Preparing for rain...

These are the kind of hacks that we finish each day work of with, just in case it may rain the next day.

Today both the hacks and the bits of new roof were really tested. The sky opened and a wall of water walked across the landscape. But no water came through into our house. I felt very proud!

As the rain had been forecast I took the day off, and went into town with the girls. They went to Te Papa, the museum, with their cousin Janina as a minder. Terry and I had lunch with a wonderful American couple. When I got back to the museum I saw that the army had military vehicles on display. I couldn't help but laugh at the tank: it had the sign "Please do not touch the tank" in front of it. Poor delicate tank. I hope it never has to go to war.

On our return home the sun came out, and there was blue sky above. So the girls and I spent the rest of the day on the school playground.

Kylara is determined to learn in-line skating. So she wobbled and fell and grazed herself all afternoon long. With every fall she would just get up and try again. And toward the end of the afternoon she was managing!

I spent the afternoon trying to help Tessa to learn to ride her bicycle. There were brief moments where she went unaided. During one she shouted "I feel as though I am flying"! 

What a good comparison to parenting I thought. We try and support our children, letting them go for longer and longer periods. And then, hopefully, they fly. Regardless of the pocket philosophy, both girls were great. Again, I felt very proud!

8:52:51 PM