I haven't posted much from NZ, partly because I'm too busy relaxing and having fun, and partly because the broadband connection is slow (and the computer is in a tiny little dark room away from the action so I can't be bothered waiting).
But today is worth making an exception for, because today we took the kids white water rafting on the Tongariro river. I must say I was a little wary about taking Nell, whose swimming is excellent for a 4 year old but won't save her in a crisis, but there was no need to worry. Both kids loved every second of the (very gentle) grade 2 rapids and it felt good to work together as a family, paddling over incredibly clear pools filled wiht trout and getting soaked with the crispest river water.
This activity also fulfilled Soy's desire to do some 'extreme' activity while in the land of extreme sports. He ended up cancelling his day hike with his brother Ant because his recovery has not been progressing quite as well as planned. That hike was the cornerstone of this NZ trip, fulfilling the boys' long held dream of hiking together in the summer when their average age is 40 (Soy has turned 40, Ant will slip over that hill later this year). Although he's been fairly well for the time we've been away, Soy is still far from recovered and a hike through volanic wilderness seemed like a recipe for trouble.
Despite health concerns, our holiday has been incredibly successful. We've relaxed in this beautiful house, swam in thermal springs, thermal water slides and hot water beaches. But mostly we've spent time with the kids and bonded the two families. We're all a lot more relaxed than when we arrived and started to get energised for the year ahead.
