Happy New Year!!

Woah! A few days off a month since my last blog...it certainly has been a full on month too!

Christmas, New Year , my birthday and Joanie's Birthday!

I really hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas ours was lovely , time spent with friends in Broome over a delicious Christmas Lunch, Joanie was a delight and Koby was considerate sleeping through so I could have a few glasses of Champus ( he dined on my specially pre-prepared expressed milk.- funny I feel a bit guilty expressing milk so I can have a few drinks but hey I figure its the only way I can enjoy some beverages at this Festive time without pickling him at the same time!)

I then took Joanie and the Kobymiester to Perth from the 28th of December -5th of January. Originally it was only till the 3rd but I was having trouble fitting everything in  ( still didn't get to see everyone or  get to the beach or zoo  unfortunately ). I'm so happy to report that my two flights were

hassle free compared to my last horrendous encounter, I did take a few herbal relaxing tablets too so that may of also helped.

Sad to say our dear Vonnie ( Ju Ju's mum) had a fall on Christmas Day arvo , not a nice way to finish this festive day with Vonnie going via ambulance to Fiona Stanley Ed, silver lining being that she didn't have a bad break of her hip, it didn't require a replacement , but a bolt which from my understanding and experience with other elderly in our family wont need as much rehab/ recovery. Joanie, Koby and I regularly visited her at the South Perth Hospital and were happy to see her steadily improving. Here's hoping that she continues to mend well and that the next part of the process isn't too stressful for Gg and Ju Ju

Vonnie getting some healing vibes from Koby

                               

Another big factor of us returning to Perth so soon after Joanie's review was to catch up with my dear cousin Sacha and her charming husband Nicolai (not to forget their awesome kiddies!)

Jb and her Aunt Sachi xx

On the 29th we met up with this London based Fam as well as Ju ju,  Annie , Zaylie, Kym and Florrie at the Naturescape in Kingspark, what a bonus! Joanie absolutely loved frolicking with her cousins in the rocky creeks, it made us feel like we were bush treking in the middle of the city! It was fantastic for Joanie to reunite with her cousins before our family gathering for Normas 90th the next day. It
was also wonderful to have a squeeze of the enchanting, forever smiling Max. aka Mini Sacha, who is only a month older than his cousin Koby.

On the 30th of December we had the pleasure of going on a very special boat cruise on a very snazzy catamaran (organised by the very clever and  efficient Marie) around the Swan River to places of special significance and meaning for Normas 90th. It was absolutely wonderful to see these special
locations through Norma and Phillips eyes , a lovely trip down memory lane. The kids all had the time of their lives playing together on the catamaran and the extended family and friends were all
treated to a gastronomic feast on the swan. I was proud to report back to Shaun that Koby felt very at ease on the boat and slept most of it, i think the gentle vibrations of the boat made him feel quite at home. When Koby wasn't sleeping he was hanging out with the other bub gang members, Max and the energetic Felix who appears to be only days away from walking! ( Watch out Lozzy and Oscar!)

Model Joanie relaxing on the boat...

New Years Eve Gg , Ju Ju, myself and the kids all went to my beautiful cousin Annie's house for a awesome soiree! I was a bit worried when Jb had a big tanty about getting out of their pool but she came good and got out eventually and played with her cousins Zac, Chloe, Boris, Zaylie and Florence on the play equipment. Koby again was very well behaved and slept most of the party, so good to know he is adaptable even sleeping in other peoples cots! It was also very cute as he roomed with his little Cousin Max who was also very well behaved and sleeping in his pram.

The highlight of my night was when Annie came out holding Joanie and a wonderful Chocolate Cake decorated by all the kids, Little miss Red shouted

"HAPPY BIRDAY MUMMA!" which melted my heart!, so touched by this gesture of Annies!

Once the kids went to bed we played a game of "Cards Against Humanity" which was very , very entertaining! The New Year was counted down under the stars and then we danced to some great tunes put together by Dj Kymmie. Zac was the dancer of the night!

My actual birthday was celebrated with a wonderful sundowner at Mary Street with family and Joanie helped me blow out the candles on another birthday cake, this time a creamy Casatta made by Ju Ju!

Joanie helping mumma blow out the candles

Of course we couldn't come to Perth without visiting Joanie's name sake , Joan Stanley, her Great Grandma. Grandma and Grande were absolutely stunned by Joanie's appetite as she devoured everything put infront of her at the Club house dining room. I believe the little kids and bubs give Grandma moments of clarity when you wouldn't even be able to tell she had a stroke. She says "Isn't' she beautiful" and "look at that little boy" "What a darling" sentences like these are very few and far between these days for the once chatterbox senior. The two Joanie's even shared a bowl of ice cream which was delightful.

Joanies eating icecream

Other highlights of our whistle stop tour included picnic teas on the South Perth Foreshore, once with Gg and Ju Ju and another time with the newly extended family Elliot, Sam and the gorgeous Ellie! (Congrats again guys she's magnificent!)

A catch up in Baldivis with the Hartleys was also well overdue, what an awesome way to spend a summery day in their magnificent pool!

And Joanie was lucky to have quite a few play dates with her cousins, she is now able to name everyone in the photos..

Showing Koby Farr the South Perth Foreshore...

Eri meeting the beautiful Ellie!

Koby catching up with uncle Elliot

Fun at the Hartleys

Play dates with cousins!

Towards the end of our time in Perth everything seemed to go  a bit pear shaped as it often does when i try to do too much in the remaining hours. The main inconvenience being our flight was delayed by three hours. Luckily the kids had a sleep in the car as we returned back to Mary street and we had a snack tea. The nap meant the kids were in good spirits for the later flight.

Since returning to Broome Joanie has had her 3rd birthday which unfortunately didn't go to plan, Shaun and I had organised a pool party at the Mercure but I was being a typical worry wart and post poned it as the weather reports were forecasting rain , Murphys Law the time of the scheduled party had no rain. On the brighter side next Sunday will give us more time to organize a fun party for our little Red Head.

Despite being low key Joanie did enjoy her birthday, she played with all her Christmas Toys, ate her favourite food and I took her shopping to buy some little presents. Her big Birthday Present is an enclosed trampoline which Shaun's co worker has kindly offered to drive up to us from Perth.  She keeps on telling everyone she's getting a "boing boing" , should be here by Monday. Can't believe our first little "big girl" is now three! Where has the time gone?........

Happy New Year!