Early days of 2014

Aunty Dympna and Kim enjoying oysters and champagne

Well Christmas passed as quick as greased lightning, and hot on its heels was New Year. We celebrated the end of 2013 over drinks and a delicious meal with friends Judy and Don, other friends Warren and Heather. We had a lot of lovely social encounters with family and friends over the festive season. Kim and my youngest son Mark caught up with each other, and sadly it wasn't until Mark returned to Darwin that Benn and Daina arrived home from Japan. But they did get to spend a few days with Kim before she flew home to Copenhagen. My kids are spread far and wide around the world these days!

Mark and Kim

Not wanting to miss one last chance to see Kim before she left the country (she had a busy itinerary and was hard to catch), I went up to the Gold Coast and saw her briefly, and spent some time with baby Jackson (and his mum and dad). Yudian and I had fun taking Jackson on his first shopping outings, and checked out 3 of the 5 main shopping centres nearby. We'll get to try the 4th one the day after the Christening! 

Yudian and Jackson hit the shops

Kim, Benn and Daina heading to their surfboards

Benn and Daina meet Jackson - here with Tony and Yudian

Benn and Daina sipping champagne with Ret and AD

On the riverfront -  the river is reflected in the windows.

The day that Kim was due to fly out, I had breakfast with her, Benn, Daina before saying our goodbyes. Benn, Daina and I then met Tony, Yudian and Jackson for morning tea before driving home to Ballina. Our feet hadn't touched the ground when Aunty Dympna (AD) and Ret invited us to join them for a celebratory champagne, and I guess we just couldn't refuse! That was the perfect entree to our next outing for champagne and oysters on the river front with Benn, Daina, Ret and Pete. Well, we are still celebrating New Year I guess…Next stop the Gold Coast on Sunday for the Christening.