Settling in NZ

The dodgy motorhome
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We arrive about 5.30am local time.  I am knackered.  I can barely keep my eyes open.  It takes us ages to clear customs, mainly due to us rather than them.  We then find out that the motorhome hire place doesnt open until 8am, so have 90 mins to kill in the airport.  Such fun! A Macdonalds breakfast takes up some time (and tastes nicer than expected), but still have an hour to kill.  Matthew enjoys running round the airport, he is becoming a little explorer, and finding pleasure in the make-up of the building.  We spend much of our time chasing him!

We finally get picked up about 8.45am.  I am annoyed with the hire company as their version of 10-15mins is my version of 45mins.  Things dont really improve when we get the motorhome, it isnt the most fantastic vehicle in the world.  But beggars cant be choosers, as we had to scrap our wanted motorhome in favour of this in January as the baby car seat wouldnt fit.  We check and the car seat fits perfectly.  Matthew also has to go in the front as the rear seats are only side facing, no good for a car seat.

I feel for the first time in a few days that all is well with the world

The motorhome is adequate, if not up to my standards.  At least if Matthew breaks something it wont notice easily!

I cannot drive, I am too tired.  Steve is happy to drive to Waihi Beach, with is around 2 hours away.  I give him rough directions and fall asleep in the back.  We arrive in good time, it seems a lovely place.  We manage to all have a shower together, which is hard when you have a small baby, and a child that hates showers and seems to fall over at every opportunity.  Then we retreat to bed, as we all need some sleep.  Matthew seems to be a bit ill, is covered in spots again, and I worry that he will pass something onto Lloyd.  The last time Matthew had spots Lloyd ended up in hospital!  Matthew is also very ratty, and into everything.  The fridge is switched on and off permanently, and he climbs around the motorhome like it is a park ride! We hope it is just the tiredness making him like this, and not the toddler element (but I fear it could be!).

It is hard getting the kids to sleep as the space is so enclosed.  It ends up with me sleeping on the "rack" above the cab with Matthew, and Steve in the back with Lloyd. When we awake I feel for the first time in a few days that all is well with the world.  We have a lovely spot on the campsite, and Matthew seems calmer.  Maybe this wasnt such a bad idea after all.  Matthew plays with his toys, Im pleased we bought a few with us.  Things are settling, I am starting to relax.  And Lloyd seems much happier, almost as though he too is enjoying the new home.