so, i told you we had an announcement...
in just two weeks, we will be packing up our little family and moving north for 9 weeks!
allow me to illustrate with a little geography lesson...
the world:
we live in New Zealand which is the little country to the right of Australia:
New Zealand is made up of two large islands (with the very original names of North Island and South Island) and a little guy down the bottom called Stewart Island:
this is the North Island:
and this is where we live.
and where we're going:
we are going to a tiny little place called Houhora (so tiny it's not even on the map above!!). it will be a 6 hour drive (plus stops) - eek! but looks so totally beautiful
some things you should know:
*it is not so wintery up there *we will be all sleeping in a shed together. (i have decided to emply my imagination and pretend the shed is actually a stationary airstream trailer) *there is no phone coverage where we will be staying *no internet connection either *we have a family of 6 from Florida staying in our home the entire time we're away *
any tips for long-term travel? having house-sitters? (i think i'll clear out my undies drawer, but what else??) what should i absolutely make sure i don't leave behind?
help! we're excited for the adventure and grateful for the opportunity, but kinda freaking out a little too!
Dee x
How exciting!!! A fabulous adventure for your family!
ReplyDeleteno phone and no internet ~ YIKES! hahah. It'll be a refreshing break no doubt! xx
ReplyDeleteWOW! What an adventure! Yay for skipping (somewhat) winter!!! Are you taking the sewing machine?!
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ReplyDeleteSuper Exciting and very Inspiring! It is super beautiful up there, you must go to the beach with the super soft sand. Ask around its not far. Is it a house swap?
ReplyDeletegood on you's! sounds devine.
*sorry about above comments,i pushed the enter button and it sent without me finishing,how rude!
COOL! (or rather, warm!!)
ReplyDeleteIs there any reason why you're heading up???
LOVE that the kids can just go with you and you have the opportunity to go on this amazing adventure! No having to "pull them out of school" or anything like that! Yay!
xx
Ah, Dee, this is just the kind of adventure that I hope is part of our life as we continue on into the future. Have an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteWoop woop!! Exciting/scary/awesome (that's how I STILL feel about our big move! And we're still couch surfing at my ma's...). I don't have any advice other than pack light! I'm totally over being surrounded in boxes of 'things' that surely I don't really need anyway... Might have a big purge once we find a house... Also, we would love to see you guys while you're up this way - we could meet here, there, or somewhere in the middle! We're always up for a family adventure x
ReplyDeleteHoly Moly!! That IS an adventure! WOW! I can't wait to hear how it all goes!
ReplyDeleteYay! I love the far north! My dad lives in Taipa and I must tell you about a few secret local sites to visit, if you don't have some locals to tell you!Oooh you'll have lots to share once you are back!
ReplyDeleteHouhora! That's where I grew up! {and my folks still live} it is amazingly beautiful! You must,must, must go to Rarawa Beach while you're there!
ReplyDeletewow, takes lots of pictures, take a journal to document exciting things in, look forward to when you are back in the tron area again
ReplyDeleteThis advice comes from a mama who (with the dadda)took her eight kids tripping round the world to places as strange as Laos and Mongolia for 15 months.....ask your housesitters what they would like you to leave (we had to clear out eveyrthing except a couch - I would imagine yours will want some knives and forks!) Gather yourself some books, board games and crafty supplies....and then enjoy the adventure.
ReplyDeleteHow exiting! My aunty lives up near there and it looks stunning. Extra batteries for the camera! I expect HEAPS of photo's! ;P
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful are those maps? So great. Best of luck with the move. Kellie xx PS the cleaning out of the undies draw part gave a giggle. Are you afraid the house sitters will wear them if they're left behind?
ReplyDeleteFUN!!! Tonnes of games and activities, maybe some scavanger hunt lists for when you go to the beach etc.
ReplyDeleteear plugs and a time out chair :P
Safely lock away valuables, just for peace of mind
xx Amy
Embrace the adventure Dee, I think you will all have an awesome time.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to hearing all about it!
i'd pack away the table knives.... americans don't use them! ;)
ReplyDeleteSo fun..... although my 2 are horrified that the president of the flowing mane club is going to be awol....
xxx
Sooooo exciting!! We used to travel from Whangarei up to the tip of NZ every Christmas as a family and tent up there at Taupotupotu, Cape Reinga. You guys will have a blast... but don't forget to take a tin opener, insect spray and your camera!! p.s. and I so hope you can pop in our way if you are passing through!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteHoney is that a Collins New Zealand clear School Atlas by any chance??? I have one from primary school - it's a 1959 model but I was in primary in the late 70's! Love it! Sounds like a fab adventure ahead. Yes, empty knickers drawers and take a swiss army knife! he he
ReplyDeleteWow exciting Dee, I am sure you will all have a blast. I am guessing that will mean we will be saying Bye to Jada from netball?
ReplyDeleteWe're moving too! We live in the US. We're moving from New Mexico to Maui, Hawaii. Right now we're driving across the country to see our family. It made me chuckle a little when you said yikes to 6 hours. Enjoy your adventure!
ReplyDeleteGood on you Dee! What a great adventure for you all and what wonderful childhood memories your children are going to have!
ReplyDeleteHi Dee,
ReplyDeleteNo phone and no internet will be so peaceful. I will miss your posts and look forward to hearing all about your wonderful adventure!
We are in the US and we road trip A LOT (20,000 miles last year). One trip ritual is that each kid gets a book bag with "new" books, mostly story/ picture books, but also an activity book or sketch pad. I pack fun snacks that they don't normally get. A story book on CD helps pass the time. They also get a little box with some sort of surprise in it. But one of the most helpful things we've done is to stop somewhere after about 3-4 hours (there may be short potty breaks before that)and have a picnic or play at a park or zoo, something fun that burns some energy before the last part of the trip. So, hopefully they sleep a bit (or at least rest quietly). It breaks up the day and the time in the car. A Mama "stash bag" is a good trick, too. I don't give them everything at once, I spread it out over the the course of the trip. Hope it helps.
Happy Travels!
Have an amazing time! What a wonderful, close, family time you'll have together. All the best with your adventure!
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