Alfie's Summer

We have had a pretty crap summer in NZ this year. Lower temperatures than usual and lots of rain. But although the media have discussed the poor weather constantly, we didn’t really care too much and have managed to have a lot of fun anyway. Hey – we didn’t have to deal with tennis & school in temps of 45 degrees, or trying to sleep in temps of 42 degrees..... or getting to work in a foot of snow.... so for us it’s been great just to have everything in the middle, nice and easy!

We’ve spent a lot of time on the beach, which is one of Alfie’s favourite past-times. He loves collecting bits and pieces in his buckets, paddling, swimming, and looking for sea creatures.

He’s also spent a lot of time collecting wildlife in the garden. He spent most of last week making an elaborate home for his pet snail, with walls of bricks and a bed of leaves – all great stuff until he then accidentally trod on and squashed the snail – cue lots of tears “Oh noooooo.....I’ve killed him Mummy!”

He also found a dead mouse stuck in the rubber matting which we have under the swing. There’s a pattern emerging here.... let’s hope he never wants to become a vet.

He’s also been to sign up for the local rugby team. Training doesn’t start until later in the year but he already has a Wallabies rugby shirt, and his team beanie and his gum shield and wears them most of the time. The consequence is he gets rather hot under his hat and we don’t understand a word he says, but you can’t fault his enthusiasm.

 Unfortunately Alfie spent the 10 days following our wedding with Slap Cheek virus, and has been a very miserable boy. He’s spent his time playing Snakes & Ladders with Grandad, watching DVDs and moaning and groaning a lot....but he’s on the mend now and we are once more sending warnings out to the wildlife of Wellington – watch out, Alfie’s about!