Old faces and Melbourne-bound
Summer was making a hot and early entrance with most of December being very warm - we got some good use from our pool.
On Dec 23, we had my Bunbury Catholic College 20th year school reunion in Bunbury. Shiney, Kaz and I had managed to track down a lot of old school mates and we were looking forward to seeing old faces again. It was a hot afternoon/evening and the event was held at the Bunbury Power Boat Club, right on the water in Koombana Bay.
While a lot of school friends made the effort, unfortunately many who said they would come, did not, which was a pity. However there was about 50 of us in total and a great night was had. We kicked on to the nightclub and Sean and I didn't get home to my folks house until 3 am! A very late night for us.
The next day we drove back to Perth, packed up and flew out to Melbourne, arriving at midnight on Christmas Eve. We left 38 degrees in Perth and arrived to just 12 degrees in Melbourne and rain. Sean finally had a Christmas where the weather felt normal for an American! So a Perth Xmas would have entailed swimming in the pool, we had our winter woolies on and the fire cranked at my sister's home in Melbourne.
Jasper Xmas day. Jasper opening presents. 3 of us Christmas day
Jasper, Mum and favourite Xmas present from US grandma.
Claudia and Ray's newly renovated house was lovely and I was so excited to meet little Jasmine - she was so tiny, and a good bub. I bought Sean and Dad tickets to the Boxing Day test cricket at the MCG on eBay as their Xmas gift. They enjoyed their cricket match on Dec 26.
We also went into town and had lunch at Southbank one day. And then down to Sorrento for lunch with Ray's dad, Trevor and his lovely friend, Katrina. We had a walk along the beach after lunch and Jasper had the best time splashing about in the shallow water. It wasn't too cold for him.
Aunt Louise with Jasmine Louise. Boxing Day Cricket at the MCG. Runkles at Southbank. Jasper ready for dinner at Claudia's house.
Sisters and their bubs. Sean, Claude and bubs. Jasper at Sorrento Beach.
Lou and Jasper - Sorrento. Jasper at Sorrento. Jowett's at Sorrento (Jasmine snoozing)
Next stop - Sydney
After 5 days in Melbourne, we flew to Sydney to visit good friends, Wayne and Rachel Banks and their kids, Lara (4 yo) and Lawson (15 mths). We were supposed to join them camping on the South Coast, but it was rained out, so we relaxed at their lovely, newly renovated home in the Manly area instead. After little sleep with Jasper in our room in Melbourne, we were ready for some peace, early nights and sleep-ins.
Runkles and Banks families
Sydney activities included taking Jasper to Yum Cha in Manly (he loved it and we realised we'd been severely limiting his culinary experiences to date. Lara and Lawson were seasoned Yum Cha-ers. We also went to Little Manly Beach, and to the playground near the Banks' home. The 3 of us walked the gorgeous Manly to Spit Bridge Hike. Even though we got a little rain - we loved our time in Sydney - still the most beautiful city in the world and everything was so green.
Jasper and Lawson at Little Manly Beach. Boys under the beach shower. Jasper at the playground.
2 good looking boys. Ready for hiking. Jasper loves the hiking backpack.
Another beautiful bay in Sydney's northern suburbs
We joined fellow Sandgropers, Louise and Ross Hook for New Years Eve at Queenslander-style home, which is close to the Banks, and had a lovely meal and some champagne before watching the fire works in the distance from their balcony. Then it was back to the airport and home again before we knew it. A great holiday with a nice mix of family, friends and relaxing and activities.
Lou and Ross Hook. Jasper and Mum at sunset. Jasper in the Qantas FF lounge on the way home.
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