Jack and Katrina's Place

In mid February we travelled down to see Katrina's Family in Christchurch, or more particularly Rakaia Huts where Katrina's Dad and Verna have built a wonderful new house. The timing of the visit was so that that we could attend the wedding of Katrina's Cousin which was a great day despite the sudden arrival of cold weather from the south bringing the first snow to the Southern Alps and much rain to Christchurch.

The new house was only finished at Christmas time. The landscaping is yet to be tackled but Guy and his 2nd Cousin Thomas made a start anyway by shifting the pile of topsoil with their diggers and tractors.

Then Granddad Pat took Guy for his first ride in a small boat. Guy absolutely loved it and delighted us by standing in the bow of the boat, holding onto the coaming and jumping with glee as we sped over the small ripples in the lagoon at the river mouth. I could see him trying to tell me something over the wind and when I bent down I realised he was yelling 'faster faster'! He just delights in motion of all kinds. Then he had a sit on the back seat with Granddad and put his hand on the control for the outboard motor. I've never seen such a wide grin on such a small face! Unfortunately there are no photos of the boat trip (hands were full, with small boy and boat) but here is one of him setting off for the boat ramp.