The parents are here!

Hi everyone,

Mom and Dad arrived on Saturday morning, and we've been on the go ever since. We picked them up from the airport at about 8am, and then spent the day in the CBD. We walked by parliament, then by the waterfront to Mac's Brewery (where we had lunch), then on to Oriental Bay. After that we caught the bus to Newtown and went to the zoo, and then got some dinner at Planet Spice.

Yesterday we went on the hike to Red Rocks. We started at Island Bay beach, then up to the Oku Reserve, and then on to Red Rocks. The whole walk was probably close to ten miles, so we spent the evening on the deck resting with an assortment of NZ beers. I made some pizza for everyone, too.

A message from mom: Having a wonderful time. Flight over was great catching up on movies and getting a little sleep (flight was a little over 13 hours from San Francisco). Wellington is beautiful with rolling green hills and lots of wonderful houses from the 30s with incredible stained glass windows. The suburbs are small towns and the bus system is easy. Both Kevin and I are thoroughly enjoying the walking. Heading to wine country today and gale force winds are expected tonight, so we are experiencing all kinds of weather. Amy and Rory's house has a fabulous view and is very comfortable and roommates are delightful. The pizza Ames made last night was really the best we have ever tasted - will be bringing home her recipe. So glad we are here - I know the days will pass too quickly.