We have had an at home day. Mom made crepe pancakes and ham for breakfast. I was really hungry, my appetite has finally returned. I wasn't really ever hungry the first week we were here. After breakfast we did cleanup chores around the house, a little laundry too. Derek drove Mom, Emily and I to the little store in Hahei. I had a junk food attack and bought potato chips, candy (candy that I remember from when I was here as a kid) and ice cream (also remembered - jelly tip ice cream. I can't wait for dessert). Derek put in a large selection of really excellent ice cream bars. They have more different kinds than I have ever seen. Really, really good ones.

We had lunch while putting together the little German puzzles from those eggs. The German cousins had left a whole bunch last time they were here and we all had fun assembling them. Ice cream bars after lunch - I had a vanilla middle dipped in chocolate, dipped in caramel, re-dipped in chocolate. Ummm. The one I had yesterday was good but this one was better! They are equivalent to Dove bars in size, shape and quality.

Dad and Derek left after lunch to go to Auckland. They are golfing on the way. They will be spending the night at the Dunn's house and then picking Kacie's parents up at the airport in the morning.

It rained last night and this morning was pretty gray. Cleared up in the afternoon long enough for us to go to the beach. The picture of the estuary that you have posted is way out of date. Instead of the little stream meandering to the sea it is now a huge pond, perfect for Elizabeth to swim in. It's great for Aundine also. Warm, calm water to paddle in.

Elizabeth was floaty girl (she has totally given up her floaty by the way) unless she goes out in the sea. The sea has been very rough, good for boogie boarding. Emily was lamenting the loss of her boogie buddies. Elizabeth s still coughing a lot but we are not letting it stop us. I am sending lots of pictures. Elizabeth is amazing. She is really making great leaps with her swimming. We had her kicking her feet and paddling too. The girls are watching Shrek now and I need to go help Mom with dinner so I will sign off now. Love you, Dawn