Under the grill

It's so nice to be warm again. Not that Canberra wasn't lovely, in a depths of winter kind of way, but it was 33 degrees today, and we spent the afternoon in the pool.

Taine and I had a great time with the Ducker-Fallens. The only drama on the way there was landing at the wrong airport in Samoa. Who knew Apia had two airports? I'd heard a vague discussion on the radio that the airport closest to Apia was reopening, but I'd assumed that the airline would contact passengers who were affected. What was I thinking? It is very disconcerting to see the airplane descend into a village when you're expecting a gentle sea view. And of course, there was the manic 45 minute taxi ride across the island to get to our connecting flight at the other airport. Samoan taxi drivers rival Kuala Lumpur taxi drivers for their overtaking on blind corners past three cars and a bus "skills". Taine lay down with his head on my lap - wish I could have done the same.

Once we got to Canberra, Taine ran into the family room with Doug and Gabe and started playing, and didn't stop until the day before we left (when everyone just needed some quiet time). We went to the Raiders game, to Tidbinbilla, walked for 5ks round Lake Burley Griffin, Questacon, the gardens, shopping, coffee-cake, and all the other things you do on holidays. Lynley and Brad satisfied all our meal requirements, although they were a bit taken aback by the demands for cheerios. They're more proscuitto and pancetta people.

I tried many, many times to take photos of the cousins, but as you can see, they're all going through that silly pose stage (except for Gabe who just puffs out his cheeks and smiles sweetly).

Matt had his own trip to Fiji while we were away. He had to go via Auckland on the way over, so caught up with friends and froze, then had 4 nights at the Sheraton Denerau. Work he says, but I'm not convinced. I don't think he was either; his tolerance for marketing and branding jargon is not high. The symbolism of ANZ blue, anyone? He did get a very nice ANZ Pacific shirt.

The best thing about going away was coming home. Mele the housekeeper had taken advantage of our absence and emptied, cleaned and organised all the cupboards and drawers, including individually folding all Taine's undies, washed the windows and my car, and generally scrubbed the house from top to bottom.

So, only one more week until Helen and John arrive. They're here for two weeks, then one more week until school starts and Matt goes to Seattle. I had better get on with some lesson planning, but I don't quite feel the urge yet. Matt and I have been invited to a wedding at the beginning of August. The ceremony starts at 10.30 before the wedding breakfast at 1pm. The father of the bride is a minister, so it could be a long haul. We had strong advice from Matt's predecessor to avoid weddings: if you go to one, you'll be invited to everything, but I guess we'll learn the hard way.

It's very quiet on island at the moment, well, amongst the ex-pat community at least. All the neighbours are coming and going, and many Kiwis have headed home. There are endless complaints on Facebook about the cold! Taine's a bit starved for company at the moment. Matt bought a trampoline while we were away, so Taine's enjoying bouncing on that, but I seem to have lost my knack for multiple sit-twists. Be prepared for the next post to be complaining about a "sporting" injury!

Hope all the kids made it through the holidays without driving parents and grandparents mad. Book for your next winter escape now!