Things I’m Loving this first week of 2013

In our little corner of the world – Wellington, New Zealand, the New Year started with a roar of strong winds on the 2nd of January, which quickly abated to give us the most glorious sunshine weekend to start the year with. I can’t remember the last time I saw Wellington’s beaches so busy. I went for a jog on Saturday 5th January – my first of the year – and it was glorious to see the coast alive with folks making the most of the sunshine.

It was also wonderful to see the Island Bay Marine Education Centre open, after a devastating act of vandalism poisoned the water supply.

The whole of New Zealand was bathed in sunshine – a perfect greeting for our ‘Super Grandparents‘, who arrived off their long haul flights from the UK, on Friday 4th January, to be met by their three, energetic, cheeky grandchildren.

Three minxes

I jogged to the marine centre on Sunday morning, pushing Alice in the buggy and chasing Sophie on her bicycle.

Island Bay

Meanwhile, Dan took Sophie and Grandparents along in the car – to get out on the water for a kayak. It was wonderful to see Grandad out on the water, both swimming, kayaking and diving off of the pontoon! He’s such a good sport with the children.

Both Sophie and Charlotte had a go on the kayak.

Kayaking at Island Bay

I tried to get in the water with Alice, but she wasn’t keen on getting too wet and soon sought her buggy for a nap. With Alice asleep I decided to make the most of it and jog back home, pushing the buggy all the way. Two jogs in the first week of the year, a swim with the children and a yoga workout – not a bad start (and makes me feel a little less guilty about holiday ‘drinks’!).

Princess Bay at the end of a sunshine day

In all the preparations for my folks visit the girls have been great about making the house ready. Charlotte added her latest artworks of 2012 to her growing gallery on the walls of the landing and up the stairs. Sophie gave up her bedroom (which she doesn’t actually sleep in anyway – just makes a mess in, builds lego, plays imaginary games with friends and dress-ups!).

Alice – well – she just couldn’t understand all the cleaning – and thought we were taking her away on an airplane on Friday morning… until she actually saw her Grandparents walk off the plane. She was then all smiles, giggles and happiness. She ADORES them so much and is full of cuddles and love for them both.

She loved taking them around Wellington Zoo on Saturday (and then had a slumber in the buggy – leaving Grandma and I with the opportunity for a quiet cuppa – whilst Grandad got introduced to a huge tree swing opposite the zoo by Sophie!).

And also there’s the little things to love, like sunflowers in the garden, Alice finding her drawing mojo as she nears 3 year’s old, Dan having some time off over Christmas and New Year, time to read (loving ‘Life of Pi’) and meet ups with friends.