Day 17 NZ - city tripping in Nelson posted by Dave

Today we ventured into Nelson, the founding city of New Zealand to check out the local history. 

The boys were awed by the Christ Church Cathedral in the center of town. It's stained glass windows, massive room-sized elevated organ and granite architecture were splendid. 

 After calling Grandma W to wish her an early 'Happy Birthday' we stumbled upon a back street farmers market.

 Our next stop took us to Founder's park.  It happened  to (unbeknownst to me) to have a brewery on site.  I was excited about their tasting paddle, but after learning that they were all out of beef and fish due to supply shortages following the public holidays, we passed on tasting and enjoyed a picnic in the park outside.

 Monkey tried out the gallows for size.

 And both boys enjoyed looking around at the many historical artifacts on sit - mostly transportation based.

We called it an early day as we are off for a full day tomorrow with an early drive and hopefully fireworks to close out our 2015.

With a birthday to celebrate Monkey was escorted to many bakeries to choose a dessert he would find fitting.

 His heart was set on something else and he decided to get a box mix,  chocolate icing and caramel sauce. He carried that bag of goodies all the way to the car. He wouldn't put it in the trunk with the other groceries, he just cradled it and grinned and giggled.