Saturday, June 26, 2010

Aussie Aussie Aussie....

Welcome to Australia; Alan, Sonja and Amelie!

Thursday was an exciting day for us. We now have more family living in Melbourne. So now there are us, (the Hilleges), Gwen (Frans' neice and Goddaughter) and now Alan (Frans' nephew) and his lovey young family. Alan and Sonja along with their delightful little girl Amelie have just arrived in Oz from London. Josie (Frans' sister & Alan's Mum) along with Chris, Josie's husband flew to Melbourne especially to be at the airport when the travellers arrived. So we thought it was a fitting occasion to be super patriotic and embarrass ourselves and Sonja and Alan at the same time. So it was with Aussie flags, balls and balloons that we cheered them as they came out of the customs gate.

No, this is not the Man from Snowy River. It's Frans in his Dryzabone and Akubra. To get us in the mood for this special event, he subjected us to John Williamson's Warrigal CD (ON REPEAT!) all the way to the airport. It was a good old fashioned travelling sing along. Everyones favourite is probably still 'Bill the Cat'.

Waiting for the honoured guests to arrive. Sara, Stephen, Chris, Gwen, Frans, Ami & Josie

Frans and his big sister Josie. Except she's tiny! And her hubby Chris hiding behind the lense of his camera!

Sara & Stephen

Chutney Cousins! Gwen & Sara

At last! Alan doing double duty. A ful trolley and a pram with Amelie. Aussie Aussie Aussie... oi oi oi!!

Sonja looking as fresh as a daisy!

So now we start the fun bit. We get to show Alan, Sonja and Amelie 'our' Melbourne. There's nothing like exploring a new city. We've done that a few times!
We hope they're very happy in Melbourne and love it just as much as we do!

Picnics in the rain...

So it was a wet, cold Sunday morning. Stephen's family decided a picnic in the park was the way to go. So we turned up at 8am. The organisational skills of Doris (Stephen's Mum) and Tina (Stephen's Godmother) are amazing. What followed was a breakfast feast that ended at midday!

Here the men are doing what they do best. All standing around and watching a couple of blokes do the cooking. Sausages, bacon & onions.

Warming up with a coffee. Crochie (Stephen's Dad on the far left). Sara & Stephen.

Bacon, sausages, onion, toast, English muffins (wholemeal & white). Eggs served 2 ways. Fried or scrambled.

Everyone getting stuck into first course!

It was cold! Sara added just a few layers.

Second course being prepared. Stephen looking after the berries. Warren cooking pancakes, and Roy making sure it's all going according to Doris and Tina's instructions!

Ta Da! Dessert. Oh, and there was chocolate and cream too. You've got to hand it to this Italian family. If there's going to be a meal, it will turn into a feast! Wonderful!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Happy Birthday to Me!

What a lucky girl I am! Frans has a very clever neice, Gwen. And this is what she made me. Two beautiful hand made bracelets with super attitude!
Thanks Gwen. You rock!
Love this piece in naturals.
Gwen will take orders I'm sure!
And just when I thought that was it.... Gwen added two more beautiful bangles to my collection. Here they are!
This white and mustard number has a beautiful braid running around the bracelet. Simple but stunning.

I think this has to be my favourite piece. It's stunning!