Updates...... where do we start?

Well since the last post was April..... where do we start? We've had a fantastic last 6 months with lots happening  - I'll try to sum it up with photos.

One of the highlights for the year so far would have been the visit from Marcus and Trace, and of course the beautiful baby Isla.

They made the trek south for the first time, arriving just in time for the weather to cool nicely.... but not too much thankfully - the chilly weather held off long enough for them to possibly want to come again...... fingers crossed!

 Not sure quite what Marcus paid Will, or what with for that matter, but he had Will and Jack eating out of his hands.... bit of a favourite for the lads is our Uncle Marcus

 Little Isla

Cuddles with Dad

 No trip to Servi is complete without a dungeon tour at the station

Marcus and Trace enjoying a spot of Devonshire Tea, their visits abroad appear to have rubbed off quite a lot..... this is not the brother I knew 10 years ago!

Jack made the most of being the 'cute nephew', eyeing off the scones.

Marcus and Trace wanted to visit Echuca on their way home - so what a perfect opportunity for us to catch up with Nath and Julz

 Didn't take this lad long to sneak in a story with Aunty Julz

 Brunch at the Beechworth

one of Jack's many many faces

 Bonding time with Uncle Nath

 Will & Lexie

 Checking out the old Beechworth Van

So many things to play on in old Echuca town!

 And of course - a trip on the river - Paddle Steamer boats are a big fave in our house now - thanks to the good old 'All the rivers run' series

 The boys chatting about.... whatever they chat about

Trace & Isla

Ahoy there!

Been a long day

Will turns 2!

 Yep, woke up a bit too early.... for all of us!

 Yes Jack, you get to help...

Very carefully unwrapping.... Jack clearly only interested in the camera.

A few faves

Cake!!!

Joined by Jack and Toby, Will gets into the birthday spirit.

Why doesn't this one blow out??

Ice cream

Just a week old, we were so blessed to be joined by the newest member of the fam!  

Welcome Baby Beau!!!  You are simply precious!

My 30th

As with most birthdays of latter years, we manage to create birthday week's rather than actual birthdays.... After all, why not make the most of it!

After finally coming to grips with my age, 3 months later I thought I'd throw some photos up of the week long celebrations. So my Qld family could see what I got up to mainly..... 

Event 1 - A plan B lunch at my house with my lovely friend's Sarah J and Jodes - we were meant to dine out, but alas a flat tyre put that one to rest. no photos as yet.... if I find some I'll pop them up.

Event 2 - An afternoon tea - with the very capable guidance of Mrs Carla Wallis we threw an almost 'High Tea' event - with wine, beautiful food, fabulous coffee (thanks Rachel!) and most importantly - wonderful company.

 Me with some of my favourite chicks - Amy, Asha and Amy!

 Cake!!  Thanks Mama

The very typical shot of blowing out the candles - my only formality

As with most significant events in my life (i'm only thinking of two, so this is a somewhat dramatised statement) there's always someone who 'dresses up'.  My wedding - a pirate, 30th - a confused viking...

Archie and Henry 'saving the day'

The beautiful Millie and Janine

The very excited Jack - part A - before cake

and Part B - after cake

Tom, Asha and Ames

Event 3 - a girls weekend in Adelaide where I was blessed to spend a beautiful Saturday with some of my favourite girls in the Botanical gardens - and two quiet nights with no interruptions, but movies, good food, and great company!

Just a few of my favourite things - Thanks Sarah for organising the food - must do this again!

Was and am truly truly blessed with the fabulous 'family of friends' that God has placed around me wherever I've gone, seem to be continually blessed, and am continually grateful!

x

Mims and Craig get married!!

Check out our spunky friends Mim and Craig who were married on Saturday 

- picture perfect wedding couple I say!

Was lots of fun getting ready for the day - the first wedding I've been in where the bride is waiting on the bridesmaids!  Mims gave us manicures, pedicures, fed us, 

the list could go on.  

As with all weddings there was lots of preparation and thought, it was all beautifully pieced together to make an effective statement.

I got in trouble for having my bouquet too low..... there's always someone isn't there!

Check out the cake, I wish I'd taken a more close up detailed photo - Mims mum, Margie, made this cake in the days leading up to the wedding.  Including the intricately drawn lace detail on the second tier - hard core cake decorating going on there!

A bit of a glimpse of the ambience

Sarah and myself

 The duo of the moment

Cutting the cake

And a baby!

Quick work guys!

No really, little Flora is only 14 weeks, so she was the 16th member of the bridal party.

Back, refreshed and excited for the new year.

 Matt, myself and the boys have recently been on a quick trip back to visit my Queensland family.  Thankfully we were both able to take some time off work to get away (thanks Ma Ma and Pa!!), I'd only been back at work two weeks before we'd left - and now that I'm back I didn't realise how much I'd needed to get away.  Even though the trip was rushed, driving all over, visiting here and there, exhausting for some - it has refreshed me.  I guess you really can't put a value on what touching base with your own family can do for you.  I am one blessed chick - especially that I can return to be surrounded by another wonderful family.


It was disappointing that I didn't get to spend a lot of time visiting friends as I have tried to do in the past, but despite this I have to say the most rewarding part of the trip was that Jack and Will really got to know mum and dad a lot more - and showed an instant bond with them instead of the usual 'resistance' that are very characteristic of my boys.  Even when we saw Em and Tony they knew who they were.  Amazing how lucky we are with technology that we can keep updated and in touch so much more effectively than in the past.  


Happy days.


Anyway, after reading a few friends goals for the year, I decided I should do the same, not new years resolutions at all, simply a few goals to work on - so I'm off to work on it, and if I'm successful I'll post it for all to see....

Wedding Bliss

Had the privelege of being part of a very special friend's wedding on Saturday.
Not only was I invited, but I was able to be up the front, as Jack says 'you get to wear a pretty dress mum!' - yes I did Jack, and it was fun.
Such a beautiful day - weather was questionable, but its amazing how it all comes together - happy days!

 Love these moments - when all the attention is on the wedding party - how cute are these two - La has been to as many weddings as we have in the last six months :)

 the focus

what a spunk