Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ...

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2012 bring you all that you wish for.

A Present for a Close Friend.

As part of a birthday swap I stitched a bird embroidery, inspired by a picture in an old crafting magazine.

I am impressed by both the Australian and British postal service as it arrived not only in time but on her birthday - and I thought that it would be late due to all the Christmas post!

Owl Embroidery.

Small embroidery I designed and hand stitched for my 'baby' sister's birthday. She really wanted an owl cushion - maybe for your next birthday Abs !

Thanks for taking the photo for me Abs in all the excitement of preparing parcels to post I forgot. I hope that you had a lovely day on the 13th.

We have just finished getting ready for the Year 6 Farewell. At 4pm we started doing hair and makeup and only just finished in time to go. The Farewell began at 5-30, with a presentation which the parents had to stay for, then we left for the dance to begin.

The front door of the school. It only seems like yesterday we visited here to enrol as newcomers to the Central Coast.

Waiting for the doors to open - and for more people to turn up ! Needless to say we were early.

Nearly all of the girls in Anna-Kate's year - there are only about 60 pupils in the whole year (I think!)

Anna-Kate at her table. There was a lot of drama about the seating arrangements - Anna-Kate was happy with her placement.

Collecting her year book and certificate from her teacher.

I think a good night was had by all.

Bump.

I have been missing for so long - but I am back. Am going to try to post a picture a day for family in far flung places !

24 weeks today 110 days to go !

Boudii National Park.

On Good Friday we decided to go for a walk in the nearby Boudii National Park. It was a cool day so perfect for hiking.

Taken from the top of the hill - we waled down to the beach, across the beach and up the hill in the distance. We were looking for a ship wreck but the tides were too high.

We made it onto the beach all in one piece. When we first arrived the beach was virtually deserted.

Having a rest on a very smooth rock.

We made it to the other side. another beautiful view.

Back home the path was VERY steep ! So did not take any photos. But a good morning out in the sun !

Australian Reptile Park.

The photo today shows Anna-Kate and Luke with their cousin Ashleigh.

We visited the Australian Reptile park and as usual I took far too many pics so will try and limit them ! My MIL, SIL and her daughter (Ashleigh) came for a visit from South Africa for 2 weeks. We all had a lovely time !

For my friends back in the UK.

We are all well - have had a bumpy year due to lots of things. But in a more positive place now !