cannot come soon enough. Hearing the heat wave hitting California is only killing small pieces of my soul daily! 

Rugby Birthday

For Sam's 30th birthday we had friends over that were in town on Thursday night then Saturday just spent the day being together starting with some local rugby and ending with a rugby game in the stadium. Max got to see some of his favourites that night including one of the best #10's in the world, Dan Carter. He had an incredible game unfortunately he was on the opposing team. Our poor Highlanders had a rough night. But it was awesome to sit so close and see his favourites on both teams. 

Pizza birthday dinner 

Heading into the game. Notice Max's Highlander cape?

Watching Dan Carter warm up kicking. We were so close we could hear him. 

Happy Rugby Family