STONEHAVEN

9 Waitohu Road

God has yet proven His grace again! The day we went to the realtor's office to have a look at some rentals, one came onto the market right before we went into the office. It's a beautiful, older home in the York Bay area of Eastbourne. It turns 100 years old next year so we'll be sure to celebrate! It's actually the 2nd that was built in the Eastbourne village so it is not only full of history (which the owner said she'd share with us) but it is in a prime location = amazing views! So, all you visitors will be in for a treat!!! We are taking visitors currently, vacancy at present! :)

Saturday and Sunday were filled with errands to buy beds, linens, groceries and such in order to get settled into our new abode. Thank goodness the house is partially furnished or we'd really be up the creek! We've just had to get a few things and hopefully we can ship it back when we return home.

I tell you what...it's taken so much work to get everything in place but we've gotten a TON done in just a few short 7 days. I was telling Ben today we will look back at this time and think "how in the world did we do it?" because I honestly don't know, other than the mercy of God, how we are getting so much done with 3 children in tow. The kids have been exceptional throughout this journey. We've dragged them hither and yon and they just keep on going...like the energizer bunnies they are. Of course, we've had our moments of insanity but overall they have been troopers. I mean we've been moved out and gone from Charlottesville since June 18 and they've been on the move and all over the place since then. I thank God for such resilient, adjustable kids!! And, I thank God for an amazing husband who has coordinated this entire trip and made all the arrangements to get us here and settled. We've been a fabulous team and the Lord has blessed us so richly.

On our way to the realtor's office we enjoyed this gorgeous rainbow along the harbor.

MaeMae checking the mail.

We can't wait to wake up to this amazing site every morning!

View from the back deck and back of the house.

The kitchen includes a restaurant-grade oven and stovetop, original ceramic sink, pullout pantry "cabinets" and over/under refrigerator, of course a fab dishwasher! This is the other side of the foyer, opposite the piano.

One of the bedrooms...all have the original windows, doors, etc...I pray it survives to it's 100th birthday next year!

The foyer looking into the lounge (living room) and a lovely piano for the children to fill the house with music!

Our lovely deck with awesome table for alfresco dining! (we'll feed you well when you come visit!! :) And there are steps off the back that lead down to stone paths around the garden.

Part of our lounge (living room) and the stairs lead to the master bed room. The master has the same view as the deck and the shower is a "wet room". It's an open shower and all tile floor. Very interesting. New Zealanders truly believe in being one with nature, we are learning!

The kids' bathroom complete with original clawfoot tub, beautiful vanity and sink and (in the other corner) and "rain-style" shower (the water comes down like rain instead of a typical showerhead...they have them everywhere here.) The window looks out onto the deck and fabulous view of the harbor. (See above)

This is the "deck"/walkway area by the main entrance and to the back deck.

Just a swingin'!

Steps down to the 100-year old garden. Back in the day, it won top garden awards in New Zealand. Can't wait to explore it! The gardent has a stream with a rushing waterfall and you can hear the soothing sound of water all day. It's like being in a tropical rainforest yet in your backyard.

Whoa, Caroline! Those are steep steps! (thankfully the owner put up the gate to ward off wanderers.)

Eastbourne: Beach/Fishing Village

The beach is minutes from our house although, as most things, it's nothing like our beaches in the States. It's all rock and crushed rock....but gorgeous rocks I must say. I asked Ben if we could take back a suitcase of rocks to make a walkway or something of the sort. They are smooth and rounded and just really neat.

The town of Eastbourne is so cute and I hope to get pictures of it when we visit again. They have the big grocery stores and malls but they also still have the small locally owned shops to get your freshly cut meat and daily made bread. Those shops line the main street of Eastbourne and makes it the quaint village it is.

The harbor - I love these pictures. Everyday there are small fishing boats out getting their daily catch and the Interislander is visible throughout the day. On a clear day you can see the glorious Alpine of the South Island.

The Interislander:

Wine Spectator calls it "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world", and we believe that you will agree wholeheartedly.

Interislander is the New Zealand ferry service which crosses the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The 92 km, three hour journey between Wellington and Picton is one of New Zealand's most iconic tourist experiences, and one of the most spectacular cruises in the world.

Caroline woke up from her nap in the car to see the beach with us...MaeMae and Calvin were worn out from the day's errands and snoozing away.

Yes, she does have clothes that fit...she makes small clothes look good. (In my defense, I didn't realize how small her sweater really was til this picture. :) She's still cute in it, regardless. :)

Market Day by the harbor

Sunday all the farmers and vendors come out with their bounty ready for the crowds of kiwis. It's really a site...all the people and all the fresh fruits, veggies, honey, jams, sausage, lamb venison and the sort. Last week we got into Wellington just in time to gather some goods at the market and thus marking our first full week in New Zealand. It's quite amazing what we've accomplished in just 7 days!

Ready for our day out! Every morning we pack up our backpack with our water bottles, snacks, nappies (diapers) and all the essentials. We usually are out from the morning to late afternoon. Long days running around but we are slowly but surely getting the things we need to make our house a home.

Ben waiting to buy some home-grown potatoes.

It was an early morning and Caroline was just takin' in the sights and chillin'.

Love this pic of MK, curls and all!

Calvin holding the bounty of potatoes dad was waiting in line for.

You can't beat the backdrop of the hills and the harbor. Amazing!

The end to a beautiful day...ready for a new week in Wellington!