Auckland

Of course we wanted to explore Auckland now when we were so close. Together with Nikki, Caitlin and Liam we took some trains, and a bus, to get into central Auckland for the day.

Have you noticed how the smaller cousins are catching up? Lucas is taller than Caitlin now, and we think it wont be long before Linnea has passed her too.

So, we hit Britomart and walked from there...

... down to the wharf.

We decided on Asian for lunch, and whereas the food was good, unfortunately the view was better than the service at this place.

We also did a spot of shopping along Queen Street.

After the boys, and Linnea, had been to the movies to see the latest Star Wars movie we finished off our Auckland day with some very special ice cream from this amazing ice cream parlor that Nikki had found a few weeks earlier - Giapo.

They are famous for some really elaborate ice cream creations, look at the photos of the selfie cone and the two-of-a-kind cones; and of course, very tasty ice cream.

You get to taste our way through the menu of different ice creams, to decide on which one to order.

Linnea had a 'Kiss Kiss Kiss', as did Caitlin:

Liam and Lucas had the 'Chocolate Evolution':

Nikki had a 'NZ Hokey Pokey' and Nathan chose a 'Garden Fresh Strawberries & Cream' ...

I decided on their signature ice cream - 'Giapo Buono', wih caramel, hazelnut praline and amaretti. Oh - my - goodness... Mmmmm!