Easter Greetings From Sunny Australia

G’day folks,

We hope you and your lovely families are thriving and looking forward to a visit from the Easter Bunny? I cannot believe we are into April already. As usual, lots has been happening at Chez Chissell since my last blog update last November – golly. We had a great Christmas and the weather was fabulous. We hope you all had a laughter filled festive season too. Thank you for all the lovely cards and gifts folks, the Chisslets were thrilled with all your thoughtful and lovely cards. How could we ever feel homesick?

We caught up with some dear friends over the silly season, the children performed at the school Carol Concert and they packed in plenty of play dates too.

  Ryan (centre - row two from the top)  

 

Awesome Sonia who organised a super evening where Santa arrived on his Harley D.

 

Olivia about to  go on stage and catching up with some of her besties Oliver and Harrison after the performance.

       

Can you tell it is the silly season? I still have not got used to the gloriously hot and sunny weather during an Aussie Christmas

   

Magical fun at the Redland Bay hotel. Congratulations to Chris and Cate who announced that they are expecting a new baby.

Shocker- we caught Santa with a bottle of grog! It was a Bucks Fizz frenzy  for Phil and I.  

Phil’s parents Penny and Jim flew over for the festive season which made the start to 2012 extra special  

  Umpire Ryan in charge Aussie Open, eat your heart out

A warm but windy Wellington Point.

We saw the New Year in with a tasty BBQ and Champagne to ward off the jet lag + of course sparklers galore!

 

 He is a chip off the old block eh Jim?

Followed by a hair of the dog brunch at the Redland Bay Hotel (and an Advil or three) pesky jet lag 

Next up, beach heaven and a tasty BBQ on Bribie Island!
Olivia tormenting a jelly fish little minx!

Next up Surfers Paradise woot woot!      
Lunch at the Surf Club followed by a timely splash in the ocean.
  
 Beach volleyball time!
Next up, my beloved Straddie and the awesome Dolphin display (the video  footage is priceless). There were plenty of Sea Turtles too, but they were to deep in the water for a decent snap.
  




Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island.

Ryan on Cylinder Beach and Jim and Phil on Flinders Beach.

As usual, the Chisslets were delighted to find a sand crab at our last stop - Myora Springs …..

The following afternoon, after a tasty lunch at a Sizzler restaurant, we headed over to Mount Coot-Tha for a more relaxing time at  the Botanical Gardens. We were keen to show Jim the spectacular view from the top.

Time for a  and Ice Cream refresher on a hot and sultry day.

Then we headed across to Mount Gravatt Lookout for a different aspect of the city view.



Alas, all too soon it was time to say goodbye! Come back again soon Granny and Grandad. Come and help us make even more treasured memories together xxx  

Sad goodbyes at Brisbane Airport

Then, the lovely Willis ladies came to Chez Chissell to help us celebrate Australia Day (anniversary of the first fleet).

On Valentine's Day, Conor celebrated his 11th Birthday and Phil and I celebrated 14 years of wedded bliss

Conor clearly chuffed with his birthday gifts, cards and

We caught up with the lovely Hamilton clan for a tasty BBQ recently and the children had a ball with the water guns as the day was truly a scorcher .

After a picnic feast on Mount Glorious we took the Chisslets to visit Lyell Farm where they were thrilled to meet reindeer up close and personal.

 

Such a lovely family day and we were all sad to leave.

Conor and Olivia attended their first ever Ballet at QPAC in the city. We saw a truly sumptuous performance of ‘Cinderella’. We had such a lovely time followed by a light lunch near the river. Olivia and I will be going to see the Ballet ‘Alice in Wonderland' at the end of March.

Phil gave me a truly special wedding anniversary present (as always). He found out that my favourite singer was touring Australia and he secretly arranged tickets, flights etc. for me to see her perform at the iconic Opera House in Sydney.

Leaving Circular Quay after being serenaded on the train by Mardi Gras peeps in the most awesome costumes. Kylie Minogue was in town apparently?

Dinner in the Bistro Restaurant before heading upstairs

The spectacular view of the harbour from inside the Opera House (champagne in hand)

Olivia was on fire! She bounced across the stage singing much loved favourites like “Physical” and ‘Grease’ like she was ageless. Above is a backstage pic of Livvy with Alfie Boe the West End Musical star who sang hits from shows like ‘Les Miserables’ .  The memories of this extra special weekend will stay with me forever. Thank you Phil

It was the third year anniversary of our dear friend Sylvia’s passing recently and we received sad news of the death of a favoured former co-worker back in Blighty. R.I.P. Pete, our thoughts are with his loved ones at this sad time. His zany sense of humour will never be forgotten. Phil and I were heartened to hear ‘old friends’ and new came together to give him a very special send off. xxx

Well that it is all our news for now folks. Good luck with your ongoing home renovation, Spring cleaning and health kick projects. Have a great Easter and keep sending those chatty emails and gorgeous family pictures! I will leave you with one final pic of Phil and Olivia coming up with some ideas for the recent ‘Crazy Hair’ day at school.  

With respect and deep affection, Amanda, Phil, Conor, Olivia and Ryan