Sky Tower

Visited the Sky Tower today, amazing views

Auckland Museum

Went for a trip to the local museum, spent the whole afternoon there, really enjoyed it.

Visit to the Rose Garden in Parnell

Stunning, a short walk from the motel. Phot's say it all...

Pimp my ride!!

Opted for this one

Test drove this

Eventually have a car, was a toss up between a Skyline, R34 V Spec at 24,000...or........a $5,000 mint Golf 1989...and seeing as the banks are so slow and we had no money, the Golf won!

Cathedral Visit

Visited the local Cathedral in Parnell Auckland a lady from Hull ( emigrated about 50 years ago) showed us around. Lead lights were stunning.

First Day

Did Loaaaddddsss of things, one of which included going to Auckland CBD Harbour

Last Night

Just before second leg of journey...

Singapore Airport

Plane at Singapore

Just getting on plane at Manchester

Manchester Airport...both shattered..

Stayed at Jades mum and gavs house, all the family came around for tea, had a great night. Did lots of sorting out, last minute emails, etc etc. Went to bed with alarms set for 5.00am. Jade and mum didn't sleep all night just stayed awake chatting. Set off at 5.30am to the airport...awful leaving home really upsetting.

gav took us to the airport, arrived in good time. Checked in and then the long wait. Service on Singapore Airlines was fantastic...flights were long though and we struggled to sleep. We set off Friday morning at 5.30am and arrived in New Zealand on Sunday Morning at about 2.30am.....shattered!

W/B 12th November- Last Week in UK

Been visiting lots of people this week and finishing off some last bits and bobs...we've packed the cases, unpacked them and packed them again...We don't know how we are going to close them!! We have been out for meals a crazy amount of times...with Jade's dad and his friend, Laura and Brad and Rio. Graham actually ate three dinners the other night to make sure he fitted everyone in!! On Monday, Graham went to Rainhill to have a walk around where he grew up and visited an old school friend and swapped details. Graham then spent the night with his grandad...meanwhile, my sister and I went off shopping and had a girly night in with my mum, Rio and Marie laughing until it hurt about the 'good old days'!!! We went to the Sealife Centre today with Rio it was nice to spend time together, had lunch out ourselves and then went back to see the sharks being fed!!

This evening we popped to Grahams sisters Gill, to spend time together and say goodbye for now...

It's hitting home a bit tonight...both very quite and ...well....if I am being completely honest...I can't stop crying!!!(J)

Probably won't post again now until we are on the other side...so just a few things to add...

Bear- may ring tomorrow (Thurs) but if I don't its simply because I'm too upset...but we will miss you lots and stay in contact xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sarah - Won't get chance to pop around I don't think, but will miss you too. I have left your birthday prez with my sister so she will drop it off at some stage...big kisses to Amelia and Thomas.

We have seen most other people I think...so you all know we will miss you...if we mentioned everyones names it will be like War and Peace!!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

10th November- Chester Zoo

Spent a full day at Chester zoo with Dad and Kate, great day...personal highlights included the bat enclosure and the penguins! Returned home late, girlie's watched 'Strictly Come Dancing' and the boys watched Rugby....perfect day had by all!!!!

Helped out at a fund raising event on the 11th November, and then travelled back to Blackpool...

9th November- Christmas comes early

Dad and Kate


You've always suited hats Graham !!!!!


After picking up bits and bobs in Cleveleys, we set off to Cheshire to visit Dad and Kate. When we arrived we had a good catch up and then in the evening we had a Christmas Dinner, crackers, christmas music...the lot!! It was a lovely evening..

7th November - Birthday Pics and Muncaster Castle

Muncaster Castle







Birthday Boy

7th November 2007- Happy Birthday Graham

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to Graham
Happy Birthday to you xxxxxxx

Grahams Birthday, woke up to balloons and prezzie's!! Went to Muncaster Castle today in Ravenglass to the Owl Sanctuary...we really enjoyed it and saw sooo many different types of owls and birds. We then had a walk around the outside of the castle and a play on the park!!- I kid you not!! We then came back to Gosforth and went for lunch in a local cafe...after a freezing morning looking at owls a fry up and mars bar cake was on the menu for us both!!

Mum cooked us both a lovely evening meal, and now we are getting organised for leaving tomorrow....quick visit back to Blackpool to see my mum, Gav, Rio and Lee, trip to the dentist for Graham, appointment with bank, Jade at physio and then out for the evening with our good friends....then Friday morning, we are off to Cheshire to visit Dad and Kate.

Photo's of today to follow..........

6Th November- Visit to Wasdale Head, Cumbria

After doing a few jobs in the local village this morning...we decided to visit Wasdale Head this afternoon, it was gorgeous, the scenery was fantastic...hopefully we will have plenty more scenery in store in New Zealand!! We visited the smallest church in Britain called St.Olaf, the church of Wasdale Head....so beautiful. It holds 30 people maximum and we signed the visitors book with 'Blackpool soon to be New Zealand'. We then went to the local pub and had a drink whilst sat by the stream which again had stunning scenery.

Off for dinner now...................

Birthday boy tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!