Weekend in AKL

We popped down to Auckland this weekend. We went and saw Opa and wished him a happy birthday for 3 weeks ago. We also went to visit Oma, she seems to be getting around OK with her zimmer frame and moonboot.

Next we were off to the museum where Ali especially wanted to see the dinosaur bones and Lily was entranced by the bright green geckos.

On Sunday morning we headed out early to the Avondale markets to soak up the glorious multicultural atmosphere and bag some bargains! Then we had a quick carpark picnic and went to the zoo. Lily particularly liked the monkeys and the chickens. She gave everyone a fright by shining up a climbing rope wall at the kids monkey playground, she got to the top (about 3m) and gave every impression that she was going to swing herself over and drop down the other side so that Mum had to climb up after her and grab her ankles. Lily then climbed down safely but threw a tantrum when we wouldn't let her climb up again:-)

Ali liked the elephants and the Sea Lions best. The zoo has been remodeled over the last 20 years so that many of the animals are no longer in cages but in enclosures with moats etc. The Sea Lions can be seen from above the water where they have a great big pool with a beach and rocks to bask on or from under water where we watched them swimming laps and playing with one another.

Big Thanks to Noel and Rosie for the loan of their home while they were away for the weekend!