Rushing

So ... wasn't April a glorious month, weatherwise?? Up until about twelve hours ago, at least?? I gave Sweeney's winter coat from last year away, without having a replacement on hand. That's how glorious it was. Now I've cranked up the heater, pulled the curtains, and am contemplating how to wangle having the oven on all day tomorrow.

Sweeney and Harper headed to their Nana's for the school holidays. That made things verrrry quiet around my way for two weeks. I ran, I read, I ate carelessly. I did just about everything in a more leisurely manner than usual.

It sounds like all three of them had a ball down there. The boys took in a ballet, learnt to make pizza, wrote charming letters home, and came back knowing more about the solar system than I do. 

The big thing for me, since Sweeney got back, has been rugby. In an unusual move, we went to see the Crusaders trample the Hurricanes the night he got home. He greatly enjoyed waving his flag and drinking lemonade. I rather enjoyed the actual rugby.

He and Harper have joined an Under-6 team, and today was their first game. They're called the Wild Jaguars. Spectators fell about laughing as our children ran the wrong way, forgot to pass the ball, froze in the face of the opposing team bearing down upon them. Pure gold.

And my mum's been in town, staying at Kimberley's. It's been great to have her just a matter of minutes away. Plus she's doing an awesome job of doing a mountain of chores for their household while Joe's consumed with study and being on section.

In other news, I've finally made peace with the fact that Sweeney is not made for fishing. After several tries, including one where Grandad's glasses fell into Oriental Bay, and Sweeney guided him back to the car, I realise that the kid just isn't built for contemplative activities. If he's outside, he's likely to be moving at max speed. Hence, the rugby.

It's so nice to have him back around the house. Turns out I really rather like it a bit noisy and on-the-verge-of-frantic, even if I'm the one making the most noise sometimes ...

Run Run Run

February was all about the running, for me. Did you know that I'm a runner? Oh yes. Not Usain Bolt or anything. Just slogging it out, looking reasonably appalling, usually bright red from the first couple of strides. Anyhow, Kimberley and I did Round the Bays this year. It required training and commitment, which meant I was entirely likely to give up quickly, so we joined a running group and put ourselves through all kinds of torture every Monday and Wednesday for what felt like years. Among other things, I know that I can jump up the Hood St steps now. Not in one go, mind. That would be silly. More importantly, I know that I can run for 45 minutes without stopping, although calling it running is kind of generous. So, in the spirit of recognising your limitations and accepting the aging process and all that, we're doing a 10km race in April. Training independently this time, and I actually am doing it. Now that 45 minutes is doable, going out by myself for a 30 minute run feels fine. That said, I'm not up for running in the rain or anything hardcore like that. In other news, I have an iPad now. My trusty laptop finally gave up the ghost, after several near-death experiences and technological interventions over the years. I found myself feeling strangely liberated as I did a perfunctory amount of research, made a careful decision to buy a Windows laptop, then lost my head when I saw a great deal for iPads and bought one on the spot. Genius. It's a different experience - the whole Mac thing - but there's a lot to love so far. The built-in camera, for one ... But can anyone tell me how to upload a photo from my iPad onto this-here blog post? I'm baffled, to be sure.

In the Summertime

Sweeney and I spent a few weeks in Christchurch with Nana over Christmas. We went on a horse trek. We erected a Christmas tree that reminded me of Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. We ate trifle and chips and dip and Christmas mince pies. Sweeney had a rad time with his bubble machine and his major lego haul. We experienced some whomping Christchurch earthquakes. We hung out with Christchurch friends, and Wellington friends who happened to be in Christchurch. The weather was extraordinary.

We travelled back up the island to catch the ferry. There was breathtaking scenery. There was fabulous, no-frills nosh in Kaikoura. There were seals just north of Kaikoura. Sweeney realised just how useful his binoculars could be. The weather was beautiful.

We stopped back at home for a few days, then continued north to Raumati Beach. Liisa pumped out glorious, non-itchy food. Rex ensured that a drink and the paper were within arm's reach at all times. Sweeney and Bela spent every second chatting to each other. We jumped in waves and took in more breathtaking scenery. We went to the park. The weather was horrendous, then splendid again.

Then we shot back to Christchurch for a spot more Nana-time, to celebrate her birthday with her. We dragged her around cafes and whatnot in weather that got to about a million degrees. We attended to chores that needed tending to. We ate salmon and salads made entirely from Nana's garden and trifle and more Christmas mince pies.

Then back to Wellington and back to work for me. For Sweeney, it's been a cracking pace of playdates, library visits, swimming lessons and hanging out with Grandad. The days are just packed, aren't they??