A Request from New Zealand

Right-o and hello all faithful blog followers. Happy Easter. We here in NZ are sitting on the cusp of the 4 day weekend and our trip to Auckland. We plan on leaving on Saturday morning and spending 2 nights in the 'the big smoke' - apparently every country has to have a 'big smoke'. So I'm quite sure that next week we will be posting pics and stories about our time in the city.

But that's not what this blog is about. No, this blog will be doing something that makes Don and I squirm, but regardless, must be done. I have to ask for sponsorship from you all - friends, family, acquaintances. If you know us, you may realize that Don and I loathe asking for money from people (the exception would be my parents whom I fleeced quite regularly and still do) but I have committed this family to a course of action and simply cannot back out.

So, here is the story. In my desire to have adventures galore here in the NZ, I resolved to accept every opportunity that comes our way. Well, one of those opportunities was to participate in a 5 km fundraising walk. Hmmm, sounds a bit tame does it not?? And I would agree, if not for the fact that I signed up the whole fan-damily. Yep, Connor and Aidan and Don will be lacing up their shoes (or putting on some jandals knowing this country) and will be walking along with me. Not a problem for Don - Mr. Sea kayaking-biking-boogie bording-body builder. No, the issue will be dragging along the 2 wee lads who can't walk 20 consecutive steps without whining about how tired they are and how their legs/feet/backs hurt. If there isn't a beach or an amusement park involved, they have no enthusiasm for walking.

But it's all part of the adventure of NZ. This family is going to walk 5 kms in Roturua at the beginning of May and love it. Right, maybe not love it, but certainly avoid screaming at each other in public. That's a good goal for us. So, of course, we have to raise funds for the charity of choice this year - which happens to involve the prevention of hearing loss in youth. Right up my alley.

So, I implore you, you who are reading this right now, please would you click on this link:

http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/McLeodFamily/

and donate even a small amount of money so my children can see the point of the walk - the raising of funds.

If you have ever had a laugh while reading the blog, or ever 'ohhhh'ed over a picture, or derived any enjoyment at all from hearing about our adventures, please do us the favour of sponsoring us for a few dollars??!!

And if you don't want to send money via a credit card but would like to stuff a check in the mail or take loonies to a card, we'll take those too!! Just send it to 284 Grange Rd, Tauranga NZ 3110.

Many many thanks to you all. And just think of the great blog that will be posted after that particular event!! Many the Easter Bunney find you all.

love V and D