Ok, so we headed of to Christchurch for me to work and to coincide with Grandma's 80th birthday.

The check-in process went OK, but as we boarded the plane, Elise decided she wanted to go home and grabbed the door as we entered and screamed. All the way down the plane. She settled once she had a sticker book to play with and then enjoyed the entire flight. She still wanted to go home when we disembarked.

Dad was there to meet us with a car on loan from Garry (thanks mate). They disappeared off and I fired up the lap-top to answer the 17 e-mails I'd received whilst on the flight. Grabbed the rental and caught up later on. They had settled in. By the time, I got there, they'd gone to the playground in Hagley park with Dad

Thursday had the girls shopping and playing on the swings at Hagley park again. Then off to the Pub to talk work and catch up with customers and mates. Elise loved herself.

Friday, you guessed it, more work for me. They went off to Willowbank Wildlife Park and visited Deb's old work in the morning. A brief visit to Chapman Hall to say Hi and play on the trampoline.

Saturday, I got a call from Al to come and collect some stuff for the evening party. So I shot over to Sumner, loaded the car and headed to the Arts Centre. Deb & Elise had walked down there via the Cathedral. A visit to the fudge cottage, a new Rimu business card holder for me and some coffee and breakfast. Over to Hagley park for some more playground time. Then over to visit Gill, Caitlin and Kiah for some more play before heading over to the party. Grandma looked great, and I think had a great night. We left early (or late for Elise) as it was well passed her bed-time and she kicked off.

Sunday, we met Dad at Science Alive and had a grand old time. I don't know who had more fun. But Elise definitely loved it. From there, it was out to Chapman Hall for lunch and the aftermatch function.

Monday, Dad dropped the girls at the airport and I went back to work. I caught up with Lisa and Di later on.

Tuesday, down to Timaru for work and I got to catch up with Matt & Paula who are settling in well to Southern life.

A drive back to Christchurch, a flight back to Auckland and off to the office.

That's about all I think. Keep well.

Oh, the trip to Oz has been called off. None of the NZ Firemen can make it (thankfully, as I'd done absolutely no training and probably would have died). I am going to train from here on (honest). Rob is meant to have something coming on the 11 Oct.

Well, I think we are halfway through aren't we? No worries with the storms for us. A lovely drive home from Wairakei in the downpour though.

Molly is holidaying down at the the Mount as we are all off to Christchurch next week for Mrs C's birthday and I have work. We are hoping to see some snow for Elise. I'm sure we won't though.

I got my first "I love you Daddy" the other night (and I didn't even prompt it), then Deb got her "I love you Mummy".

I've done no training for the climb, so maybe I'll just go to Sydney, spectate and drink. You never know.

Elise has been counting up to 13 of late. Poor old Ed gets an oversnuggle everytime she can catch him.

That's all.