Rachel's 15th Birthday -- Part Two

Rachel's birthday ended up being the most beautiful day (weather-wise) that we've had in New Zealand so far...clear, sunny, and unseasonably warm.  To be truthful, though, every day here is unseasonably warm compared to Utah winters.

The drive to Gravity Canyon was quaint and charming.

This narrow bridge led to the last stretch of road heading to Gravity Canyon.  You can't tell from the photo, but it was at least a hundred-foot drop on either side...harrowing!

Gravity Canyon...equally stunning and terrifying!!!  For those who are brave enough to jump, it's an 80 meter (263 foot) fall.  

Cameron was pretty bummed to learn that he wouldn't be eligible to jump or swing.  He didn't meet the weight requirement for the jump by quite a bit, but he was almost heavy enough to swing.  We promised him that if he reaches the minimum weight required before we leave next year, we'll bring him back.

I was plenty heavy enough for either activity.  I finally decided to swing (50 meter drop), which meant I would go last.  Steve and the girls geared up... I love this photo of them ready to go.

Would you believe that the girls went first?!!  They were afraid that if they saw someone jump before them, they might want to back out.  My heart was racing seeing my babies standing on the edge of that platform.  We're so proud of them!  

Here's something that didn't make it to Facebook --- video!! 

Steve has nerves of steel.  He stepped up there, extended his arms, and jumped like an old pro.  When he came back up, the guys said, "Nice form, mate!  You've done this before!"  He surprised them by saying it was his first jump.  

 

When I started walking the narrow bridge out to that platform, I gained an even higher level of respect for the girls and Steve!  I didn't even realize I was doing it, but I started practicing the breathing exercises I used to teach in childbirth classes.  If I thought my heart was beating fast at watching my family, now I felt that it might leap right out of my chest.  As scary as it was, though, I wish I had jumped instead, but the "drop" was pretty exhilarating.

 

Confession:  Part of the reason I wish I had jumped instead is because then my crazy, embarrassing facial expressions wouldn't have been so visible.  :)

We drove home feeling like rockstars, and finished off the day with a little cake and ice cream.  Happy Birthday, Rachel!!

Rachel's 15th Birthday -- Part One

If I were to continue these posts in chronological order, this would be a good time to talk about Palmerston North, our home, etc., but I still need to take a few pictures before I properly introduce you to our town.  In the meantime, allow me to skip ahead a few days to Rachel's birthday.

Falling on July 4th, Rachel's birthday is always a party...parades, food, family, swimming, and fireworks.  The day before her birthday, we were all feeling a little blue.  I think it was mostly that we were missing Emily terribly (it had been a week since arriving in NZ without her), but we also felt homesick for the festivities in Utah that we were accustomed to.  Therefore, we brainstormed about what we could do that would be really different and memorable.  Rachel chose bungee jumping!!  Eeek!  We found a place to jump only an hour away from Palmerston (full report coming up in part two).

Julia helped decorate for Rachel's birthday...she always makes things look cute!

Cameron made Rachel a message with his Bionicles:

Julia left Rachel a trail of clues with Mentos wrappers (Rachel loves Mentos!)...

...which led to a Mentos design and earned her a big hug from Rachel.  Cute sisters!

We gave Rachel a new camera.  She loves it! 

As soon as the battery was charged, Rachel wasted no time going outside in the yard to snap a few photos with her new camera...here are just a few.

The skies cleared, the sun came out nice and warm, and we took off on our bungee jumping adventure!  Part two on the way...

Tongariro National Park

The beautiful scenery really kicked up a notch as we departed Taupo.  Taupo itself is a gorgeous town next to a huge lake.  It's a popular vacation destination for Kiwis.  We actually seriously considered taking a job there, but the hospital is very small and Steve worried about the slow pace.  We're glad that we were able to spend a bit of time in Taupo and soak up the beauty of the area.

Not far outside of Taupo, you pass a sign saying "Entering Tongariro National Park."  No booth, no attendant, no fees...just come on through!  It was beautiful and green, especially considering that it's the middle of winter here.  We'll have to make another visit during the warmer months.

Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, this majestic mountain appears in view:  Mount Ruapehu.  It's a fairly active volcano and is the highest point on the North Island.  We're glad to have seen it in winter because it's so stunning covered in snow.

This is the view of the other side of the road...

Within a few kilometers after passing the mountains, we drove through a very barren area, where it looked like this in every direction.  Those clouds were somewhat ominous!

Steve sped up to pass a big truck, and just after passing we turned a little corner into view of a police officer...out there, in the middle of nowhere!  Steve slammed on the brakes, but it was too late.  No negotiating with that guy!  He wrote Steve up for speeding:  $170 ticket.  Yikes!

Since it was a little bland and stormy outside, I had fun tickling Luke's cute little feet.

Landon had no interest in being tickled.

The next several hours looked a lot like this...

They say there are more sheep than people in New Zealand...we believe it!