My family doesn't do Mother's day or Father's day. But for some reason I was thinking about my parents this morning. I realize that this sounds extremely arrogant, but I can't believe what a good job my parents did of raising my brother and sister and I :). Us kids certainly aren't perfect of course, but we have all turned out to be reasonably happy, healthy, well-adjusted, independent adults.

I spent the day at the Royal New Zealand Air Force open day at the Whenuapai air base. During the morning, we wandered around through the hangars, checking out all the different squadrons and getting to observe the huge range of activities the Air Force performs.

I think family is one major component of most people’s lives, albeit one that we are stuck with and can’t change. I think I’m relatively lucky in this regard that I get on well with my parents and siblings and most of my extended family.

One of the most enjoyable parts of this trip back to New Zealand was spending time with my niece and nephew. Makayla is just over 2 months old, and Cameron will be 3 later this month. He’s adorable although a huge bundle of energy! He’s a pretty good big brother though. When his sister is crying, he’ll come and try to cheer her up, making funny noises and faces at her to make her laugh, and giving her hugs and kisses. And even though she’s not a very smiley baby so far, he is usually able to get a smile from her.