Saturday 15 May 2010

New Zealand Shadows


















It's been a couple of weeks since I've participated in Hey Harriet's Shadow Shot Sunday and I have had withdrawal symptoms.  We've been home a little over a week from our wonderful trip to Christchurch in New Zealand, where we shared six delightful days with our daughter and her family.  Our son-in-law was attending a conference, so it was decided since we live in different cities (Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne)  it would be a wonderful opportunity for us to catch up - all four grandparents, parents and three grandchildren. 

















This cheerful and talented Maori group entertained us most days with their colourful singing, dancing and, of course, the traditional Haka.  They are my obvious choice for Shadow Shot Sunday.  It was quite cold and my motherly instinct made me want to rush out and smother them with some sensible warm clothing.


The two older grandchildren delighted in frolicking in the mid-autumn leaves and generally discovering all that Christchurch had to offer.
 
Our granddaughter was intrigued by the old fashioned cash register and equally by the lovely lady who allowed her to operate it.  She was doubly intrigued by the tattooed chin, but was very polite and didn't make any comment.

The New Zealand branch of the family.

Our Little Red Riding Hood pays respect to Christchurch's local heroes...

... while Mr Fudge III pays respect to Grandma's scone.  I must admit it's the first time I've ever had a scone baked in a flower pot - when our son back in Brisbane saw this image he reckoned that it had its own postcode.  Yes, it was steaming hot, fresh out of the oven and light as a feather and yes, I did share it with the little boy with the big blue eyes.  Had it been a fine day, you can only imagine the shadow it would have thrown!



17 comments:

fredamans said...

Love the pic of the kids in the leaves! Beautiful!

Sylvia K said...

What a marvelous day and wonderful shadows to match! Love the kids playing in the leaves, the Maori dancers, not to mention the heavenly looking chocolate and scones! I'm drooling and I just ate!!! All your shots are delightful! Have a lovely weekend!

Sylvia

Serendipity said...

Those shots of the children in the leaves are wonderful!

Unknown said...

What a great way to catch up with family.

The shadows are great, looks like you all had a great time.

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

Buried to their knees,
kids frolic in autumn leaves—
crinkly, crackly dance!

Target practice

bobbie said...

I always love children's shadows.
And the scone looks like heaven to me!

Sandrine said...

I was looking forward to you posting about your NZ trip...it seems like it was wonderful!I can feel the winter just looking at those leaves too!Thanks for sharing xx

Ralph said...

Christchurch looks nice, the lovely islands wonderful. A family time is great, and parents always want to make sure the children are warm at play - the kids mostly could care less about the temperature...

The cash register is stunning, I cannot remember when I last saw a mechanical register instead of the more modern and efficient computer screens in use now. Not only is the old mechanical device well built, it has a magnificence of the past.

It is really nice that a far flung family can all be together!

Hey Harriet said...

That scone is larger than the head of Mr Fudge III! And did I read correctly...FREE tasting at the fudge place!?! That's my idea of heaven right there! This was such an enjoyable post Robyn. I really need to visit NZ. It's so close so it seems crazy not to pop over. And it's often cheaper to fly to NZ than across the states of Oz.

I can't keep up with your jet-setting lifestyle. Where next I wonder? Shadow shots from India perhaps? You amaze me!

Spadoman said...

What a great story and collage of photos. The passion on the faces of the singer/dancers is wonderful!
That scone looks like what we'd call a popover here where I live, (Wisconsin USA).
Nothing better than sopending time with Grandkids. Mine are the reason I am alive.
I need to research the tattooed chin. Can you tell me more?

Peace.

Linda said...

Lovely photos of a lovely trip

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed this as it brought back happy memories of my trips to NZ!! I don't think I would have remembered to take a photo of the scone before scoffing it!

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

The shadows are great - what fun to watch that group, and yes, we would want to through a sweater on those arms as well!
Sounds like lots of fun was had with your family...that scone is another story...we'll have to search for a recipe for that - it looks very yummy indeed!

Eden said...

Beautiful set of photos. I especially love the kids in the leaves. Great captures.

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Oh, you were missed! I did wonder where you were...
Great shots of the Maoris! Although I'm not crazy about most tattoos, I have always liked Maori tattoos. But, not enough to get one! That scone looks like it'd be worth the trip to hop on a plane to get down there!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

So much fun visiting with you to enjoy the shadows and photos of your trip with family. Sweet little ones always bring a smile and these are some very cute ones!

Kindly, ldh

Beverley Baird said...

What wonderful photos! Would love to go to New Zealand someday. We have distant relatives there somewhere!
Have a great week.