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??
