Before I joined my family in Brisbane to embark on the next chapter of our outback adventure I’d been on my own in Melbourne for some crohns treatment for a fortnight. Having crohns is no picnic but before we left I actually relished the idea of a fortnights treatment purely to be away from the responsibility and groundhog routine of raising three kids. I got about 5 days in before I was hopelessly homesick for them. I stayed with our friends fish and Mel who have three kids of similar ages: Will, Tahlia and Charlotte. I’m not sure if that helped or hindered my acute longing for my own kids but I enjoyed being part of their routine for a fortnight nonetheless. It was amazing how similar their personalities mirrored my own children’s. Will was a very sensitive soul and shy with his affections until he got to know you better. Much like my Liam. Tahlia was very much the stereotype of a middle girl-child. Super fun, super determined & super stubborn & stroppy when it suited. Sounds like I’m describing Summer! Charlotte was the youngest, sweet, easy with her affection & cuddles but totally ruled the roost! She had everyone wrapped round her little finger - a symptom of being third child in a family. In my opinion anyway - because we have similar problems with Hunter! Our parenting lapses with him, and we often take the easy way out and he has learnt to play on it. Like Charlotte. It takes definite smarts! Clever wee kids!
I got to catch up with other dear friends from uni too in a bit of a gathering. Boz & bec, Aussie and Xav & Sarah (& Fish & Mel too). I hadn’t seen any of them for a few years (except for xav & Sarah who we met up with in Alice during our trip last year) but it’s always like no time has passed when we do catch up. It wasn’t enough time but that’s the beauty of lifelong friendships. There’s always next time no matter how long it’s been.
I flew from Melbourne to Brisbane eagerly awaiting reunion with my family. I was filled with nervous excitement and it was such a delight to see them all step out of the gates, wee faces full of joy as they raced over to me. I think I shed a few tears of joy as I cuddled them all, including my lovely husband who chuckled sympathetically at me.
We then spent a couple of days catching up with the Perry cousins in Brisbane. Those girls are always such a delight and their energy is so infectious! Nanaia & Jade are such great conversationalists & super busy and competitive with all their sport. Leila & summer were inseparable again and everyone was very obliging with wee Hunter wanting to be included. Russ & Michelle were fabulous hosts as always and we look forward to planning a family holiday with them next year.
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