NZ Holiday - Leaving London

Is it really only just over a month ago on 22nd February that Henry and I set out on our travels to New Zealand?  Time really does fly...on the way over, we 'lost' a day somewhere, and on the way back, we 'found' it again....only to lose an hour this morning!  Goodness, confusing for sure.

Anyway back to the 22nd February...we arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare so we could book a window seat and our luggage in.  So what to do while we wait?  Something to eat and drink of course!

Henry!  Are you really going to eat both pieces of carrot cake?

Not the most flattering picture of me, but Henry looks pretty good ;-)

Can you imagine Henry's delight when he saw the plane we were going to be flying on?

Yes that is it...New Zealand's (and the world's) first All Black plane. 

This is Air New Zealand's newest Boeing 77-300ER and is the largest commerically operated aircraft to be painted black.  To the delight of us Ex-Pats living in the UK it flies the London to Auckland route.  

You can see a short video of it here.

Lots of excited people were looking at it and taking photos...

"Look Mum, are we REALLY going on this plane?"

We certainly are Henry.

I can't quite believe I managed to get Henry to sit and wait quietly in the boarding lounge...  He is wearing his favourite hoodie and gilet made by Judith of Dolly Doodles, a pair of sweatshirt leggings made by me and his Jean Jensen footwear.

Being allocated a window seat was great for Henry, he was able to see out of the window and watch the preparations.

Buckled in, all ready for take off, Henry had his own seat.  In fact for the London to LA part of the trip we had three seats to ourselves so were able to lie down and sleep for a good stretch of the trip.  Unfortunately not so lucky from LA to Auckland...

Leaving London on a grey and drizzly afternoon.

The wings being prepared and tested just before take off.

We arrived in New Zealand early Friday morning an hour earlier than the scheduled time and fortunately were able to avoid the rush hour traffic on the just over an hour trip home to my parents place.  It was so lovely to have my Dad meeting us at the airport and we arrived home to Kaukapakapa shortly after 9am in the morning so had the whole day to enjoy...although I did have an early night!  The noise of the cicadas greeted us as I got out of the car to open the gate...it always amazes me how loud they are at that time of the year and I have some great photographs of them to show you all in another post.

Henry is Home!

We're home!  After what seemed like a very very very long time on the aeroplane we arrived home yesterday afternoon absolutely shattered.  Will be updating with adventures of our holiday soon.

Packing Henry's Bags.

Henry and I laid all his clothes and gear for his holiday today out ready to pack into his suitcase.

Goodness Henry do you REALLY need all that?

I think we can leave the denim coat behind now you have your gilet and a raincoat.  I'm sure you will be warm enough, it is summer there after all, even if it is coming towards the end of it.

I hope it will all fit and not exceed the weight allowance!

Yes lovely fit.

I hope you will be able to carry the case Henry as I will have my own to attend to!

You can?  That is good.  I see you also have you backpack over your shoulder.  Don't forget your sunglasses are sitting on the suitcase!  Oh and have you got your passport?

Yes it is already in your backpack is it?  That is good.

Bon Voyage everyone, we will write about all our adventures upon our return.  

We leave Wednesday and return Friday 23rd March.

I think Henry has pretty much everything now...just a couple of little items to sort out, but that should be it.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone upon our return.

A Raincoat...the last of the sewing for a while...

The last of the sewing was finished yesterday...I now have three days left in which to organise myself!

Henry is wearing his new raincoat...I don't think you need your cap and sunglasses on as well Henry!

You'll take your cap off?

But not the sunglasses?  Well okay!

What's this, bare feet?  Oh you're getting in practice for when you are on the beach...

I wonder if Henry will ever take his 'shades' off?  Even my husband remarked last night that surely Henry didn't need his sunglasses on inside in the evening!

Surfer Dude Beach Bag

Yeah, a beach bag!

Oh Henry, please look at the camera...

Oh, okay, is this better?

Yes much better!

Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside

I do like to be beside the sea!

Henry received another parcel in the post today from the lovely Julie in America.  She has sent him the most delightful beach towel with whales on it.

Isn't it fabulous?

Well Henry couldn't wait to show you the card...he has dashed off with the towel in his hands, not sure what he is up to...but I can hear some singing going on.

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside

I do like to be beside the sea!

In the meantime I will show you the lovely little card he received.  I am sure he would have shown you, but as I say he seems to be distracted at the moment.

Isn't that so cute?  Beautifully handmade.

A lovely note to Henry written inside.  Yes he has read it Julie, he read the little card first!

Isn't that sweet?

Now I wonder what Henry is up to?  I heard him dash down to the sewing studio and rummage in the toy box...

Well looks like Henry just can't wait!  

He has his wonderful ball given to him by Dee and the kids at Sasha Village and has found the bucket and spade set that I bought for the Sasha children sometime last year.

 I have noticed one thing that Henry has forgotten though...actually two, but he just isn't wearing it - that's it his hat...but what is the other thing he has forgotten that isn't in the picture?  Can you guess?

Besides his hat which we know about...and I have let him off for that today as after all he is inside in the middle of winter with the sun shining through the patio doors so he should be okay.  I have stressed to him the importance of wearing it though when we get to New Zealand.

If you think you know what is missing, do comment  or email and let Henry know what he still needs to get for his holiday.  The first person to get it correct will receive a special gift from Henry which he will get while he is away on holiday...so there will be a little wait, but please do be patient!

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside

I do like to be beside the sea!

Mr Cool Dude

Do you remember Henry feeling sad the other week?

When I broke his brand new sun glassses?

Well after much trawling through evilbay...and having to purchase a bundle of glasses...all for one special pair...

Henry is now cheering for joy!

Not only the sun glasses, but Henry was delighted by the arrival of the wonderful red gilet made by Judith of Dolly Doodles that I had ordered for him.  (He really does get rather spoiled...I spend more on his clothes that I do mine!)

Are these 'cool' enough for you Henry?  

(oops, looks like I need to show Henry how to clean the dust of his glasses!)