Yes, finally, I managed to get my act together and download some photos. There’s a few to be gone through and picked out for scrapping.

This is the view from our kitchen window at the apartment in Hanmer – delightful, isn’t it? We overlooked the golf course and it was snow from our place all the way to the mountains.

Yes, it’s a blurry action shot, but you get a taste of the sheer joy these two had with their very first experience of snow. The woolley mittens proved no match and Mr 4 was inside with cold hands as soon as they had turned into ice-blocks!

Probably because the wet, cold gloves had come off and bare hands were being used. Mainly to gather snow for eating. Apparently that’s better than an ice-block!

While Mr 4 was thawing out his hands, Mr 7 was making snow angels on the green.

And I couldn’t help but jump the fence myself and help with snowman building. Unfortunately, it’s been a while since I built a snowman and I’d forgotten all correct techniques.

Snowman number one definitely looks more like a snow ghost!

While mum and Mr 7 were having fun across the field, the first of the absolutely beautiful doggies at this place realised that Mr 7 was a fun monkey and clearly a soul-mate. She got all excited at the mere sight of Mr 7 and so when the snow man was done, Mr 7 came and introduced himself properly.

From there, they were virtually inseperable. Both dogs were the most stunning, well-behaved, quiet, friendly golden retrievers. And Mr 7 enjoyed every second. I’ve captured a few moments when they were just hanging out – in the freezing cold later in the day. I didn’t actually know where he was and then discovered they were both outside, really just hanging.

Oh, and being fed snow! Not sure if that is a good thing for dogs or not, so this activity was curtailed at bit.

Then we went out for an explore of the village. And of course found many delightful cafes and had a lovely lunch. And proceeded to walk that lovely lunch off – around by the lake / stream walkway. Where there was LOTS of snow.

And we honed our snow man building skills.

Rolling them first helps make them REALLY big!! So big, Mr 7 can hardly push it any further.

So Mr 4 comes to the rescue…. two are definitely better for pushing the snow into BIGGER balls of snow!

Oh! See how Mr 4 has new gloves? We found a place that sold great snow gear. I got some proper gloves for me too – having had my fingers frozen off in the morning, I decided the only way I was going to join in the snowball fights was if I had a decent pair as well.

Making the snowballs.

Throwing them – darn – I have no shots of their great aim. Probably because I was running!! (I also should admit to the slight competitive streak coming through: I made sure I got them with some great shots as well!! Heeheee!)

Another snowman that we made – and hugged. Cute, hey?

Now we are in Christchurch and waiting for the band marching to start. We have cousin S with us for they day (My little brother’s daughter). The Mr’s and S found lovely long willow switches that looked and behaved like fishing rods. So while we were waiting for Titan to march, there was a lot of fishing being done in the Avon.

Lots of looking at the water flowing too. I forget how pretty the Avon is to just sit and contemplate.

Now, here is what we made the trip for: the band nationals. Titan is marching (Hubby is there on the end, playing the tenor horn)

The kids all enjoyed the spectacle – as did quite a few locals. There was quite a decent crowd that came and watched the display.

As for the results, well, the band were really pleased with how they played. Unfortunately, their results weren’t quite as reflective of that. There was a feeling of being a bit robbed, but overall, the band knew they had played well and made do with that. Pelorus won the B-grade – so at least it was another Wellington band

On the way back home again. We stopped off in Kaikoura for a run around and some energy busting. This playground was just what we needed.

So yes, it was a very fun trip. And as you can see, there’s definitely a few highlights waiting to be scrapped into the albums.