January 12, 2025

Happy New Year, Auckland

Midnight – January 1, 2025.  We forced ourselves to stay awake for the fireworks.

The Auckland Sky Tower erupted in beautiful colors to ring in the new year.

Our Takapuna balcony offers a perfect view of the Auckland tower.

Bright fireworks emerged from the side of the tower as well as the top.  We applauded the beautiful 10-minute display then promptly went to bed.

West Haven Park.  Great view of the Auckland bridge.

A delightful sculpture near the bay.

This artistic bench is carved from a tree.

Rick comes to the Takapuna church on Wednesday evenings to practice the piano while I play pickleball in the gym.

English Connect class at the church.  The Lin family returns to show how much Aiden has grown.  Letitia still speaks perfect English.  Aaron (YoLong) hardly knows a word.

 

Aiden stares questioningly at the strange woman holding him.

 How we love this sweet young family.

MaryAnne suggested we try Treacle Tart – a New Zealand dessert.

The tart mixes golden syrup, breadcrumbs, lemon zest and juice.  Unique flavor.  By the third day the melded flavors were quite tasty.

Kumara (sweet potato) fries.  Always a treat.

Third floor missionaries and Area Presidency members gathering for a birthday.  We don’t party all the time, but we enjoy this group whenever we meet together.