Exciting news for this week

Katarina was baby sitting two doors away from the fire at Craighead School on Saturday night; Katarina just happens to be a student there. She was baby sitting for her auntie who went out to celebrate her birthday. The fire destroyed an empty two storied historic building; it was already quite controversial as it was an earthquake risk, and the community was divided on whether to keep it or not. It was very exciting with people in the streets and lots of fire trucks; she rang me to ask what to do. I suggested she put the children to bed! Abby (5) and Jessie (2 1/2) were a little bemused by all the action; Abby much happier once she worked out that it was the empty house that was on fire. There is an arsonist keeping the local constabulary busy, which is not pleasant to think about.
Katarina, Janine and I are off to Dunedin this week for The Book Launch. Janine is making fudge and coconut ice for the event, and she is learning a lot about confectionery! Katarina is working hard on her art to make sure her folio is up to date before the holidays; she even went in on Saturday!
Zach had a sleepover on Friday; he had a sleep on Saturday (surprise, surprise) and thought it was Sunday when he woke up! He took ages to figure out what day it was and didn't really come right all day. Hannah had a friend over as well, plus a pool party on Saturday, so she was pretty tired too, although she seems to cope better than Zach.
The snow is melting off the mountains quickly now, but tonight is another cold snap and there is a cold forecast for the rest of the week. Brrr.