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G’day folks, we hope all of you in Blighty had a decent summer break and all is well with your lovely families. As usual, so much had been happening at Chez Chissell and time has simply flown past since the last blog update.
In August, two of our beautiful nieces Alanna and Orla jetted out down under with Breda for some Aussie fun in the sun. We are still pinching ourselves that they were really here and that it was not all part of an amazing dream. A huge thank you must go to Sheelagh and Alan for letting them come out and stay with us. Your turn will come Joseph, we promise 
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Breda Orla Alanna
First up, we dropped the Chisslets off at school and showed the girls the Bayside delights around our neighbourhood.
‘Chumley Warners chip shop’ and ‘Brits on the Bayside’ as seen on UK T.V. apparently .
Next up, we headed down to the Gold Coast and had lunch at the Surf Club in Surfers Paradise. As well as obvious delights of the beach, we all had a fab time at the Ripley’s Believe it or Not attraction and totally recommend it for all the family.
Dining at the Surf Club whilst watching the iconic Meter Maids wander past.
A moving replica of the worlds tallest man, spooky!
Inside Ripley’s museum. The walls of the tunnel above revolved around the walkway with flashing lights which created an optical illusion that the walkway was tipping. Needless to say Phil and I stumbled across like a couple of drunken sots, it was very disorientating and quite clever 
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Orla was thrilled to see MJ’s hat 
Alanna proved to be a sharp shooter, Laurel & Hardy were created using human hair and I had a ball playing with the optical illusion camera 
. If only I could contort my body like that for real eh Uncle Phil ?
Next up, we took Breda and the girls to Bribie Island and demolished a delicious feast of snags and burgers on the barbie. After messing around on the beach and trying to not step on the Blue Bottle jelly fish, we visited the Bribie Museum which was great fun. The order of the day was then coffee and ices before heading home after a really lovely day.
Our next special trip was to to take the girls up to Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast. They were thrilled to get to touch Rays, Starfish and Sea Snails as well as getting up close and personal with the sharks at ‘Underwater World’. The video footage is breathtaking. 
I love you mum xxx 
We had a lovely time at the beach and then headed into the local Hogs Breath eatery for a good nosh before heading home tired and very happy. 
Our next big trip was across the border into New South Wales and after a picnic by Minyon Falls, we headed for the amazing sights of Byron Bay.
Orla had a hilarious hiccup episode during a soda break and then all the girls headed into town for some retail therapy in the chic and bohemian shops before meeting up with the boys for dinner. 
Our next adventure took us across the bay to the beautiful and incomparable delights of North Stradbroke Island. Home to our favourite beaches in S.E. Queensland. We were absolutely thrilled to see the dolphins frolicking in the ocean during our visit !
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Heading across the bay.
The Brown Lake on North Stradbroke Island.
Above Orla is framed by a rainbow on Cylinder beach and Phil and Ryan are checking out Flinders beach which was simply stunning……!
Some dear friends came over for an impromptu party and much hilarity, fun and karaoke ensued. 
Ryan crooning like a pro! xxx
Kim and Lucia getting their groove on, followed by piñata time!
Chris and Catie (on the right) announced their engagement 
The Chisslets finished up the REDIT reading initiative with a fancy dress parade at the school. It was great that Breda and the girls got to witness typical Aussie school life during their stay with us.
Orla and Alanna at the assembly at Cleveland State Primary school.
One warm but rainy afternoon, 
we headed into town to see the the final Harry Potter film which was good and drew a tear or two from the girls. Luckily it was nothing that some gift shopping and a frappe or two couldn’t fix .
we headed into town to see the the final Harry Potter film which was good and drew a tear or two from the girls. Luckily it was nothing that some gift shopping and a frappe or two couldn’t fix .
Waiting to see the Harry Potter at the cinema
Our beloved South Bank, still recovering from the awful floods.
Sadly, the end of the girls holiday was nigh but we managed to squeeze a few more moments of fun before the inevitable repacking of suitcases.
The girls watching the tropical storm from the patio 
Relaxing at the Redland Bay hotel. 
BBQ time!
Check out Alanna’s funky new hair highlights, tres chic! 
For some for fun, we showed the girls how to make sushi and their efforts for supper were delicious. They produced a gorgeous exotic fruit platter for dessert too. xxx
Yummy scrummy nosh 
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Alas all the fun and laughter turned to tears when the time came to say goodbye. The memories we shared throughout your stay with us Down Under will be treasured forever. Dreams really do come true folks because having the girls with us in Australia was a huge ambition that became real. Thank you for bringing them over mum and a huge thank you again to Sheelagh and Alan for your leap of faith. xxx
Tearful goodbyes at Brisbane Airport…………
It was a shame the girls were unable to stay for the Riverfire (firework and laser) spectacular this year. Or to meet little man Cooper at his Pirate Party on the Sunday.
Above the birthday boy, Ryan searching for Gold covered chocolate and Conor taking a rest from all the mayhem.
A bemused looking little sister Molly
Yummy scrummy birthday cake 
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The Chisslets participated in the annual junior sports day before commencing a two week break and Phil aka Athlete 257 ran the Bridge to Brisbane race and smashed his personal best time. 
The Chisslets also performed at the recent official school hall opening ceremony and Conor won a commendation for his artwork and was presented with a certificate by the judge.
The Chisslets also performed at the recent official school hall opening ceremony and Conor won a commendation for his artwork and was presented with a certificate by the judge. 
Phil supping some amber nectar at the Grand View hotel by the bay. The weather was glorious and it was nice for both of us to relax together. 
Lots will be happening at Chez Chissell again over the next few weeks. Our next visitor Tim will be arriving during the latter part of September and then October heralds Olivia’s birthday, Soccer season for Phil & Olivia, Halloween fun for all and Scout camps for Conor. The shops are filling up with Chrimbo goodness and another Aussie summer will soon be beckoning too.
Sincere best wishes to you all for a mild Autumn. Drop us a line with all your news and wrap up warm folks!
With hugs and much affection,
Amanda and Phil xxx
