Saturday, August 27, 2011

Welcome Home Afternoon Tea

On Sunday August 14, we had an open house afternoon tea at our home, to welcome Stuart,Cherie and Lois to their new life in Canberra. About 45 friends dropped in throughout the afternoon. It was an enjoyable time. Thanks to all of our friends who came and made the afternoon so special. Thanks also for the gifts. Stuart and Cherie really appreciated your generosity.


Preparing for the afternoon tea. Cherie and I found the biggest box of chocolates for the celebration!
Lois placed on her tummy. She's not quite ready to roll over yet.

Jee and Cameron at the afternoon tea. There were heaps of others present but we were too busy to take photos!
Cherie enjoying opening the gifts

Avril and Tim's Engagment Party

 Travelling to Sydney


Stuart driving after a couple of years....... they didn't need or want a car in Seoul

                                          Pa playing with Lois before the party.

                                                              Alfords Point





                                          The presents!







Stuart, Cherie, Lois and I travelled to Sydney last weekend to celebrate Avril and Tim's engagement at a beautiful brunch with family and friends. Deirdre and Paul and all her family are so skilled now at putting on this type of event! They did a magnificent job once again! The rain held off and the party was a huge success. Lots of yummy food to eat and it was lovely time to catch up with relatives and celebrate together.

Where has August gone?

We have been thoroughly enjoying having Stuart, Cherie and little Lois living here with us. Both Rick and I love to watch Lois growing and changing. She is now 4 months old.

Stuart is studying full time. His field is Computer Networking. He is also trying to maintain his Japanese language fluency in case he can use that in the future. Cherie is settling in well and getting used to life in Australia once more. She misses her family and friends in Seoul, but is now keeping in touch by chatting/messaging over her new mobile phone.
 Uncle Cameron and Lois
 Uncle Cam and Lois sharing a moment
 Pa talking to Lois


Rick has been in the wars with a broken rib and a very painful knee, but is on the mend. I have been busy working my two full days and two half days.  I am managing pretty well but I still need to rest regularly. The best thing I've notice is that I can recover after resting. This wasn't the case in the past couple of years since treatment began. This month I know of  three women.....one tragic death and a couple more diagnoses of breast cancer. This is a reality check and reminds me of the importance of hanging in there with my preventative medication, despite the uncomfortable side effects.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Lots happening here!

 Mum and Dad enjoying the sunshine at Mum's 80th birthday celebrations at the family camp in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
 We enjoyed eating the huge sponge cake!
 Mum holding beautiful 5 week-old great grand daughter, Sophie
 Sophie asleep

 Mum and Dad and us
32 of us were able to come to the 80th birthday celebration. It was a fabulous time.
We missed Stuart, Cherie, Lois, Blake, Jonas and Ruby.


The last few weeks have been really busy here. We've had a wonderful weekend away with the extended family to celebrate mum's 80th Birthday. Deep sadness, disappointment and heart-break over the loss in pregnancy of a much anticipated baby, in our extended family. Richard falling and breaking his rib in a "social" basketball game. Lastly, from Seoul, the wonderful safe arrival of Stuart, Cherie and Lois. Cherie came into the country as a temporary ( soon to be permanent) Australian resident and Lois, as an Australian citizen! Lois will have dual citizenship. They are settling in well. It's only been a week! Lois is adorable and it's lovely to have both Stuart and Cherie here.

 Stuart, Cherie and Lois arriving in Sydney airport...... with John meeting them.

 Two of Rick's brothers, Andrew and John, were at the airport to greet them.
 Me enjoying holding Lois while here parents adjusted the car seat.

 Ma painted this sign!
 Great Aunty Deirdre and Great Grand...Ma

Pa and Ma welcoming them.

 Great Uncle John and Lois
Great Aunty Jeni and Lois
I have had two weeks in my new job as Enrichment teacher ( for the equivalent of three days a week). Richard has now resumed his six month contract... after being absent for holidays and injury! Life is busy! I am thankful to be well enough to manage this fast-paced life at the moment. Such a change from this time last year , for me!