This was the year we caught Covid, hit a few milestones, went overseas since the pandemic began with one of us going around the world and finished with primary school. It was a big year for our family and it’s hard to believe that it’s nearly over.
It was Nicholas’ last year in high school (year 10). A highlight of the year was getting his Learners’ licence and recently driving for most of the road trip to and from Merimbula. He also enjoyed his work experience time working at the Duffy Primary School library which enabled him to spend some time with Catherine as well. His happiest moment was on our adventure to the Whitsunday Islands and snorkelling a part of the Great Barrier Reef (click here to read about it). Our Singapore trip (click here to read about it) was a close second, especially taking photos at the Flower Dome and going to the Singapore Zoo. He and Phil also enjoyed a boys’ night out eating his favourite cuisine, Japanese, and going to a live Aunty Donna show. In his last year of high school, Nicholas also learned to make scones and has since been the family scone maker. He is looking forward to going to college (years 11 and 12) next year.
It was Catherine’s last year in primary school (year 6). She
participated in her primary school parliament and was elected as the Library
Minister. She learned to ride a bike herself after her school camp trip and she
participated in the school choir. She also joined Girl Guides and went on her
first overnight camp and learned some new activities like ice skating and rock
climbing. Her highlights this year was our girls’ weekend getaway to Brisbane
where we saw Frozen the Musical and our time in Singapore. She also snorkelled
for the first time at the Whitsundays. Her favourite part of year 6 was
organising and working at her ice cream Market Day stall. She is sad to leave
primary school and is unsure about high school for now.
I was the unlucky person who first caught Covid in our
family. Then Catherine got it a week later. It was a mystery that both Nicholas
and Phil managed to avoid it (and still have – knock on wood). It was after
that time that I became the shortest one in the family. Both kids had huge growth
spurts this year. I’ve been quite sentimental about how much they’ve grown
physically, emotionally and mentally. I found myself a little emotional when I
dropped them off at their soon to be new schools for their transition days. My
highlights this year include going to Brisbane with Catherine, experiencing the
Whitsundays and Cape Hillsborough, the three of us meeting up with Phil and exploring
Singapore, singing along with Crowded House with Phil, having Thanksgiving with
everyone and relaxing in Merimbula with my favourite people (click here to read
about it).
I think Phil was the winner of having the most epic year.
I’m still amazed thinking about his trip around the world. It was such an
exciting and historic time. He had already gone back to normal with interstate
work travel from May onwards. In September he made the journey around the world
(click here to read about it), mostly for work. His week in London (including side-trips
to Cambridge, Oxford and Winchester) and brief time in Frankfurt, eating a
German dinner by the Main and standing in the Römerberg (square) are among the
highlights. He also did a bit of choral singing with Polifemy and was able to
perform in their last concert for the year earlier this month.
December was especially busy for us with both kids
graduating. We had double the graduations to attend, including Catherine’s
graduation dinner in the freezing cold. It was a lovely celebration
nonetheless. Nicholas also attended his year 10 formal which was at the
National Arboretum. We also had Christmas parties to attend and work to finish
for the year. Merimbula was a welcome short break before both kids started
their pet-minding jobs for the next couple of weeks. We had a quiet and relaxed
Christmas day with our family lunch and later spending a very warm afternoon
with extended family.
It was an eventful year and we’re thankful for our wonderful adventures. We are looking forward to what the New Year has in store and hope that there is much light and joy for us all.
 |
| Click here to view our 2022 photo montage |
Best of 2022
No comments:
Post a Comment