Christchurch and Timaru

Earlier this week I had a quick visit down South, taking in Bridget’s graduation in Christchurch and a day and a half in Timaru to visit my recently arrived nephew Liam.

Bridget was receiving her Masters from Canterbury University and I was tasked with taking a few photos. There was a graduation parade first up followed by a ceremony for the many graduands at the Town Hall and then a short time to take a few photos afterwards before the gown was returned. Also present were Mum and Dad and Bridget’s friend Angela.

Adam had been left in the care of Helen and we returned to Helen’s after the gown had been returned. Adam was happy to see us return, racing up and down the garden path on a trike while we all chatted, Georgina and Jason were in the middle of mowing lawns and tidying edges when we arrived (its years since I’d previously talked to both Helen and Georgina). We spent the evening at Angela’s having a yummy curry dinner before saying goodbye to Bridget and Adam who were staying the night. We drove to Timaru, with a quick stop in Ashburton to drop off the trike at Frances and Meryn’s.

The next day was all about visiting Richard, Jenna and family. Once over the first up shyness Keira was happy to play a few games, we spent quite some time checking on the bear at the bottom of the garden, hiding from the BIG NASTY DRAGON and seeking refuge by the secret door on the side of the house. There was also the playing of ball games, having a go with some of Liams toys and waiting for the doctor in the waiting room that also looked very much like Liams room. In the afternoon we went down to Caroline Bay for a walk and to visit the playground followed by a quick pop in to town for a drink at Richard’s friends Ash’s cafe.

Only a week old Liam wasn’t really much beyond sleeping, feeding and pooping but it was nice to meet him for the first time, hold him and just be there. Naturally photos were taken, Richard hatching a cunning plan to borrow my camera while I was entertaining/being entertained by Keira.

The trip home the next day was complicated by my flight from Timaru being cancelled. This meant I switched to the shuttle to Christchurch and was booked on another flight (which also had a short delay) so was a few hours later than expected back at Wellington. Keryn picked me up, we went home and then I had to go to work.