Torty is VERY old.  She came back from Greece with a young soldier after World War One!  The soldier grew old and passed away so his son looked after her.  The son grew old and passed away!  Now the son’s wife, Elspeth, looks after Torty, at a rest home in Napier.

Elspeth brought Torty to meet us all at Piccolini.  The children were very interested and very brave!  We sat in a circle, put our hands up to ask questions like, ‘Can Torty swim?’ (no she can’t) and we all touched Torty’s cold, cold shell.

It was so much fun and some of the children played games about tortoises all afternoon.

There was great excitement on the bus and we felt compelled to sing ‘The Wheels On The Bus’ – of course! From our big windows way up high, we saw sheep, cows, people riding bikes, cars, trucks and we went over some bridges, too.

Some Mums and other helpers came to keep us safe.  Thanks to all those who were able to help.

We played on swings, slides, ladders, see-saws and other interesting pieces of equipment, building our upper body strength, fitness and confidence.  We could see the sparkly blue sea and some seagulls through the fence.

After a big drink of water and a couple of plain bikkies we went straight back to our work playing, before climbing back into our big high bus.  We all said ‘Thanks!’ to Bruce, our driver, when we got off for lunch at Piccolini.

We loved it and can’t wait to go again!