What a busy weekend we've had!
DH was away at a men's retreat - luckily here in Cambridge we were spoilt for choice with activities.
Every November, Cambridge hosts an amazing Armistice commemoration weekend. 2 days of re-enactments. Military vehicles, aerial displays and fly-overs and all sorts of military paraphernalia for enthusiasts.
After living in Cambridge for the past 6 years this is the first time that we've actually been along. Although the kids were more pre-occupied with wanting to go on the bouncy castles, we still enjoyed all the displays and activities.
I must admit I was in 2 minds about the battle re-enactments.
Like most New Zealanders I have had various past and current family members serving in the NZ Army. I suppose, as an observer of those battle scenes you should see it for what it is - playing with toy guns (don't get me wrong, it was interesting to see period appropriate vehicles and guns etc) and perhaps the only authenticity should be the hardware. But I felt that calling it a re-enactment of the Vietnam war (for example) and the mock taking of lives, sometimes in an at flippant manner, dishonors the sacrifice of those men.
All in all we enjoyed the day, which has obviously had so much work put into it.

That evening Ally and I went on a date to see the Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra preform music from Disney's 1940 Fantasia. It was Allys first time hearing a live Orchestra and shamefully, only my second!
They featured the most mind blowingly talented Fiona Pears as the soloist violinist. Preforming her own compositions - I did giggle, the way that she called them tunes - like this complex, artful arrangement was like some little ditty she had whipped up!
She was animated vibrant and a real joy to watch preform.
The Orchestra itself was fantastic. I had my eyes glued to the cellos - unbeknownst to me, my cello teacher was the principle cellist. Ally was also mesmerised by the violins.
A very late night out for my little lady, but a wonderful evening!