Not Little House on the Prairie

Things are different here in New Zealand. The kids are headed to the start of school on February 3. Ann has been buying uniforms and school supplies, and except for a few odds and ends, they seem ready to go. Zack will be in the sixth year here and Emma either second or third. Kindergarten here is year one. The school is just up the road and across the street, so a short walk for the kids. Within the first month, Zack will go on a week-long camping trip with his sixth year mates. They go somewhere down south of Auckland. All part of the curriculum, as well as water safety and other things. The uniforms remind me of Little House on the Prairie for some reason. The hats must be worn outside at all times! At least they all have to wear this, not real fashion forward in my book.

They both seem to be taking it all in stride.

Extending the Stay

Becky said I didn't do a very good job showing the view out the back of the house last time, so hopefully this gives everyone a better idea. The pictures are from the left to the right.

We applied to New Zealand Immigration to extend our 3 month visitor visa to a 5 month visa, expiring in April. After about a week, they extended us until mid-April. We have changed our flights and are now scheduled back on April 3rd. We will assess what to do and how to proceed with the Palencia house when we return. We intend to spend the summer at Beech Mountain, and then head back to New Zealand in November for six months.

Ken has found a job, very quick for coming over only a few weeks ago, and so the need for me to quickly pursue a company to buy, has passed. I may still buy something, but who knows.

Now that things are more settled here at the new house, Bec and I intend to do some traveling and see a bit more of the country than just around Auckland. The weather has turned beautiful, with most days now getting into the mid 70's. Nights are cool and great for sleeping. As I have said before, it reminds me of San Diego.

The New House

After looking at numerous houses across south and east Auckland, we were extremely happy to find this four bedroom house in Mellons Bay, and very close to the village of Howick. It is about three houses and across the street from the kids new school, they start on 3 February. As you can see, the house sits well of the road down a long driveway. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, with a small backyard for the kids.

Straight behind that tall pine is the front door, and to the right is a double carport.

Looking through the front door into the dining room and out to the back deck and out to the water.

From the dining room out towards the back deck. The kitchen is to the right and the main lounge area to the left. Back a hall to the right are three bedrooms, one with ensuite, and separate guest toilet. Downstairs is another bedroom and bath, and a larger rumpus room. We have chosen the downstairs accommodations.

The view is essentially the same view we had in the other house. The landmass in the background is Waiheike Island, a popular summer destination with vineyards, restaurants, etc. We will be making the ferry ride over in the not to distant future.

The basic household needs have been acquired, furniture, kitchenware, etc. We will continue to fill in items as we find them. This is a great location for everyone, and we feel lucky to have found it!