The Ostrom Family Adventures

1 August

First things first, my stepdad is doing great and recovering well and they even bought tickets to NZ! Parent heart things seem to come in seasons as my Dad is having an angiogram this month as well. This is the hardest part of being away when loved ones are going through difficult things.

Winter has been busy and the adventures have looked a bit different but we got away for a couple days this past weekend to see some places we have been wanting to check out. We drove north to West Auckland, and yes, looked at a new dirt jumper bike for Mason.

Then we ate an amazing meal at MorePork American BBQ restaurant in Kumeu – seriously good BBQ! Morepork is also the name of a native owl here in NZ (otherwise known as a Ruru) named because that is what it sounds like according to Mr. Hone, my Te Reo Mäori teacher. (Check out youtube videos of their sound)

We then continued west to Muriwai Gannet colony and Mäori Bay. It’s been a sunny few days, but cold so no swimming or surfing for us this time.

Gannets are these gorgeous birds that nest in colonies with a remarkably organized system.

They also sound beautiful, and many beautiful things were happening during this late evening time in breeding season.

The black sand beach was stunning on the bay side of the beach cave, and there were paragliders practicing on the steady updrafts!

Leif is getting so tall, especially when climbing on the Pillow Lava rocks.