Russell

We have just got back from a holiday up north in the Bay of Islands in a town called Russell. It used to the be the capital of New Zealand when Europeans first landed here. Now it is known as "Romantic Rusell" with goregous beaches and quaint little shops. Ian and I went there on honeymoon. This time Grandpa Wroe and Mim had rented a bach on the beach so we joined them there for a long weekend. We really didn't do very much which was just what we needed. We played with hermit crabs and starfish in the rock pools. We did swim in the sea once - it was baltic as my brother would say. It was great having grandparents around so that they could mind Ethan while we went and played tennis and went out for an evening stroll and fush and chups on the sea front.

On Sunday we went to a service at the local church which is called Christ Church. It is the oldest living church in New Zealand and it just so happens that it was celebrating its 170th birthday on Sunday. The church was packed. The Bishop of Auckland was taking the service and inaugurating various new deacons and elders. It was a bit too high church for our tastes but as ever i loved worshipping with people in a new place. It's always good to sing up the old hymns with a bit of organ music. We lasted up to the sermon and then decided we would have to make tracks as Ethan's monologues have increased in volume and length.

Our little man will be one tomorrow! This time last year I was facing a second sleepless night of contractions. It seems like a lifetime ago. This weekend Ethan took his first steps - he managed 5 in a row.

I will post some photos soon as Liz has taken lots of fabulous pics.