All Wrapped Up with a Pretty Bow

As we passed through Auckland and made the journey back to Palmerston North, Steve and I mentioned many times to each other that we couldn't believe that that was it -- we had seen every place on the North and South Islands of New Zealand that we had wanted to see.  Everything.  With over two months to spare, even!  Holy moly.  How many people are able to say that?  We'd experienced it all, and in our minds, our kiwi experience was starting to feel all tied up with a pretty bow.

We stopped in Rotorua, once again giving our business to the Waiteti Trout Stream park and Mitai Maori Village, which my mom loved!  (no singing this time, but still fun and memorable)

Of course, we couldn't pass through Taupo without seeing Huka Falls:

We arrived safely in Palmerston North and enjoyed showing Mom around the area.  She loved our home, and was a good sport about tagging along to all of our activities and daily tasks.  A few days after returning to Palmy, we spent some time watching the older three kids participate in a touch rugby tournament for church:

We also spent a fun afternoon at the park together with the twins.  Since school was back in session, the park was nearly empty.  It was a lovely, warm day and we had a great time.

After looking at the display of that last photo of Mom and the boys, I decided that it was a nice spot with pretty light, so I wanted a pic of myself with the twins as well.  After instructing my mom on how to use the camera, she took this shot:

(after checking the display)

Me:        Mom, shoot, it looks like it came out a little blurry.

Mom:    Really?  Oh darn it.  I just don't know how to use these fancy cameras!

Me:        It's really not hard Mom, just hold still, push down halfway to focus, then click.

Mom:     Okay, got it!  Say cheese!  1 --- 2 --- 3 ......

:)

One last stop to smell the flowers before going home:

In between watching rugby and going to the park and chasing kids to and fro, we spent those last several days of Mom's visit talking for hours and hours.  We connected at a level that we haven't in years.  We talked about some of the challenges in Mom's life, primarily dealing with the unexpected death of her sweet husband Steve.  We talked about how I am also dealing with some unexpected challenges in my life.  I hope that I said things to help and encourage my mom, and she certainly showed an abundance of concern and unconditional love for me, for which I will always be grateful.    

It was a pleasure to celebrate Mom's 65th Birthday in New Zealand:

No editing on that photo -- straight from my camera.  Pretty stunning, if you ask me!  :)  Love you Mom!