The Latest Exploits of the Chissell Family

Festive Greetings from Oz.

2011-11-26T13:05:00.001+10:00

G’day folks, we hope you and your lovely families are well and happily preparing for the festive season. How quickly it has come around again. It is easily our favourite time of year in Australia. Spring melts into summer and dress up fun and general frivolity ensues

Phil’s big brother Tim flew out to escape the UK winter shivers.

Whale and Dolphin Watching at Point Lookout

Frolicking on Flinders Beach. There were some bizarre looking blue things (see above) along the shoreline. A type of Jelly Fish perhaps?

Olivia and Ryan splashing around in the waters of the aptly named ‘Brown Lake’

Tim was thrilled to see the warnings and shark nets at Amity Point

The Chissells love Mount Coot-tha, be it the Botanical Gardens, the Planetarium or the spectacular views of the city as shown in previous blog posts.

We also love visiting Mount Tamborine. We really enjoyed the German tucker and amber nectar at this eatery.

There is a lovely rainforest trek to Curtis Falls as shown above. The Philster cooked up barbie goodness on a trip to another favourite Chissell haunt, Bribie Island.

The wind was quite strong along the shore of Woorim Beach that day and I am sure we lost entire layers of skin in the sand storm - lol. We definitely did not risk getting sand granules in the camera.

As usual sports reigned in between our trips and Conor kept Uncle Tim on his toes with lots of Tennis matches and Trampoline gymnastics.

Alas sadly all good things came to an end and it was time to say goodbye. They never get any easier folks……..

Miss Olivia celebrated her 8th birthday with a Sizzler feast and cinema fun. Thank you again folks for all the lovely gifts, cards and messages. She is a very lucky lady to be so loved.

Chatting to the many rellies who telephoned from Blighty with birthday wishes.
Can you guess which present was her favourite? The Electric Guitar was a gift from Granny and Grandad. I am loving the birthday dress she is wearing too – a gift from her Nanna.

Along came a little event called Halloween and you all know how we Chissells LOVE TO DRESS UP . The annual Manly Street Party was even bigger and better this year and the spooky Chissell family got ‘papped’ by the paparazzi. In fact the media blurb said it is the largest Halloween event in Australia!

Picture courtesy of the Courier Mail.

We also had an impromptu party on the 31st itself which was great fun. Trinity and Olivia’s ‘bff’ Oliver joined the Chisslets for some trick or treat japes around the local area. I am convinced they each came back with their own body weight in candy! We cannot wait for next year!

You would never guess it, but sport has been a huge feature for the Chissells recently too

The Philster won the ‘double’ with his soccer chums this week and Olivia is about to finish her soccer season soon.

We also went to our first Supanova event recently and a hilarious time (think Comic Con from the fab movie ‘Paul’). It was great fun and we got to see Colin Morgan (Merlin) and Christopher Lloyd (Doc Hollywood). The Chisslets even sat in the iconic De Loren car. Such a shame Conor was away camping with the scouts. Olivia achieved her ‘Promise’ badge which is a major achievement and is now linking up with the Cub Scouts. Conor achieved his IT badge and is currently linking with the big boy Scouts. They are all off camping this weekend and poor Chil Phil will be Scouting Tuesdays, Wednesday’s and Friday evenings from the new year.

The academic year is drawing to a close in Australia and the Chisslets are bringing home the most inventive Christmas creations. It makes me want to hang up the deccies early, shush but do not tell Phil…..

Our next visitors to Chez Chissell over the festive break will be Penny and Jim (Phil’s parents). We are so excited and are counting down the days until they arrive. Talking of visitors, this chap came to say hello in the garden over the weekend….

Well that is all our news for now folks, keep sending all those wonderful newsy messages and photographs of your gorgeous families. At this special time we remember and raise a glass to absent friends and relatives , may they rest in peace. Best wishes to those of you who will be celebrating a birthday over coming weeks, especially our beautiful nephew Joseph and our dear friend Sue. xxx

Have a Merry and Joyful Christmas folks and an amazing 2012 too!

With love and respect, Amanda, Phil, Conor, Olivia & Ryan

Spring has Sprung Down Under

2011-09-30T09:31:00.001+10:00

Spring greetings from the Sunshine State

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 .

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 .

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 !

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 .

Waiting to see the Harry Potter at the cinema

It was exciting to show the girls around the city and what better way than to cruise up the river on a City Cat.

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 !

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 .

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.

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

2011-06-27T13:44:00.002+10:00

Greetings from sunny Brisbane folks. We hope you and your wonderful families had a good Easter and are now looking forward to your summer hols. Phil’s mum Penny flew out to stay with us over the break and so lots of fun and laughter ensued.


Having a ball exploring beautiful Byron Bay

The delightful Coochiemudlo Island.


Penny getting her craft on with Olivia.

Ryan climbing into a giant cooking pot full of cushion veggies and Conor & Olivia having fun with the Architectural blocks in the state library.


Having a great time at GOMA in Brisbane.

The exhibition at The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) was fabulous and such great fun. The Chisslets really enjoyed the hands on exhibits like the Lego table above. Such a shame Ryan was too little to go on the spiral clear slide in the centre of the exhibition, but at least we avoided the long queues too. We finished of this lovely day with with some yummy seafood nosh at the Greek Taverna on the South Bank.

Ryan’s Easter Bonnet Parade in the newly opened school hall.

The Easter hunt and choc chomping was a hit with the Chisslets again. So we headed for stroll around Point Halloran to burn of our guilty over indulgence (and make room for some more).

Olivia looking very sophisticated in her mums sunnies!

The next day we met up with our dear friends Hazel & Steve for a fab Easter BBQ.

Little Molly and her proud mum Hazel.

The Chisslets playing with little Molly and Cooper

You can never have too much fun and sparkle eh Phil?

The Chisslets were thrilled that Granny was able to see them proudly march at the 2011 Cleveland ANZAC Parade.

As any visitor to Chez Chissell knows, there is never a moment to relax (until the Chisslets are in bed of course ).

It is great that Granny is as mad about sport as the Chisslets

All too soon though, it was time to say goodbye followed by lots of hugging and tears. Thank you for making our Easter break so special Penny, we love and miss you very much. Come back and see us again very soon. xxx

Sad farewells at Brisbane Airport.

May arrived along with another birthday, ‘Mothers Day’ and a lovely BBQ with friends. Thank you for all the lovely cards and pressies folks, I am very lucky to have such caring friends and family xxx.

Dave & Barbara cooked an impressive feast and the children had a ball playing sports in the huge garden. The big boys retired to the garden to join in the fun and left the ladies to gossip and drink the evening away hic!

The Australian winter has begun in earnest and Brisbane Council opened the annual winter festival with a temporary open air ice rink in King George Square. The Chisslets loved the pseudo alpine atmosphere. Marquees filled the perimeter of the rink with merchants plying various Bavarian delights.

We were all thrilled to see the ‘Pink Lady’ at the QLD Maritime Museum. This is the boat sailed by Queensland teenager Jessica Watson, to become the youngest person ever to sail solo & unassisted around the world.

Ryan attended his first ever disco recently with his big sister and brother. The video footage is fabulous with all three Chisslets holding their own tripping the light fantastic. The event was a fundraiser for the district Scouts pack and was very well put together. It really was hard to sit and supervise and not get up and shake my booty too

Olivia won a prize for dancing but was less than impressed with it (a bottle of Matey bubble bath!). The hot dogs and popcorn went down well though.

The last day of term brought the all the fun of Cross Country at the school. Sadly Conor is recovering from flu and so couldn’t participate. But Phil was able to take the day off and watch Olivia and Ryan race.

They both did so well and enjoyed themselves immensely.

Our little man turned 5yrs on the 26th June and we celebrated living in Australia for 4 years! Where have all the years gone folks?

Ryan Elton John has developed a real taste for music and performing. I cannot think where he gets that from…… He entertained us as we danced the night away (in between telephone calls from Blighty). Thank you to everyone who sent him such lovely gifts and cards. He is a very lucky boy indeed.

We are absolutely thrilled that our next lot of visitors will be my mum Breda and two of my lovely nieces Orla and Alanna, who will be jetting over in August - yahoo!

So what has been happening with you folks? Have you been/are going on your holidays etc. Keep sending those fab messages, emails and photographs, they are truly valued.

Best wishes to you all for a sizzling summer and do not forget to slip, slap and slop the sun block (eh Paul ).

With Love, Affection and Respect,

Amanda & Phil xxx

March 2011

2011-03-10T13:32:00.000+10:00

Autumn Greetings from Australia

G’day folks, I hope you and your lovely families are happy, healthy and well. Did you make any New Year Resolutions?

As you know from the media coverage, it has been a tough start to the new year in Queensland and things are slowly getting better. I could say ‘normality’, but that would not be quite true. The state of Queensland and key areas of the City of Brisbane has irretrievably changed. Whole lives have either been directly touched by human tragedy, or homes and work life turned up side down. And so a new normality is being established and a proud spirit of community too.

Our Christmas festivities seems a distant memory in view of recent events, but as it is my favourite time of year, I shall start the blog with our Chrimbo shenanigans, if only to restore my equilibrium to its usual happy state.

Last Christmas was very special as my mum flew out to spend the festive season with us and luckily avoided all the nasty snow that enveloped Blighty by mere hours.

The Chisslet’s had a wonderful week of fun and nonsense at school before breaking up for the summer holidays.

And they got to meet Santa several times before the big day came as they were soooo good last year (cue choking sounds) First up the Suncorp Family Christmas Party at the Plantation.

The Chisslets had a great time ‘making’ their first ever Christmas Cake together, which really added to their sense of anticipation.

In between the showers we ventured out to (slip & slide) around strangers gardens to view the most glorious fairy light displays. As usual I let my inner child roam free, seduced and bedazzled by all things shiny, bright and musical. I didn’t want to go home, bah humbug to the owners of these wondrous sparkly confections, whadday mean you need to go to bed!

As is my want at this time of year I went out on the lash with the girls. I behaved myself – mostly. I even sang the Slade Christmas anthem at the annual MOPS Christmas dinner. The video is hilarious.

We headed into the City on Christmas Eve for some festive fun, before joining Phil in his office for another impromptu Suncorp Christmas party. We saw some something rather unexpected during a refreshment pit stop near the town hall!!!!

????

Lol, I still wonder if it survived the flood!

The party was good fun, Santa made an appearance and the Chisslets got even more presents, lucky things. Sadly I forgot to charge my camera battery and so I couldn’t take many snaps. The caterers did a fabulous job, with a generous banquet of exotic finger food and champagne for the ‘olds’ and sweets, cakes and chocolate fountains of all different persuasions for the ‘little people’. Weather (on the whole) behaved itself and so the view of the river from the balcony was spectacular. Ultimately for me the icing on the proverbial cake was to share this privileged experience with my mum.

Christmas day was fabulous as usual with the Chisslets excitement and enjoyment making all the effort worthwhile. Thank you for all the lovely gifts and cards folks, your thoughtfulness and generosity is respectfully and graciously appreciated.

In between Christmas and New Year we hosted an informal party at Chez Chissell. I think the photographs speak for themselves, but the ‘video’ captures the hilarious shenanigans spectacularly

Christmas Karaoke time girls

We kicked off our New Year’s Eve celebrations with a Champagne breakfast party in Park. We caught up with Steve and Hazel to share in little Molly’s first birthday celebrations. The weather was perfect and the company was sublime.

Despite the Floods, & mum and I managed to get out and about, indulging in some essential retail therapy & seeing ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ with the Chisslets, at the flicks.

All too soon though mum headed back to Blighty and has left a big whole in all our hearts Please come back again soon mum? xxx

At the end of January the school holidays came to an end and the Chisslets began a new academic year at school. However this year (to much anticipation) Ryan joined his brother and sister for the very first time and is loving being a Preppie.

He is coping well and adapting to his new structured routine. Although he is no longer keen on the idea that he must attend every (week) day and cannot stay with me anymore. I am really pleased to assist the teacher in his class regularly, which makes both of us really happy. Phil took the day off work to support Ryan during his first ever ‘class swimming lesson’ which made the day extra special for him.

Also, Phil’s brother Steve flew out from the UK to see us, together with his gorgeous daughter Renee (sibling to the lovely Zaria whom you may remember from the blog previously). The Chisslets were thrilled to meet their new cousin for the very first time.

Thank you so much for coming out to see us Steve. It was truly special to meet our little niece Renee. Come back and see us again very soon xxx.

On the 14th February Phil and I celebrated our thirteenth wedding anniversary and our ‘Valentine boy’ Conor celebrated his 10th birthday. Where have all the years gone????

Last weekend the Chisslets ‘Cleaned Up Australia’ with the Scout Pack Leader Chil . Ryan was allowed to participate to his delight and the children felt genuinely proud of their efforts - very community spirited.

Well that is all our news for now folks! Keep sending us those lovely newsy messages and snaps of your wonderful families. Good luck in keeping your respective New Year and ‘Lenten’ resolutions.

Best wishes for a happy and peaceful Easter

Love and much respect Mr & Mrs C xxxxx

2010-11-15T14:02:00.003+10:00

Warm greetings to you all from another glorious day in Brisbane folks!

We hope you and your loved ones are happy and well. The stores are bedecked in festive froth and the Chrimbo ads are in full swing on Oz TV! It still feels weird for us considering we are heading into summer. The Chissells have had a lot fun since our last update which included seeing one of the great wonders of the world, visitors, a birthday and lots of dressing up. Hmm…. where to begin?

Over the half term break in September, we headed up north to stay with friends in the spectacular rainforest of Kuranda. Located just outside of Cairns, we travelled around North Queensland – as far as the Daintree Rainforest (deemed the oldest in the world in the guidebook blurb) and inland to Atherton and the Tablelands. We also sailed over to Green Island and swam with the exotic fishes on the Great Barrier Reef. An incredibly exciting and unique experience, which was truly beyond compare.

Flying out from Brisbane Airport.

An awesome view of the Great Barrier Reef from the window of the plane……

Welcome to Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef……..

Our semi-submersible boat was so much fun, we captured some amazing underwater video footage of the reef. We also had fun on a Glass bottomed boat and caught sight of Nemo and the gang….

Getting up close and personal with the locals in Cairns…..

We travelled a fair way north, as far as The Daintree Rainforest. Port Douglas is truly gorgeous.

The view from the Captain Cook Highway…..

A typical Queensland Sugar Cane Plantation and the Mossman Gorge…

The Chisslets cooling down in the infinity pool in Cairns. Followed by a scrummy meal and a stroll through the late night markets along the Esplanade……

Having a great time at Palm Cove….

We stayed with some good friends; the Norths in the beautiful Kuranda Rainforest……

Riding on the Sky train up to the top of the Kuranda Rainforest and down again on the Heritage Train Trail…

A timely ice cream to finish off a lovely lunch and a quick play in the park before heading home…

Having delicious fun at the Coffee Works Plantation and Museum in Mareeba. We each sampled a huge range of Coffee, Liqueurs and flavoured chocolates from across the world. Before heading into the Atherton Tablelands for some rural fun…

Some of the North children and their Grandparents who were also visiting from the UK…

Goodbye North Queensland, thanks for a fab holiday xx

Tim and Paul then came to stay at Chez Chissell (following a fab week in Sydney) and the Chisslets were absolutely thrilled.

Having a fab time in the city…..

Visiting the Daisy Hill Koala Sanctuary……

Checking out the view on from Mount Coot-tha…….

All aboard the Chissmobile and heading out to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast…..

A fab day followed by a sumptuous rock and roll dinner…..

Picnic fun in Toohey Forest…..

The view from Mount Gravatt. Can you see the Gabba? Phil will be visiting there shortly to see the first Ashes test……..

A gorgeous sunset at Cleveland Point.

Poor Conor slipped over in the sand during a stroll over to King Island at Wellington Point. We had sad goodbyes at Brisbane Airport. Au revoir uncles, come back and see us very soon, we love and miss you very much xxx

Olivia celebrated her 7^th birthday on October 10^th and she definitely did it in style. A huge thank you to everyone who sent such lovely presents and cards, your generosity and thoughtfulness is truly appreciated. She is a very lucky girl indeed.

Happy birthday little lady xxx

The Chisslets attended another Aussie Bush Dance Fundraiser which was hilarious fun and both Olivia and Conor won prizes for their respective costumes and funky dance moves. Ryan joined in whenever possible and the video footage is priceless.

Do you like Ryan’s funky blue hair?

As you know, the Chissells never miss an opportunity to dress up and October 2010 was no exception. We were recently invited to attend a 40^th (fancy dress) birthday party of our dear friend Steve aka ‘Forty Man’. The theme of the event was heroes and villains, with creative licence allowed.



The following weekend, we got to dress up all over again to celebrate Halloween. It is definitely getting bigger and better in Australia each year. Phil had a chance to reprise his outfit!

We got up to some apple and Candy bobbing games, tripped the light fantastic to ‘The Time Warp’ etc. and generally terrified all Trick or Treaters that happened by Chez Chissell.

Coincidentally ‘Chil’ Phil and Olivia got to dress up again last weekend! The Cleveland Joey Scouts had a Pirate themed sleepover at the Den. She recently achieved her ‘Caring and Sharing’ badge and Conor is currently progressing well to achieve the advanced ‘Silver Boomerang’ badge. He is also attending ‘Pack Leadership Training’ at weekends too.

Meanwhile, I got to see the fantastic, breath taking, awesome ‘Valentino’ Exhibition at the GOMA (Gallery) in Brisbane with my dear friend Lucia. Being sooooo close to all the haute couture gowns worn by Hollywood stars such as Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, Jackie Onassis and all the 'original' Super Models, dribble dribble dribble!

Ryan enjoyed a ‘Prep’ meet and greet morning at the School last Saturday and is jumping at the bit to start formally.

Fortunately with all our gadding about we have not had time to spy any critters in the garden as our usual sign off. But we are pleased to report a second bumper crop of lemons and oranges are ripening in the garden right now, accompanied by our first crop of chillies. We will post some photos in the next update.

Thank you also for your lovely letters, emails, photographs phone calls and Facebook chats. Keep them coming as they mean a lot to all of us.

In the meantime folks, best wishes for a bonzer Christmas and a beaut New Year. xxx
With love and much affection Mr and Mrs C xxx