Multi-phase

Today consisted of so many modules that we started referring to them as phases.  Phase 1 was the getting up, getting ready, lounging about, Ken playing Dutch Blitz and Scrabble with the boys, then Nick and I popping out for eye drops and pies (unusual combination).  I dropped Nick off at the church so he could do the final prepping for his full day of lecturing - the pies were for lunch/tea for the men who attended.  Phase 2 was Aaron's Ukulele Concert at the Waimataitai School.  We were glad that Ken and Joy were happy to come along and watch - especially as Nick wasn't able to.  Caleb recorded on my phone and Joy recorded on her iPhone...vastly different qualities of recording!!  I've put in one from each phone because Caleb's commentary was pretty amazing.  Aaron and the ukes and recorders did really well - it was good to watch the video clips afterwards and see how well the ukuleles kept time with each other.  Well done also to Lesley, the teacher of all these kids, for putting the whole thing together and getting so much music into them! 

Phase 3 started with a quick trip home for hats and snacks, then a trip to town for Joy and I to do a spot of shopping, leaving Ken and the boys to amuse themselves at the beach - I can understand why they were so very happy to avoid having to wander through Farmers' extensive underwear section :)  Purchases made, we were off home for lunch of rolls, cold meats, cheese and salad.  I think that was the fourth phase.  Lunch done, we all jumped back into the car and drove back into town, parking in nearly the same spot as before.  We settled ourselves at a traffic light at the top of Stafford Street to watch the annual Christmas Parade which started promptly at 2 pm - quite exciting and very long, with many, many floats and groups doing different things. Took this photo into a large glass window - spot the photographer!  Ken's the tall guy at the back with the hat.

This float below, brightly coloured and festive, took us back to St Helena where parades were frequent and fun.

Of special interest, and probably our favourite part of the parade, was this juggling unicyclist who stopped to entertain the crowds at different points along the way.  We were well positioned to be right in front of him, and got to interact when he started throwing his juggling balls into the crowd and catching them back from all directions.  Very quick hand/eye co-ordination!

And then came the Very Tall Man who made Caleb jump for a high-five...

Search and Rescue...

Another form of Search and Rescue...

Finally, the last float went by throwing out rubber bracelets and lollies from a santa sack...and it was all over for another year.  We didn't dilly dally in zooting across the road to Burger King for ice-creams.

Phase 6? 7?  Cant' quite tell anymore...stopped in at Briscoes and the Warehouse (where everyone...) but came out without any bargains, having been looking for something quite specific.  Exhausted after all those outings and trips.  Spent a quiet hour or so at home, the boys much intrigued by Joy's iPad and the word games...

...while Ken got saddled with packing up the Scrabble...

Nachos for tea; Nick arrived home while we were still sitting around the table after tea, smiling and tired after a successful day of lecturing at his first Roving Classroom.  He spoke for about five hours to a group of about 15 men (and one lady) from Christchurch, Timaru and Wellington.  The day was good and somewhat of a relief for us all that it's now done!
Joy and I popped out for a DVD - we figured we were all tired enough to just veg for the evening.