And then comes Christmas

It is this time of year I tend to miss the U.S. the most. Halloween just passed and my Facebook account was flooded with photos of children dressed for the occasion. I loved seeing every single one of them, but it made me nostalgic and wished Nicholas and Catherine could enjoy this American tradition. They dressed up for a Halloween disco party and a dress up birthday party this year, but they missed out on the best part - trick-or-treating.

From Nov2012

Then the U.S. election came and went. I got to vote and am very happy with the result. Again my family and friends had many similar messages of pure excitement and hope for the next 4 years for America on Facebook. I’m grateful for the coverage in Australia and am amazed by how much the world follows the U.S.

Next up is Thanksgiving in less than two weeks. I have been very lucky to celebrate it here each year with my Australian family. I’m looking forward to it again and I think I speak for everyone here. Even Nicholas has realised how big a deal Thanksgiving is in our household.

So we have a bit to catch up on since my last post. Despite our hay fever, we’ve been enjoying the warmer Spring temperatures. Here are some highlights from the past few weeks: Nicholas survived 2 weeks of swimming at school and dressing all by himself without losing anything. Although, he did manage to bring home someone else’s swimmers (in addition to his) one day. Catherine now sleeps in a big bed. We have yet to disassemble her cot and move it out. We bought a bed rail for her and she manages to get in and out of bed by herself. Her vocabulary has increased with “go away” as her phrase of the moment. They both have also been helpful around the house , wanting to do the dishes and sweep up the yard.

From Oct2012

In addition to parenting, Phil and I have been busy with extra activities such as work, choir and fitness. Recently Phil was awarded a grant (or three) for some new projects. He also has a few choral concerts this month (with a small solo part!). I have recently been allocated to another client for a couple of hours per week. The change makes things interesting. And I’ve just joined a fitness class on Fridays with child minding included. So Catherine gets to watch me exercise when she’s had enough of the play equipment.

From Nov2012

Wishing everyone in America a wonderful Thanksgiving! Summer is almost upon us in the southern hemisphere and they say it’s going to be a hot one. I’m looking forward to a warm Christmas. Just six more weeks. Yikes!