The Finnie Family Holiday

Well its almost a month since we went to the temple, time sure does fly by. Leading up to the trip was somewhat trialling and as most of our friends have commented that's a normal process.

Day 1 

Our family flew out on Monday 27/9/10, we had a direct flight to Auckland Yeah!  It was Kate's first time on plane and she loved every minute.  Nicholas and I had trouble with our ears so most of the flight we were holding our noses and blowing gently to 'pop' our ears. We arrived in Auckland at 11am, that meant a whole afternoon in Auckland.

We got our hired car which was a white Toyota corolla 2009 very posh. I had booked the car a year ago the price @ $270 for the week it was a bargain.  Mr Finnie proceeds to asked about insurance and other stuff and before I knew it my cheap car rental had doubled in price.  Looking at Mr Finnie I expressed my concerns "honey I feel that is a little extravagant"  It took him awhile but he came to the same conclusion (PHEW).  We piled into the car and headed off on our adventure.

First stop was Rainbows End.  Dave and I haven't been here since 1996.  Nicholas was very excited, Kate was not too sure.  Our first ride was the Pirate Ship, thinking its just a big swing, Kate will be fine.  Think again!!! Poor Kate screamed and screamed the whole time the hardest thing was not being able to put her on my knee as we were locked in. So I had to lean over her and hold her as tight as I could whilst she screamed in my ear (I deserved that I suppose).
Next stop, Free Fall I wasn't to sure what this ride entailed and Kate was still a little shaken as she clung to my neck.  I suggested Nicholas and Dave go while we watched.  Thank goodness because as I stood and watched, I saw the boys go up up up up along way up and then they stopped. The word free fall became clearer as I watched them plummet down to the bottom.  The funniest thing ever was hearing Dave involuntarily scream and watching his long legs tense straight out. I couldn't stop laughing.  The boys came out, Nicholas was laughing and saying "that was the meanest mum".  Dave's face said it all and he was shaking hilarious

Free Fall



Can you see Dave's stiff legs?

The amazing thing about being at Rainbows End was because of the school holidays, we were expecting lots of people but  there wasn't  thus meant no queues awesome.  Our next adventurous ride was the famous Log Flume.  Kate sat with her dad and felt safe whilst Nicholas and I rode up the front.  Kate enjoyed this ride until the drop at the end.

The End

The newest ride The Invader looked scary but infact it  was the best ride for me personally.  Except Kate we all had two to three goes on this ride.

Nicholas & Dave

 

Nicholas and Dave soon were off to the roller coaster and again Nicholas just loved it and had two or three goes on each, once with mum and once with dad and when we could all four of us.

 

By boys have fun!!!

Nicholas and Dave in the green cab

After a bite to eat we went into Cadbury Land there Kate was able to have ago on everything without screaming just lots of smiles and laughing.  I'm sure this was Kate's favourite part of the day.  Even Nicholas enjoyed himself.







Kate's Favourite Ride

Our day at Rainbow's End concluded with tired children and very happy memories.  Next stop Temple View Hamilton.



Where Have I Been?

I wrote this last month and it didn't post due to setting the date wrong.

I haven't felt like blogging lately, and I contemplated whether I should even write this but I feel sometimes you have to write the bad/ugly to appreciate the beauty.  I have been in a dark space and the last month was rather rough not only for me, but my friend, my marriage. I have been doubting everything ie church, marriage and the list goes on.  Dave and I have been at each others throats everyday and I just felt like leaving and I just know that life isn't suppose to be so miserable.  

I went to conference and listen to the speakers and the talks were great but I left feeling inadequate and envious of those big wigs.  Wishing that my life was as happy as theres.  I came home from conference and asked Dave where are we going in the gospel? What is the point? Are we in or out?  Of course he took it as a personal attack.  I said we have the temple trip coming up to which he replied we shouldn't go?  That was the last straw I have booked, paid and planned this trip on my own since November last year and to have him dimiss it so easily just made me want to go and never come back ever.

I had to stop by at Sister Jenners house and when she opened that door I lost the plot and totally broke down.  (poor sister Jenner). I unloaded my burdens on to her that took awhile.  I am totally blessed that she was there at that time I felt her love and support and she was amazing I love her so much.

I left feeling better and with a new perspective.  A couple days later she gave me a letter with an article from the August Ensign titled Tie A Knot And Hang On.  I'll hang on til the end (i hope).