The sun was blazing in Wellington on Anzac Day, a day when many would remember those from years gone by, and a day when I sat watching our heroes of the future playing on the swings, whilst remembering our heroes of the past.
Last year was a whole different affair, we had the most amazing time in Otaki and Raumati and sadly this year poor Mr D was working. Yet Bethany and I soldiered on and managed to have a fantastic day together.
It was Craig's last day in NZ (for now!) and so we met up with him and Chez Lee in town to say our goodbyes. Just before meeting up with everyone we stopped off to buy some tickets for the circus that's in town, I am sooo excited by the fact I managed to get front row VIP seats, although a bit worried what that entails - anyway next Thursday night we will find out!!
So after meeting up with the lovely Craig and the gorgeous Lee's we had a wander round the stunning harbour and then onto Te Papa where we indulged in a fantastic lunch. Of course ending the wonderful get together magically with some delicious ice creams from Cafe Eis. 
Craig and I said our goodbyes to Chez Lee and then had a wander over to see Michael at work. The boys quickly set about talking 'shop' and Bethany entertained herself by drawing a whale with spots on the white board as I people watched from the window.
Sad goodbyes as Craig finally had to leave to get his plane, it's been fantastic to meet him, feels like we have known him forever and we cannot wait for Craig, Rachel and Myles to finally join us in the next few months, it's going to be amazing!
I was intrigued by the stunning war ship that was docked in the harbour, and so I took Bethany to investigate further. Being Anzac Day it was very busy but still we wanted to be part of the action, and so as we approached Frigate Vendémiaire we were invited aboard to have a look around.
An amazing deck offered awesome views of Wellington and we watched in awe the Helipro helicopter land and take off literally metres away from us.
Inside it was interesting to see the corridors, tiny doors and the scary 'emergency' or 'urgence' (in French!) area with full on chemical suites and masks!
Back on deck I could breath a little easier and enjoyed the views once more. Heading off the ship on the very steep ladder Bethany held up the queue so badly that the suited French man at the bottom came up and carried her down! I muttered a 'Merci' on my way past and he gave me a Top Gun smile, it's all been done before!
Meandering back through the city we enjoyed all it had to offer, the ocean, the blue skies and the amazing people. Everyone busy enjoying life, everyone doing and being their own thing, being free and living life to the full.
It was a magical day to reflect on the past, welcome new friendships, bond with old friends, appreciate life and love my daughter more than I thought possible, on Anzac Day this was the perfect day to do all of this.
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