Bits and Pieces

Monday 31st March 2014

This evening we spoke to Elin, Jim and the boys after their long flight back to Stockholm. Everyone seems fine except for the dreaded 'jetlag'.

I have been clearing out photos from my phone and a few left overs from the camera, so here are a  few of them. Its nice to come across them as a surprise and extend their time with us.

This is something that Elin wouldnt have been too happy about, a quite harmless blue tongue lizard about 45 cms long.

A very happy, and young looking Henry, just before Christmas.

Johan watching the TV is his relaxed position on the floor.

Henry dinning out just after Christmas.

Auntie Beckys birthday at the local Chinese restaurant.

Johan in Leura 25th January 2014

A visit to Ikea just to make our visitors feel at home. Shame you didn't like the meatballs Elin, but they were pretty awful weren't they.

Johan getting a trim at the beginning of March.

Elin chasing that last bit of tanning sunshine.

 Henry has really grown while he has been here. He can look over the top dinning room handrail and we have the teeth marks to prove it!

Day 115

Saturday 29th March 2014

Well thats it! Its all over until the next time.

Last night we had our last family get together to farewell Elin, Jim and the boys. We had dinner during which there was lots of happy chatter and reminiscing.

We tried to have an early night, although it didn't really work out as planned, as we had to be up early for the trip to the airport. The big people got up at 0130 to get ready, do a last bit of packing and get the boys into the car to leave about 0230.  Henry woke as bright as a button whereas Johan was a little slow off the mark as he enjoys his sleep.

We arrived at Sydney International Airport by 0330 to be told that the flight was delayed. just what you need with two little boys who have been up since the early hours.

Once booked in, we said our very quick goodbyes before they headed off to the customs etc.  There was lots of sadness and tears but at least Farfar did finally get a hug and kiss from Johan.

Di and myself were home by 0600 and checked on line to discover that the flight wasn't due to leave until 0740.  The plane actually took off at 0813, which is one big delay, and is now just over 30mins into its flight which puts it approx. half way across N.S.W.

We have had a wonderful time, sometimes hectic but already the house seems overly empty and quiet.

We will miss them.

Day 109 - A Special Day

Sunday 23rd March 2014
An early start to the day to wish Farmor, Mom and Di, a very Happy Birthday.

Lots of presents and cuddles.

This is the original gate house to Old Government House in Parramatta Park, which is now the Gatehouse Tea Rooms. We are meeting up with the rest of the family to partake of a High Tea.

Its a lovely old building.

Henry, Jim and Becky.

Ben.

Sandwiches, scones with jam and cream followed by cakes.

Lots of lovely cakes and sandwiches.

Johan enjoying his 'fairy bread' and cakes.

Henry with his own special food supply.

After our lovely High Tea we adjourned to the park and rose gardens next door.

Nurse Elin helping Ben who had run into a rose bush and Henry offering advice.

Alex and Nanna having an in depth conversation.

The four cousins. Who knows when they will be together again.

This bench is a very popular place.

Alex trying his Tarzan routine.

A happy Henry.

 

This is what we were trying to achieve, the group shot.

Another great day to remember from the visit of Elin, Jim and the boys.

Day 106

Thursday 20th March 2014

 A very auspicious day which was celebrated in the traditional way.

With reference to Day 34, on which Henry started to crawl.  The whisky glasses came out on that occassion, and they did again about an hour ago when Henry took his first steps, three in number.

I hope the steps get more frequent and the level in the bottle goes down.

Day 103

Monday 17th march 2014

Not much to report over the last few days, just enjoying our family. Elin, Jim and the boys have been staying at Becky's over the weekend and they are on the way back now, so I just thought I would add a few general photos. The weather is still very warm with just a couple of rainy days which is good as we still need the rain.

Henry enjoying a feed.

Henry supervising the filling of the little pool ready for some fun water time. 

I think I will just do a little sunbathing until the pool is ready.

There's not enough water and its a bit cool yet.

Henry sharing the pool with big brother Johan.

This is fun but the water is still a bit cool.
 

Elin topping up her tan.

 

Henry practicing his Kung Foo moves. 
 

Henry's laid back eating style.

A relaxed Elin still working on that tan.

Before helping with the grass cutting.

Day 93

Friday 7th March 2014

Following on from "A dreary day in Sydney".

Today we decided to go to Manly again so that Elin and Jim could have a look around and go to the Billabong store. One of the shirts that we bought for Jim was too big so needed to be changed. After a nice run down to Circular Quay on the Rivercat we saw a very different picture of Sydney from when we came in at the beginning of the month with friends Val and Rod.

Passing those lovely painted buildings again that so remind us of Sweden.  They are on the point at East Balmain, opposite Goat Island.

The ferry stops in Darling Harbour opposite the Maritime Museum before heading into Circular Quay where we catch the ferry across to Manly.

 

At least on this trip we could see the tops of the tower blocks in the city.

A beautiful day for a ferry trip down the harbour

Someone else enjoying a life on the ocean wave.

A stop for a nice lunch.

 

I hope it didnt make our visitors homesick to have lunch at the Fika Swedish Kitchen.

The main beach at Manly.

Manly Corso.

I just had to have this photo in the blog, not only because its sooo cute but Henry just looks so much like his cousin Ben at the same age.
 

Thats a wicked looking Rhino, Johan.

At the end of a long day , as we are once again heading up river on the Rivercat, we came across this lovely sailing vessel again.

Another great day out.