Well we are finally here! After a manic day that felt like leaving was impossible, we actually made it to the airport, thanks to the ever patient Uncle Parry, and got successfully checked in through to Heathrow. So far I have failed to read a Christmas card a friend gave to me before I left ( something to look forward to when we get back). I also left my bag of fresh food for eating on the plane behind... Not so appealing when we get back! Still, a nice meal of fresh salads for tea. Grumpy kids just want to get going, but enjoyed talking to Smaug the dragon! A funny flight up with lots of bumps, appalling performances in the trivia quiz, and a very bad rendition of Te Haranui. Well the air hostess was clearly bored so we thought we'd liven things up! Glen was sitting on his own pretending not to know us. The kids were miffed at missing out on lollies due to turbulence but luckily I keep a secret stash. Explored Auckland airport after much silliness on the walk over ( mainly from me if I'm honest). Made cookie time monster faces, then suddenly it was time to go to the gate. Everyone is holding up well given how late it is... 10.55 flight is hard work when you get up at 5, especially for the one of us who is only 7! So now we are here in fancy pants premium economy in the flash seats... Pretty cool! We will let you know how it is travelling like this soon. In the meantime we are going to get ready for Bed!