Father's Day

The beginning of Spring has brought beautiful weather after so many cold days this Winter.They say that it's been the coldest Winter here for 12 years.

I can remember 12 years ago (the year 2000), when it snowed  and stayed on the ground one day in May! That year we had a full house. The boys were both still at home and we had niece Lyndal and nephew Josh living with us. They all played in the snow that day.
Later on that year, we had Bruce staying as well. He had just taken up a job in Canberra. Sylvia and Amy came in the following January (2001) when they had bought a house.

Anyway...... back to the present.
Last Sunday we enjoyed time together at the lake and back at our house. The occasion was Father's Day.
Richard asked for a picnic at the lake for lunch. it was a good choice as the day was lovely and sunny and not too cold. We then came back for afternoon tea at our house. Such a nice time together.

 Lois didn't want to wear her hat so we put it on her teddy.

Spending time with Lois

 At home having fun in the clothes basket

 Lois and Grandad at the family get together on Sat 18th.


 We spent some time with Lois on Sunday. We met up with Stuart and Cherie who were mattress shopping. A successful day saw us having lunch at a familiar fast food outlet and then  choosing and buying a mattress. They are happy with their choice, which is always a  risk when buying such an important item.

Lois was very happy with her lunch.

 

 Listening to the conversation

Meeting the new twins: Ben and Sam

Yesterday, Saturday August18, we had the pleasure of a visit from some Sydney family members. Miriam, Matt, Noah (4), Sophie (1), Paul, Jeni and Ma and Pa all came from afar to pay homage to the newly born twin boys of Amy and Gavin, their proud parents. Also to the grand parents, Bruce and Sylvia.

 I was lucky to have a hold of Samuel Frazer, while Benjamin Nathan was sleeping in the pram.

 Rick had Lois who was fascinated with all the people in Sylvia and Bruce's house

                        Ma with Samuel

                         Benjamin sleeping peacefully....

                             Samuel Frazer - a little unsettled  but very cute

Cameron, Stuart, Cherie and Lois joined us.We all saw these amazing little boys, who are now the equivalent of newborns. They were born at about the "six weeks premature" mark on July 8. Such a great celebration to see them thriving and to watch them as they slept and wriggled. I was lucky to have a hold of both of them too.

If you are interested, see my sister-in-law's blog ( Nana Sylvia) with some more lovely pics of the babies and the family visit.  www.sylviastitch.blogspot.com

Family visit continued...

Saturday August 18, 2012.

Niece Miriam, husband Matt and their kids, Noah and Sophie, walked with Lois and me to the playground close to Bruce and Sylvia's home. Chilly winds didn't stop the kids having fun.

 Lois enjoying the playground ( almost 16 months old)

Niece Miriam with Sophie (14 months old)

Miriam, Matt, Sophie and Noah (4 years old)

 Three lovely nieces : Amy, Miriam and Lyndal

Snowy Day

It's been a very cold Winter this year. Today, Friday 17th August,  we had snow flurries and icy winds. I was on a school excursion with Grade 3 kids.  We were atop Mt Ainslie and places around the parliamentary triangle, looking at the present layout and the history of Canberra. It was chilly!

Twin boys

Recent photos ( borrowed from Sylvia's blog!) of Amy and Gavin's twin boys, who were born prematurely on July 8, 2012. This is them in hospital just before they were allowed to come home (Monday July 30). The first photo is of Benjamin Nathan and the second is of Samuel Frazer. There was much rejoicing when they were born safely and over 2kgs each. This was after Amy (our niece) had to spend approx 8 weeks in hospital on complete bed rest to try and prevent early labour at 25 weeks! They were born at almost 35 weeks. Reports are that the new family is doing well after their first few days at home...... but it is BUSY for their mum and dad! Congratulations also to the grandparents, Sylvia and Bruce!

Scrivener Dam and Lois's swing

Saturday 14th July: On the way back from catching a glimpse of Amy and Gavin's brand new twin baby boys - Samuel Frazer and Benjamin Nathan De Corsey in the special nursery in the hospital - we pulled over to view the unusual sight of Srivener Dam overflowing.

Uncle Cameron's gift or a mini slide and swing is coming in handy for Lois when she visits our place. This was her first time enjoying the swing.

Spending time with Lois

We were home and still on holidays and we took the opportunity to pick up Lois and take her on a shopping adventure. The following day we minded her for a while at home. 

We had fun and I think Lois did too!

This is Stuart, Cherie and Lois's apartment block. The door you can see is where they enter to get to their ground floor apartment.

Aldi is so much fun when you have time to look at everything. Lois looks a little serious but she enjoyed it very much!

Relaxing at the Gold Coast

Gold Coast Holiday : July 5 to 12
We are really enjoying our time here at the Gold Coast. Our apartment in Southport is particularly nice and we can walk to the local shopping centre and mall in about 10 minutes. We've been relaxing, walking, shopping, eating, catching buses and even swimming in the pool and spa at the apartments. It's pleasant weather but not what people would call hot! Most days have been sunny with a little cool breeze... our type of weather.

                       Our very comfortable apartment....

                         Great telly for watching  Le Tour !

Walking along the paths close to the Broadwater , with the high rise of Surfer's in the background.

July 3rd

 

Minding Lois....

Today Rick and I minded Lois almost all day! We had a great day. Lois was happy all day. Such a lovely opportunity to spend time with her as we were both on holidays.  We had fun cooking some coconut biscuits and a birthday cake for Cameron.

Rick and Lois spending time in the sun-room , making the most of the sunny winter's day.

 

Cameron's 29th Birthday

That evening we all went out for dinner to an Italian restaurant, to celebrate Cameron's Birthday. 

Rick taking photos using the mirror...as you do!

                                                  Having birthday cake for supper.