Christchurch Pettys in April 2014

Oh so late again!

The first thing in April was our Relief Society Leaders retreat, which we held at Pudding Hill Lodge near Mt Hutt. This was our first retreat and I thought it went pretty well. We went out after dinner on Friday and stayed overnight, coming home on Saturday in time for the Womens Broadcast. There were 17 sisters there, which was about half of those who could be there. It was all catered, and nice beds with sheets, and a lovely warm fire, which was just as well as the weather was pretty grey and miserable. The programme was pretty relaxed and it all went pretty well. I was happy when it was over, as it is always a bit of a strain to be in charge.

Just south of Tekapo

William and I have been churning out the videos, and are trying for patrons on a site called Patreon.
Mark and I went for a walk on the Port Hills in preparation for the Rogaine in Cromwell. It was very wet and rainy – Christchurch has been experiencing unusually high rainfall lately. It was still great to be out of the city and in the fresh (very fresh!) air.

I had a lovely evening with Gina, Ruth and Suzy, hearing about Gina’s trip to General Conference and attempt to attend Priesthood session with the Ordain Women organisation. I have received a little criticism for my openness to these new ideas, but we are working through that. I am developing courage.

There was a YSA South Island conference in Nelson over Easter, and I knew our entire Stake Presidency was going. A week before the conference, one YSA sister asked me if I were going, and I decided that it would be a good idea. Rather than spend a lot on accommodation, Mark and I drove up on the Saturday morning, and back late on the Sunday. We made the mistake of driving up the Kaikoura Coast road, when the road was barely open after a bad storm. It took quite a bit longer, especially as we stopped at the Store at Kekerengu, which has amazingly good food and view.

Arrowtown - Nicola in front of those well known buildings

I am very glad I went though, as I was able to connect with many of the YSAs from our stake, and show them my love for them. On the Saturday night Mark and I minded the Ormsby children while Stephanie and Jared went to the dance. The little boy, Timmy – aged about 2, vomited in his bed and when I went to get him up he didn’t know me and was frightened. We couldn’t get through to his parents on the phone, so Mark drove back to the Chapel, while I tried to tame Timmy. I was very pleased that when his parents arrived he walked, holding my hand, to open the door for them. We had been playing with toys, and he had even allowed me to change his nappy.

Then we went to see TC, who was staying at the Hippolite’s house. It was great to catch up with him again. We stayed until the boys came home from the dance.

The next day we packed up at the motel and went to church. Sacrament Meeting was very nice, and the Blackwells took Sunday School.

Just south of Bannockburn

I got to teach part of the combined Priesthood/Relief Society meeting on Sunday – though I would rather have had the Relief Society to myself. Mark and I visited Maria for a while at her old house. It was lovely to catch up with her and most of her children. Back at the chapel we had an amazing dinner provided by the Nelson women. Then there was a fireside, run by the Nelson District Presidency. We left after that, bringing Wiki home as well, arriving in Christchurch at about 2:30am. Mark and I alternated driving, and it wasn’t too bad, especially once we got out of the rain.

We took it a bit quietly the next day, but did go to Ferrymead with the Grey and McIntyre families, much to Jonathan’s delight. He really likes to do things with children, and Ferrymead is one of his favourite places. It is a transport and early Christchurch museum-type thing. Mark and I love it too, and I enjoyed spending time with Ruth.

Near the summit of the Crown Range road. The highest public road in New Zealand.

Then for ANZAC weekend we drove down to Cromwell for our annual rogaine outing. We left early for once and got to drive the whole way in daylight. The Mackenzie country and Lindis pass are so wonderful as usual. We had a quiet day in Cromwell, then on Saturday we did the rogaine in the Lindis Valley. As usual it was great to be in the great outdoors with my best friend. We got back as dark fell, when it was starting to get cold. Then on Sunday we went to church in Alexandra, where we took the total number of people to 15. It was lovely, especially as most of them were new converts, with missionaries and an old maori man making up the rest. We played a game of Civilisation board game in the afternoon – which took HOURS. Then on Monday we did a little jaunt to Arrowtown, then over the Crown Range road to Wanaka and then home via Omarama and Timaru. It was very heavy rain, and there was flooding, which was all rather scary. I don’t like to drive in the dark on a busy open road when there is heavy rain. Each time a truck passes you lose visibility completely until the wipers can clear the water. We had such a good time when we were away, that it was hard to come back to real-life.  I had a day of “post-holiday blues”, and then came right again.

Seth just gets smarter and prettier all the time. People comment on what a beautiful baby he is. He is now more interested in things, and everything goes into his mouth. Jessica is a wonderful mother, and William seems to be doing well too.

Jonathan had two weeks off school, but was happy to go back. He conscientiously worked through his assignments during the break. He’s amazing.

Just south of Bannockburn again with part of Lake Dunstan in the distance.