Henry our little man.

Dear little man! We are so blessed you have joined our family.

As we see Duncan and Julia graduate year 10 today it is timely to look back, oh how fast the previous 16 years have flown by. From little munchkins just as Henry is now, to wonderful self-possessed young adults in the mere blink of an eye. We all say it, how time flies, my dear friend, Christina, would tell me to live in the moment. Yes, live in the moment, breathe it in and totally absorb each and every minute, it is as precious as gold and slips through our hands just as fast. But I wouldn't change a thing!

Counting down to Christmas.

Look out family here we come.

Hey what a group of great looking folk!

The past 12 months have held challenges that we, as a family, have not faced before. I'm so proud of Sam and Lu. Their strength is inspirational. Well done guys.
Rob and Kara, what a great couple. Baby # 2 on her way in January. Perfect way to start the new year.
So proud of the 4 of you.
Can't wait to be with you for Christmas.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Who was hoping for a wet soggy Christmas in Sydney this year? Not us, but it seems that is what the whole eastern seaboard of Aust will be experiencing this holiday season. A welcome change from drought conditions, all the locals say. Still the weather is warming up, a little muggy infact.

I admit we do miss the build up to Christmas that only a northern hemisphere Christmas can give you. Snowfalls, frost, bare trees, chilly air, hot apple cider, the welcoming smell of cinnamon, gingerbread latte, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the magical nightly snowfall on Bellevue streets.

Yes there is the commercial side to Christmas that we all loath, but I will always remember fondly the giving back that we experienced. Businesses, corporations, individuals all joined in in the celebration of the Holiday Season, that was very special. There certainly isn't the extended build up here in Aust, understandable given the season variation, but we miss it all the same.

Looking forward, we are counting sleeps till we are in Tas and Christmas with our boys and their families. Then off to New Zealand for Clark Family time. New school year starts Jan 31st, that will come around very quickly.

Christmas here we come!

Counting down to Christmas in Tas. Dec 21 - 27th. Can't wait to spend time together. D & J graduate year 10 Dec 10. Julia will be MC'ing the graduation ceremony...what a clever bunny she is. Duncan is missing Claire..... but we wish her a wonderful 9 week adventure in the UK. And look forward to hearing all her news.
Health up-date for Lou....Tablets are working a treat and I almost feel my old self again. Hey feeling old was never in my plan for old age.

D & J's Formal

Duncan is Crowned Prom King. Good for you, Dunc!
Julia with her Duncan (Corrigan), Sammi and Nyomi.

Looks like a very good night was had.

Dear Friends

As we remember and celebrate with our dear friends back in the US...Thanksgiving Day. What a wonderful celebration Thanksgiving Days is.
Barb cooking up a storm, games, laughs, family, friends, chilly weather, bright orange pumpkins, autumn leaves, good times shared with wonderful people.
I'm still in wonder how we were so lucky to have met such friendly, welcoming people. Families that welcomed us into their homes from the first day we moved into Woodinville.
So many wonderful memories. One day we will return and revisit Cottage Lake Elementary and see the kids names in the courtyard bricks, our family name on the playground sign, walk down memory lane.

New Beginnings in Australia

There is no better time to make a new start on our family blog. I see 3 years ago I started this blog and now, after a prayer was answered, here we are back in Australia make a new life here in Sydney. Our babies have grown into wonderful teenagers, of which I am very proud. We have two beautiful grand sons, Toby, Rob and Kara's wonderful little man. Along with Henry, Sam and Lu's little poppet, 3 and bit months old. We are so blessed.