Sydney

Peter was awarded "Rookie of the year" with Bankwest so that meant we were invited on a trip to Hayman Island with all the other award winners. As we had to fly to Sydney first for a connecting flight we decided to go earlier and spent a few nights there. So we travelled on my birthday, Janelle met us at the airport before we left...We had a good flight over and then caught a taxi to our acomodation at the Four Points Sheraton. After checking in we walked over to Darling Harbour for dinner. Then found a little birthday cake for me...As it was dark when we had arrived it was nice to see our lovely view the next morning...After a nice big breakfast we walked down to the Rocks area passing all sorts of characters...We found the big markets and spent some time (and money!) wandering there...Had a walk around taking the major attractions...Found the restaurant "Baroque" which was featured on SBS show French Food Safari and tasted the salted caramel macaroons that were featured (delicious)...After a bit of lunch we caught to ferry over to Luna Park...
We didn't have time to queue for any rides but had an icecream and enjoyed the atmosophere...Then it was time for our bridge climb. We found the starting place and it took ages to fill out the paperwork, get breathalised, put all the gear on, test headsets and hear all the safety rules but we eventually got going. It was a great climb and the views from the top were fantastic... It was a bit chilly coming down as the wind had picked up. Next we walked for ages to find David Jones that was still open quite late on a Sunday to find some makeup for Sarah. I am glad we went looking as the whole makeup section had a huge floral display set up for spring and smell of the the flowers was beautiful...Even the lifts were decorated...And I loved the window displays...A lap on the monorail then I lovely big buffet dinner in the motel restaurant capped off our day in Sydney. Next morning we were up early to catch a taxi (non-stop talking one!) to the airport for our flight to Hamilton Isand. So many planes coming and going...

They're Home!

After 4 long months of travelling through Europe and America it was time for Nicole and Ant to come home. They were flying in from Los Angeles via an 8 hour stopover in Auckland. We drove up to the airport with Daniel and Maddi to meet them...
Danika had made a welcome sign for them...Daniel was very happy to have his girl back...A few last "traveller" shots and we were on our way home...

Father's Day

Janelle surprised by driving home Saturday night for Father's Day. She made pancakes for breakfast which were very yummy...
We made him scones for afternoon tea... Sonic joined in...And Happy Father's Day wishes from Nicole in Los Angeles...

25 Years

Today Peter and I celebrated 25 years of wedded bliss (well most of the time). With our upcoming trip to Sydney and Hayman Island we celebrated with a wine and Thai food with Sarah...
There are a lot more grey hairs, less hair and wrinkles but after raisinig 3 beautiful daughters we wouldn't have it any other way!...Looking forward to the next 25!

City to Surf

Janelle and a few friends from Trinity ran in the City to Surf again this year. Janelle ran the 12km...
It was a lovely day weather wise and Janelle had a great run - she came 11th out of 2578 in her age group and 34th out of the 6499 females that ran the 12km! Her time was 53.35min almost exactly the same as last year...Now to start training for next years!

Late winter in the garden

Lots of new life happening in the garden even though it has been wet and cold.
This poor little plant got very burnt by the hot summer sun then we transplanted it and it has still managed to produce lovely white bell shaped flowers...Our new Cherry Blossom tree has lost its leaves and producing beautiful pink flowers...My Blueberry plant has flowered and hopefully we might see our first fruit in the coming months...The Brocollini has gone to seed but the yellow flowers look great and the bees love them...A fresh new crop of baby beetroot has just been planted...Tiny Gerberas are emerging from the big leaves...My Tulips have popped out of the soil and growing rapidly (first attempt at growing these)...The Roses are all shooting nicely...This Orchid which we thought had died in the summer heat is about to flower...A tomato plant is flowering and baby bean plants growing nicely...Roll on Spring bringing sunshine and colour.

1920's Style

Janelle's friend Emma recently celebrated her 21st with a 1920's themed party. We had found Janelle a cute little dress to wear earlier in the year, then she found a few more accessories and really looked the part!...With birthday girl Emma...With friend Lexi...And dancing the night away...Janelle thoroughly enjoyed herself.

A few days later they were in totally different costumes for a Harry Potter Quiz night - called "Sirius Quizness" (after a Harry Potter character) for UWA Med students...

They didn't win but had great fun.