Holiday fun

While we were away at New Zealand, Grandma and Papa Barr arrived to house sit and mind Ted for a few days and visit us on our return. During this time the east coast of Australia was hit with a massive dust storm that originated in South Australia. We saw it on the NZ news and were told by Peter and Genny that even our locked up house had a fine red dust over the floor. Ted went orange and they hosed down the verandahs because they were so dirty! Sydney was hit worse than Brisbane and the photos on the TV showed everything looking dark and red! Spooky!

On our return to Brisbane aiport we were told that the Embraer our family had named had just arrived from Brazil, so the kids posed for their photo in front of "Kanga Blue."


After a good nights sleep we launched into the soccer spectacular that is the Gold Coast Cup. E's BJL (Brisbane Junior League) team competed daily for 5 days against a pool of 5 teams out of 24 other teams in their age group. After two exciting semi-finals they made it through to the grand final on Saturday only to be defeated through a dodgy referee decision and penalty kick in the second half of extra time 2-1. This was their third runners-up title in three years of competing at the GC Cup but the boys were philosophical and by Saturday afternoon Ethan was in his usual high spirits.




We were also able to sneak in a quick visit to Dave and Lou's holiday apartment at Main Beach on the Tuesday for a bit of fun and a yummy family lunch. Thanks Oscar and Aiden for sharing your pool and spa with us! It was great fun!




That night we had a bit of a fright as Molly had what doctor's suspected was a febrile convulsion because of a spike in her temperature. Unfortunately for Genny and Peter, Adam and I were at the movies for the first time in about 4 months but they handled it very well. It was relatively quick and she was fine shortly afterwards but we came home and took her to the Children's hospital to be on the safe side. They were so wonderful there and checked her out so thoroughly we were very impressed. I am sure M was wondering what all the fuss was about! Fortunately she will grow out of this tendency by the time she is around 6 and it is not harmful. Phew!

Tasman celebrated his 10th birthday in style on holidays as usual and was pleased to have the whole day to admire and experiment with his new phone and presents. Happy birthday Tas!! He requested brownies instead of a cake so we put them in the shape of the number 10. We also had a Barr family get together on Saturday night to celebrate again.



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