Family visit

To start the celebrations for Ian's 70th our children met us in Sydney as a surprise birthday weekend for Ian. He really had no idea and when there were lots of shouts and horns hooting he asked me what it was all about. He then realised that the New Zealand family were there as well and the shock actually set in. We spent a lovely night together on the Saturday eating lots of great food prepared by Kathy. Our family don't get together very often and when they do lots of stories are told of many happenings over the time they have not seen each other. The little girls enjoyed the fun as well as Mars and Andrew. Sunday was the family picnic day at Wahroonga Park. The weather was kind to us this year an the rain held off for the day. We had a huge chocolate cake for Ian and all the little ones had a great time helping him blow out the candles.

Monday was a bit wet and miserable so we had a fairly quiet day. Some went off for a walk, Ian and I took the girls to the park for a while. Later in the afternoon, Ian, Brooke and Guy went into town and did the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk. This was the only thing Ian really wanted for his birthday and he enjoyed it immensely even though it was wet and blowing a gale. He was happy to share the experience with Guy and Brooke. Unfortunately Sean was not able to do it as well, his hip certainly isn't up to that sort of activity.

Tuesday was spent at Taroonga Zoo. This is great and the little girls had a great time. Andrew had fun and enjoyed taking some photos. The ferry ride was a bonus. Sydney Harbour is just so beautiful. We came back into the city, had some dinner at a pub down at the quay and waited for the city lights to come on and be visable. Guy was keen to show the girls what a big city Sydney is and how wonderful at night. They loved seeing the laughing face across the harbour at Luna Park and found it hard to believe that daddy climbed the bridge to the very top the previous night. We were all glad to fall into bed that night.

Wednesday, Ian and I caught the train home whilst the NZ family drove our car to our place. Brooke and ANdrew caught the plane to Brisbane.

We had Guy,Rae and the girls for ten wonderful days. It is just great spending time with them.

Last Friday they drove back to Sydney and we caught the train. After picking up the car we drove on to Canberra to see the Paris Exhibition on Saturday. They flew home on Saturday morning early.

The Paris Exhibition was wonderful and it was great to catch up with Mikki and her family. We had a great run home on Sunday.

This was Ian's birthday celebration. Don't know how to celebrate the real day which isn't until 31st. Have to think up something special.