Finally we went to the beach today (Sunday). It was good to walk on Omaha again, white sand crackling underfoot. The kids could have spent all day there, and I’m sure they’ll spend many days this summer there. Looking at them running into the surf, digging sand castles, and burying my legs with sand, I thought: this is why I brought them back here! Every kid should grow up doing this stuff!

Jenine spent the day in bed, possibly concussed, possibly with an inner ear infection. I may have concussed her on Thursday with a stick (an accident!). We’ll find out tomorrow: if she’s no better, we’ll go to a doctor and get her checked out.

Watched the All Blacks beat England in a close game, with an American watching. Had to explain the rules, the national passion, etc. The parochial fervour with which we defend the All Blacks, and with which we attack anyone who might jeopardise the All Blacks, is quite astonishing. Even when the All Blacks win, it was in the face of off-the-ball cheating by the other team and blatantly faulty refereeing. It’s often said that New Zealand is a small country and acts overly-aggressive in compensation, and I’m not sure I disagree.

Made an iPod-compatible time-lapse movie of the day and sunset as seen through our window.