Long Branch Beach

 Summer has officially started! At the last minute, Jessica Robert David and I decided to hit the beach in New Jersey for the day. It was nothing short of hysterical trying to gather beach gear after so many months of snow and cold weather "do we have towels?...........sunscreen?"

In fear of burning our porcelain skin, the boys kindly erected the umbrella ...

......we had to PAY to the enter the beach - outrage! Not happy America

Enjoying the shade,  nice rainbow boys!

 "Wells that what you get when you buy a beach umbrella in Hell's Kitchen"

Looking fabulous........if not a little pink :)

Happy Birthday Annabelle

On Saturday we celebrated Annabelle's 3rd birthday-  Tweety style! We had a lovely afternoon catching up with everyone, enjoying the cake and fantastic summer weather.

Shout out to Danny who made the Tweety cake from scratch!

Make a wish Miss Belles !!

Happy "early" Birthday David

Our last night in Oz, was 6 months exactly until David's birthday.  We had a fun family get together at the local teppanyaki to celebrate.

Christopher sat next to me, which came in handy later when catching rice bowls!

It was hysterical to watch this and the excitement it caused...

 

......despite getting a little help!

No one was holding back when it came to dessert!

Happy "early" Birthday to David!

David and his groupies, I mean nephews...
 

 .....ending the night with fun at the coloring table!

Happy Belated Birthday Alison

Whilst we were in Sydney my very good friend Alison flew up from Adelaide to spend some time with us. As a belated birthday treat, we headed to the Icebergs on Bondi Beach to celebrate, with cocktails!

Why have cake when you have have cheese?! Make a wish!

Its dark so I'll fill you in, we look fabulous and that's the beach in the background.

Babies babies babies...

One of the great things about being home was seeing all the babies that have arrived since we left and catching up with the new parents. In a snapshot...

Michael, Christian and David

Nicole, Alex and Alista with baby Alessandra

David and baby Maggie

baby Maggie with dad Damian....

David and baby Liam, literally born during our visit.



Proud mama Jocie and Alex.

Proud daddy Mike and David.

 

Happy Bday Justin

Whilst in Sydney we also had a chance to celebrate our nephews Justin's 3rd Birthday.

Fun in the jumping castle, more or less ......

It was a Wiggles themed party, and every one dressed up and got into the spirit of it.....

 Including Alex and Christopher  - I am the black with white spots wiggle :)

 Happy Birthday to Justin!

 The excitement was clearly all too much for Sarah.

Relaxing in Fiji

After the excitement of the weding was over, we had a few days to relax and enjoy some time everyone.

Alex 7 Amy in the pool....

.......walking along the beach...

Enjoying dinner at Flying Fish, can you tell i have plate envy!?
 

Drinks and laughs well into the night...
 

.........before we had to say good bye to bure on the beach - boo!

Amy's Wedding in Fiji

After Sarah's Christening we made tracks to Fiji to see Amy & Andrew tie the knot! The night before the wedding, and Amy is as cool as cucumber!

View from our hotel

 Andrew, on the far left and groomsmen get ready for the ceremony.

Here comes the bride looking STUNNING!!

The wedding reception venue on the beach. It looked even more fantastic on the inside, thanks to Amy's tireless effort and organization to make the occasion perfect.

Cutting the cake

Sarah Christening

OK so I am back tracking to bring everyone up to speed. here are some pics form the Christening  reception of my god- daughter Sarah during our trip back to Oz - too precious!

David being silly

One of my favorite pics of David and Matthew.

David and Christopher in his new Buzz light year outfit.

.

Back to blogging!

After much demand, I am back blogging!

The start of this year has kept us nothing short of frantic. From Australian and US taxes, to finding a new home, an impromptu trip to Australia & Fiji and David traveling over the US for work, blogging has been the last thing on my mind. Combined with "technical" issues that resulted in our laptop imploding on itself earlier this month.

However be rest assured my commitment to blogging our adventures in the US is back.

Helped not doubt my the numerous and oddly demanding emails you have all sent :)