The antarctic-like temps that have been plaguing Auckland over the past week have meant the kids and I have been hibernating a bit more than normal. Hard not to do when the boys and I all succumbed to a wicked head cold and Ethan was shaking off a nasty bout of bronchitis. It’s very ironic that the freezing temps are actually caused by a massive high, but this is also resulting in the most stunning, blue sky winter days you could possibly hope for. Better than rain right?
I needed to get out of the house yesterday and enjoy some family time. Dave was away for work three days last week so we really needed to regroup as a family and enjoy spending some time together – outside!
Typically, no one had anything they particularly wanted to do or places they wanted to go so we headed to the city and decided to cruise Wynyard Quarter. Parking on Beaumont Street is easy and free on Sundays, it’s also right at the playground end of Wynyard Quarter so easy for little legs. Nix was riding his little motorbike and Ethan was cruising on his scooter as the wharf, bridge and walkways are so much fun for the kids to enjoy on wheels.
We spent a little time at the playground but I think the boys were delirious over being given some space to roam so we hit the pavement again and meandered up the wharf, stopping to stare down at the decidedly emerald harbour, admiring the bright yellow tugs, the dogs, the tourists and just enjoying a bit of bustle.
It was time for lunch soon enough and because the boys were clamoring for a treat, we had dessert first, settling on some insane gelato from Wynyard Quarter’s Gelatiamo. Nixon’s Vanilla cup was classic and gorgeous while E opted for a cone of beautiful pink marshmallow gelato. Not knowing where we’d end up after that, we wandered through the fish market, introducing Nix to the joys of dead sea creatures. He loved it of course.
Onwards to Sal’s Pizza for lunch. There were restaurants a plenty which Dave and I have been dying to try, but we had two fading boys and we wanted everyone to enjoy a speedy, happy lunch with zero stress. Tip: If you’re in a hurry at Sal’s ordering slices rather than a whole pie is super quick.
The morning was perfection.
Just thinking about how cruisy and relaxed it was brings a smile to my face even today. Great days do not have to be overplanned, sometimes all you need to do is hop in the car and drive.
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