Turner family reunion

Our day began with a classic wake-up call from the dogs at dawn! They decided it was the perfect time for a bathroom break, so we let them out. Of course, just as we opened the door, Julie happened to be coming out of the downstairs level, triggering an enthusiastic volley of barking. Sorry, everyone! Good morning!

The morning unfolded into a bright, beautiful day, with the sound of waves crashing on the beach adding the perfect backdrop to our huge, hearty breakfast. Nothing kicks off a day at the coast like a full spread, and we enjoyed every bite.

Later, we followed our reunion tradition with a big family walk. We piled into cars and headed to the surf club, then started our trek over the hill toward Orokawa Bay. The well-worn path had its fair share of tree roots and uneven ground, so we had to keep an eye on our footing. But the scenery made every step worth it; we were surrounded by native greenery—ferns, manuka bushes, toetoe, and more. It was a workout for the legs and glutes, that’s for sure!

At the end of our hike, we were rewarded with the sight of an expansive sandy beach and rugged waves crashing onshore. The dogs were in heaven, racing in and out of the surf with pure joy.

In the first part of the afternoon, we all took some time to unwind in our own ways. I went back to the beach with the dogs for a slower-paced stroll along the shore. As the tide went out, it left a cool, shallow channel of water, perfect for wading in. We wandered along, with me on the lookout for scallop shells while the dogs happily splashed by my side.
For the past 8 years the Turner siblings and their partners have celebrated the cherished memory of Brent, the seventh of eight siblings, with the annual Brent Turner Memorial Cup. This spirited competition, dedicated to Brent, who passed away in 2014 from cancer at age 53, has been a way to honour a much-loved brother and Janice’s devoted husband. Each year, the winner takes on the fun task of planning the next event, and this time, Julie took full advantage of our seaside setting. She challenged each couple to create a three-tiered "birthday cake" out of sand, using whatever items we could scavenge from the beach. Neil and I built a whimsical cruise ship cake, complete with portholes, a second-tier swimming pool, and a topper crafted from local beach flora. We were thrilled to come in third! Carol and Malcolm claimed a well-deserved first place with their beautifully decorated, Kiwiana-themed cake. Although this marks the final challenge, we're sure the family reunions will continue in the same joyful spirit.

As the evening drew in, I called it an early night, seeking some quiet time to curl up with a good book. A perfect end to a lively day!Read more