Sebastian is nine

Yesterday Sebastian turned nine.  Nine!  How did that happen!?

He is extremely tall for his age and I can no longer really see over his head.  I know I'm not tall but I am almost 5'4" which shows how crazy tall he is!

I had a meeting in Christchurch today, and instead of heading home after it I headed to Hanmer where Sebastian has chosen to spend his birthday weekend.  His Mum has rented a really cute wee holiday cottage for us, and we have great plans for tomorrow - if it ever stops raining,

What horrific weather we've had in the South Island over the past 24 hours.  Roads washed out, bridges washed away, acres of fields under water.   My sympathy to everyone affected.