"BE THE MOUNTAIN"

Grant, Liam, Paraone, Ngahuia, Auntie Hopey and Uncle Matty spent 3 days Snowboarding at Whakapapa Ski-fields.
They all stayed in a rented 2 bedroom and 1 Bathroom bach named Koomalah (the meeting place) on Taupehi St. in Turangi

No ski or snowboard trip is complete without the thermals photo. Liam Hopey (Notice the toed socks)Paraone and Ngahuia

Hopey Liam and Paraone jump for joy outside the "Chateau Tongariro" over the weather and snow conditions

Aunti Hopey and the kids attempt to build a pyramid at the ChateauOh No! Where is everyone? Another one of Hopeys ideas for a photo. Your the best Auntie Hopey.

Paraone gets air in "Happy Valley"

Ngahuia shows Grant how it's done

Hopey and Ngahuia exhausted after the first day of boardingP about to get more air

Ngahuia and her instructor Richard above the rope tow

Always time to eat between runs. P enjoying his ham and chip sandwich
Grant and Ngahuia rest between runs on the rope tow

Yeah what a great day its been. The jump above the clouds
In the back of "Blue Belle" thinking of the pre-prepared Lasagne waiting for them at "Koomalah"

Month of May

Mothers day was one of our special events in the month of May. We were lucky to have Granda Harry and Granny Hillary with us. Ngahuia once again was the events coordinator with cards and menu's. It was also Granda Harry's birthday which made it more special. Sharon gave her Dad a rash-shirt and board-shorts. Later that morning the boys went surfing with Liam's friend Jacob while Harry and Hillary took a romantic walk along the beach.

P'S PIZZA PARK POOL AND LUGE BIRTHDAY

For Paraone's 11th Birthday, Grant took him , Liam and 5 of his mates (Leo C, Matt G, James M, Mark H, Nick B) to Rotorua. The city is well known for its geothermal activity but the boys were having none of that. They were more interested in the high speed of the luge at "Skyline Skyrides", Ollies at the skate park, bombing in the pool and getting sick on "all you can eat" pizza. Mark and P showing their racing lines on the luge
The scenic gondola ride to the top is always a highlight
The boys tried desperately to eat as much as they could. Fortunately no one was sick on the Rotoma road home.

Lowlight of the day as Paraone forgot his togs so couldn't swim. Opened his bag to find he had packed Liam's togs. Duhh! P. Most of the complex is indoors so the boys had a great time.

FUTURE BLACK STX

Winter sports have started with Paraone and Ngahuia playing hockey for the same team. As well as this the YR5-6s at Ohope school are doing research projects on leadership. Ngahuia's chose NZ Black Stx hockey player Dianna Te Awa. Ngahuia with the help of her Dad constructed a model of the hockey turf using an A3 box and pasted all her in formation on the outside. As her Dad once worked with Dianna he emailed Ngahuia's questions for her and arranged for Dianna to come along to the YR 5-6 training.

Ngahuia, Brooke and Cian helping out by filling in for the other Yr 5-6 team
Could there be a future black stx player amongst these girls
Players of both teams pose with Dianna

OCEAN ATHLETES

Surf Club has dominated the Muru's lives since arriving back in New Zealand. Ngahuia and Paraone have been training since January competing in local and regional carnivals culminating in Ocean Athletes the Junior Surf Nationals which only Paraone was old enough for. The team over all performed well reaching many finals and semi's.Paraone had team success in the 10 Yr mixed beach relays picking up a bronze and personal success with a silver in beach flags. Well Done P. Ngahuia can't wait to compete next year.

The 2008 Junior Surf Club Whanau

One of the many days spent on the beach training for Ocean Athletes - We Love It!!!
The 2 Whakatane finalists in the flags competition. Hugo Brown and ParaoneOne his way to silver in the flags. Paraone shows great technique while diving for the flag.

Battling to stay alive in the last 3 of the final. Fortunately Paraone had the stronger position.

After 2 days of competing against over 150 boys in the flags arena it was down to the last 2. One boy representing Omanu and Paraone for Whakatane both wanting the title of the best 10 year old boy in beach flags.

Unfortunately Paraone missed out on the gold (this time) but everyone in the club was proud of his silver medal (especially his Mum and Dad)

Paraone in his sprint heats

Paraone bringing it home for a bronze medal in the 10 yr mixed relay.

The competitors and coach all decked out in their shirts, caps and lava-lavaParaone with World Surf life Saving Ironman champion Cory HutchingsSome of the Cadets Cameron team - Lucas, Shontaye, Rebecca, Alex, Ryan and Brad