Wow - the big trip is finally here!!! Such excitement in all the family. Here we go...!!!

Having so much fun at the snow!!! Hang on, that's not snow, that's indoor rock climbing... Looks like the snow fields will be closed both days we are here, due to poor weather. Such a shame..... Still having nice family time, kids are coping well with not skiing, monopoly for the afternoon. All in all, very cosy, just not snow!!

So, Andrew is the focus of the blog today. Why?? Because we are so grateful to have him. Andrew spent 2 hours in the freezing waters of Lake Rotorua today, swimming 3km in a desperate attempt to save his life.... His kayak sank underneath him. I pulled him out of the water, incoherent, disoriented, in shock, and with a body temperature of 33 degrees. The ambos took him to Rotorua hospital. Thankfully he warmed up, all the tests came back clear and he was able to...

Finally, Lucy got to see a volcano! Have had a great day walking up the sometimes steep path to get to the crater. Was amazing seeing the lava flows, with the rocks still seemingly frozen in time, in rivers down the side of the mountain. Sitting on the ferry now with 3 tired children, contentedly waiting for the next adventure!!

3 excited children, ready for the big trip!! Breakfast has been had (thanks qantas!). Bags are loaded. 50 toilet trips done. New Zealand here we come!!