Christmas 09

Christmas is a time for Karma: thinking of other people for a change, loving relatives despite their foibles, giving thanks for their love and concern over the last year, watching some of that love flowing back towards you. All mixed up in the guise of eating, drinking and pressie exchanges. It must be fun because we keep coming back for more. This year was a particularly good one for us, with lots of visits from Aunts and Uncles, and a Special Guest Appearance by Grandma.

Alec turns 12!

My youngest child and only son turned 12 today. He spent the day with School friends at Camp, went to the beach for a brisk swim in the surf, then had dinner at his top choice Italian restaurant Bill and Tony's in Darlinghurst. Home for Nigella Lawson's Awesome Brownies as dessert. Then he asked for some antacids! Oh to be twelve again.

Home at Last

After 25 years away from Sydney we have finally returned- via Vietnam and Laos (more later...). Having left Australia with a couple of backpacks, we have re-entered with a 40 foot container, 4 kids, 3 cats and a large dog. We have moved in to a rambling house near the city, found places for the kids in Universities and schools, and a great Job for the MOTH. (Man of the House). The kids a enjoying discovering Sydney, and we are revisiting old haunts and friends, and delighting in new ones. Summer is here and life is good!

Movin' Out

We are sadly leaving Hong Kong for good. We will not see our 'stuff' for several weeks. I am reminded that one can do with so very little- toothbrush, passport, a few clothes and a good book are all you really need.

It is a hot and steamy June in HK. We cooled off last Sunday by spending some time in a Stanley supermarket. Alec took some photos of things that caught his eye.

Busy Hong Kong

Wherever you look in Hong Kong there is colour, traffic, excitement, people, signs- these photos were taken on a Sunday morning as we headed out for dimsum. Imagine what it is like on a monday at peak hour......

Helen has her Ballet exam next week. I went along to get some of those pre-exam, sweaty, adrenaline filled moments on the camera. I think she'll do well in the exam- but I'm biased......

Landmark Birthdays

Here in our house we have celebrated a lot of Big Milestones- two of them being a 16th and an 18th Birthday. Catie turned 18 in March, Helen 16 in May. In between we had two High School Graduations and two formal Balls.
Here are the beautiful Birthday Girls!

I've finally bought myself a laptop!!!!!
I've worked a lot of extra hours as a childbirth teacher and stashed the money away. Once my bills had been paid there was enough left over for my very first, my very own laptop. No more shoving grumpy teenagers off the family computer, no more strange downloads clogging up the works- and if anyone so much as breathes near it they are in trouble- except when I need help!
So here are some photos I took last weekend in HK with my new-ish camera. I feel like a New Woman.

Proud player

Alec's final season with his HK rugby club has come to an end. He was very proud to receive a Special Player Award last weekend for his achievements and commitment.
A huge round of applause..........