December Diaries, Part 4: Road Trip! -- Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

The Waitomo Glow Worm Caves are one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand, at least on the North Island.  We have really been looking forward to visiting the caves for ourselves, and we finally did!  It was a stunning experience, and certainly did not disappoint.

Unfortunately, there is a strict "No Photography" rule inside the caves…hence, the above photo is one that I found online.  While we were waiting for our tour to start, someone took a photo of our family in front of a green screen.  We almost never buy those "exit" photos, but since it turned out pretty cute (and since we hardly have any whole-family pics), we bought the package.  I'll use a few of them in this post.

Before I talk more about the cave tour, let me rewind a bit.  We reached Waitomo at about 11:30am and had about an hour until our tour started.  We found a spot with some shade, and commenced to pull out some sandwich fixins for lunch (after pricing the cafe at the Visitor Center and calculating that lunch would cost us about $100).  Now that Luke and Landon are getting older and more mature, we are open to the idea of occasionally going out to eat together, but we might need to wait until we return to the US. :)

So, sandwiches all around.  (deafening applause…not!) 

The first part of the cave tour was cool, similar to other caves we have visited in the past, with stalactites and stalagmites.  Steve and I were worried a bit before hand that one of us might have to abort the cave tour if Luke and Landon didn't do well, but they loved it!  They oohed and ahhed and made the cutest observations with their sweet little voices.  We love them.

As the tour progressed, we learned about the cave formations, and also about the main attraction -- the glow worms.  The most interesting thing for us was to learn that, while the glowing part is the only portion visible in the dark, when lit you see that each worm produces a silky, sticky strand that traps insects as food:

We descended deeper into the cave, reaching an area known as "The Cathedral."  It was a very large, open room with amazing acoustics.  The tour guide invited anyone to break out into song to test the sound, but we were too bashful.  The guide sang a Maori song instead.  He was very friendly and knowledgable, and is actually a direct descendant of the original Maori chief who discovered the cave.

Although a few glow worms were visible in different parts of the cave, you have to board a boat to float to the most impressive areas:

Contrary to the above stock photo, our boat tour was pitch black other than the glowing worms, and the guide didn't speak a word as we gracefully floated under the twinkling lights.  It was nothing short of magical.  We will never forget it.  It was like gazing up at the night sky, only more enchanting.

That's the last of the green-screen photos, I promise. :)

None of us wanted the tour to end, but we were eventually dropped off at the exit ramp.  This is the view looking back into the cave:

A nice German-speaking couple took some family photos for us, the only ones of the day with a real background:

Oops.  That won't do.  Let's try again:

That's better.

We very slowly made our way back on the trail and through the beautifully-designed visitor center.  No one wanted the experience to end…it was truly one of our best adventures in New Zealand so far!

Thumbs up for glow worms!

December Diaries, Part 3: Road Trip! -- Okahune

We wasted no time plunging right into summer… we took off on a road trip on the very afternoon that the kids got out of school!  We were all so excited to use our "new" cargo trailer.  All of our camping supplies fit so nicely, and we were astonished at how much leg room (and arm room, and side room…) we all had.  Here is a reminder of how we looked on our last trip, before buying the trailer:

{shudder!}  After having traveled with the trailer, I'm dumbfounded that we pulled off this former trip without going absolutely nuts in the process.  Needless to say, the cargo trailer was a very welcome addition to our entourage.  Besides, the color is the bomb, right?  Aqua and red are two of my favorite colors together.

Okay, back to the trip…

We drove northward to a cute little ski town called Okahune.  We had driven through there before on the previous road trip.  Since we had gotten a later start, and since Okahune is only a few hours away, we knew it would be a nice stopping point for the first night.  The weather was a bit chilly and cloudy, so we actually could not even see the beautiful Mt. Ruapehu as it was cloud-covered.  These photos are from the last time we stopped:

We pulled into a primitive little campsite just before dark and quickly set up camp.  This was no Holiday Park…just a grassy spot (surrounded by thick foliage), a water spout, and an outhouse, all for the bargain price of $24.  The campsite was so remote that I got a little creeped out, but then scolded myself for being such a sissy.  We've done plenty of primitive camping in the past, just not yet in NZ.

In the light of day, we explored the area for a few minutes before breaking camp.  It was a very lush and serene location.  (Note: The scenery photos throughout this blog have come straight from my camera, with no editing…it really is this green and beautiful!)

Here's Emily at the edge of the grass, leading into the "jungle" ---  let's go check it out!

Luke is a happy camper…

…but apparently, exploring the wild New Zealand hillside isn't cool enough for Landon.

We made it back to the campsite, tore down, and were on our way!

Next stop:  Waitomo Glow Worm Caves!

December Diaries, Part 2: School's Out!

There have been so many fun differences about living in the Southern Hemisphere, a few of them being a December summer and the end of the school year!!

It has been interesting to reflect back on the past several months since the kids started school here in New Zealand.  They have come a long way, and just as Steve and I anticipated (and hoped!), each child ended up having a really positive school experience.  Don't get me wrong, they are glad to be out for summer break, but they already miss their friends and are looking forward to next year (Rachel proofread this post and said, "Mom…seriously...'looking forward to'?…more like 'not dreading'.").  

Did you know that nearly every school in New Zealand (even in rural areas) has a swimming pool?  We think that is awesome.  Cameron and Emily swam EVERY DAY, during school, for the few weeks leading up to the end of school.  Emily is such a fish and loves the pool so much, so she was in absolute heaven!

Here are a few pics of Emily with her teachers -- her classroom teacher, Mrs. Hanley...

...and her aide, Michelle:

I'm so grateful for these kind, patient women who took Emily under their wing.  It's been very rare for anything to be sent home (as far as schoolwork or homework), but we knew Emily was learning a lot based on the things she told us after school.  When her bag came home at the end of school, filled with her workbooks that she had completed, we were astonished at how much they had covered and how well Emily had done.  

Beyond the schoolwork, Emily's social experience was very positive.  Her classmates were so incredibly kind to her.  A few times I mentioned that observation to Mrs. Hanley, and she looked so proud and said, "This is a beautiful class."  The kids were genuine and caring, and really looked out for Emily.  She will miss her sweet friends next year!

Have I already explained how we have configured the school schedule?  If so, pardon the repeat.  Since Emily had finished 1st grade in Utah shortly before moving here, she started second grade (or Year 3) during the middle of the school year in NZ in July, and when she goes back in February, she'll pick up the first half of second grade, with a new teacher and new kids.  Then, when we go back to Utah in July, she'll be on schedule to start 3rd grade.  Cameron is following the same pattern for 6th grade.  Julia BEGGED to advance to the next grade (and her teachers agreed that it would be time wasted for her to complete the other half of the grade that she missed).  So, in February, she'll start 8th grade, which is HIGH SCHOOL here!  Yikes!  She'll go to the same school as Rachel, so that will be fun for them.  Rachel is also advancing to the next grade...based on her younger age, she had to enter the second half of 9th grade (she had already completed 9th grade in Utah) and will pick up the first half of 10th when school resumes.  That means she'll technically get only half of 10th grade, since she'll start her Junior year when we move back.  Rachel is the only one we've really worried about, since her credits are counting toward graduation, but we have the list of graduation requirements from Utah and she is right on track with her classes.

Rachel and Julia both received awards at their schools' prize-giving ceremonies.  Rachel's awards were for English, Art, Social Science and for service to her House, Tararua.  This is a horrible photo, but proof that we were actually there! :) 

In case you were wondering, that's Rachel there at the end of the line.  The students were required to wear their uniforms to the prize-giving ceremony.  I actually grew to love seeing Rachel and Julia in their uniforms every day!  Here is a selfie that Rachel took in her uniform…cute girl.

Julia's prize-giving photos are similarly of fairly horrible quality (my apologies!).  She received awards for academics and citizenship:

One very exciting school event for Julia occurred several weeks ago, when she won an art contest!  The grand prize?  An iPad!!  No kidding!  Here are photos of the school newsletter announcing the details about the contest and results, and a photo of her finished piece of art.  She spent many, many hours designing and working on this project (although we all agree that an iPad seems like an over-the-top award for ANY middle-school contest).  It was all very thrilling nonetheless.

Julia designed and drew this picture independently, only needing coaching (and lots of trial and error and erasing and re-doing) on the wording.  We are so proud of Julia for her dedication and hard work.  You don't dangle the prize of an Apple product in front of Julia without asking for a serious contender. :)

Cameron had a great time at school and became sort of famous in his grade for being a master writer and storyteller.  He can sure spin a good yarn, that boy.  In addition to doing well scholastically, so many people at his school have approached us to let us know they have been incredibly touched at how Cameron gently helps and supports Emily at school (it's a small school, and their paths cross several times a day).  We're not a bit surprised to hear this, but are still grateful to know that Cameron is being a kind brother always.

Luke and Landon's Kindy follows the traditional school schedule, so they are on summer recess as well.  Every time we drive by, they call out to their beloved school, and are already asking when they can go back.  This pic was taken on one of their last days of school before break:

And finally, my favorite end-of-the-school-year photo:

We're all feeling pretty joyful.  Bring on the summer!

December Diaries, Part 1: Hark, the Herald Kiwis Sing!

December was an eventful month, with too many noteworthy moments to fit into just one post.  Hence, this is the first installment of our "December Diaries."  I've mentioned before what an absolute pleasure it's been to participate in the choir here in New Zealand, but can I just say again…DANG!  These people know how to SING!

Rachel and I joined with our amazing Team Extreme choir as we worked hard to pull off another successful fireside program, this one centered on Christmas.  We had four weeks to pull it all together.  We worked on several numbers, but focused most of our time on rehearsing a beautiful, powerful song entitled "It is He" by Ivoga Green and Niu Syddall, who are from Auckland.  My friend Mele is a friend of theirs, and got permission from them to perform the number, with the promise that we would do it justice.  I believe we did.

During our final rehearsal, we were joined by none other than Ivoga and Niu themselves, who drove all the way from Auckland (8 hours!) to listen to our choir and give us some coaching.  Their expertise and fine-tuning were just what we needed, not only on the number they composed, but for many of the other selections.  We burned the midnight oil that night, and sang 'til our voices were tired and our minds weary, but our spirits were filled.

The performance was exhilarating and tender and spiritual and joyful, all at once.  It was the perfect way to begin Christmas, as a great reminder of what the season is all about.  I'll forever count my blessings for the opportunity to participate in this choir. 

I had my camera ready to take photos on performance night.  We looked snazzy in our white and black, with festive red accents.  I was asked to play prelude music on the piano at the last minute (the other pianist went for one last quick rehearsal with some of the singers).  Needless to say, no photos!  :( Shoot.  Once the performance ended, there was so much mingling and scattering that I didn't think to take any pics.  

Here's one photo I found of my friend Mele, with Ivoga, Toni (one of our strong sopranos), and Niu:

There's so much talent there, I can hardly stand it! 

We all decided that one performance just wasn't enough, so a week later, we had two more casual performances.  The first was at a local Assisted Living center.  Rachel and Julia both sang with me at this performance.  We stayed afterward for several moments, visiting with and hugging the residents, wishing them Merry Christmas.

Singing to those older folks made me deeply miss singing with the Heartbeats in Utah.  I can't help but share this photo from Heartbeats last year -- our program was entitled "A Rock-n-Roll Christmas" -- which we performed about 20 times in two weeks.  I love these ladies!  I missed you so much this year, and hope that it was a successful Heartbeats season.

Our last performance was at the local hospital (where Steve works), walking through the different wards singing carols.  We were combined with other groups, which was a little awkward at first, but the experience was still enriching.  I loved singing on the pediatric floor the most, and seeing the happiness on the faces of the kids and their parents.

Here's one last photo, outside the hospital after the performance.  This picture is probably about a third of the total number of choir members, but is a fun representation of our group.  You can see that we are a goofy bunch of characters, but we love singing, and we love each other.

Be Merry!

Merry Christmas from the Caldwell kiwis!  It's Christmas morning, the presents are opened, and the kids are in a candy coma.  I thought I'd take just a minute to post a few thoughts and pictures…a full report from Christmas will have to wait.  

It is hard to believe that Christmas is here.  We have had a wonderful holiday season, so different in a few ways, but so similar in the ways that matter most.  We love our sweet family, and feel blessed to be here in New Zealand together.  We love our church friends, who have become like family to us.  We love our Savior, Jesus Christ, whose birth and life we joyfully celebrate, with gratitude for His example and sacrifice.  We miss our loved ones back in the States, but we will have many more Christmases to celebrate with them, which we certainly look forward to.

We always knew that Christmas would be our New Zealand half-way point.  For that reason, I'm feeling a little bittersweet today.  The time has passed so quickly up to this point, and will only keep flying over the next six months, as we have many trips planned and visitors arriving.  We are very much looking forward to it all, but wish that we could somehow enjoy all of these amazing experiences while slowing down the clock at the same time.  Just thinking about leaving breaks my heart a little (sniff, sniff).

For the first time in our 17-year marriage, I didn't send Christmas cards.  The blog will have to suffice. :)  We extend our sincere wishes to all of you for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

         

Give Thanks

We enjoyed celebrating Thanksgiving in New Zealand!  We let the kids stay home from school, and spent the whole day preparing food, relaxing, listening to Christmas music, and decorating our tree.  It was perfect.

We found an old sheet in our linen closet that we used as a tablecloth:

I did iron the sheet beforehand… that was as smooth as I could get it!  

This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving sights -- homemade rolls rising.

Thanks to the aforementioned gift of canned pumpkin, we made a delicious pie!  It doesn't look like a traditional pie here, but trust me, it tasted just right. 

Since we spent over SIXTY DOLLARS on a 10-pound turkey, I really really REALLY hoped I wouldn't mess it up.  I've had a mixed track record with cooking turkeys.  Thankfully, this turkey turned out perfect (phew!). 

Here are a few more photos of the food.  Isn't it beautiful?  I almost hated for it to actually be eaten. :)

Ha ha.  That last photo illustrates perfectly how I felt after cooking all day…I stopped caring how beautiful it all was, and just wanted to eat!  Here's a more civilized shot:

My favorite blessings, all waiting patiently for our feast to begin…

I love this family!!  We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the many blessings we have been given, especially for the opportunity to live in New Zealand and to be enjoying so many special and memorable experiences together.  

One final, funny note:  Just as we sat down to eat, our gardener appeared in the backyard.  It was just a normal work day for everyone else.  We chuckled as we ate our fancy meal with yard work being done just outside the windows around us.  Steve took the opportunity to express his thanks that we have a gardener, and don't have to worry about maintaining the yard ourselves.  Amen.