Update on Melbourne Trip and our wet weather!

We had visitors over last night who told us that Easter is traditionally the time for flood warnings in this area. Looks like they were right. I'm sitting at my desk looking out at the effects of the continuous rain we are currently having. The level of water in the dog enclosure is at least 2 inches, and rising. While I am reasonably confident that it will drain away, I think I will continue to monitor the rise as we have rather a lot of computer equipment on the floor next to the window where the dog enclosure has turned into a backyard paddling pool.

James is revelling in the return to cool weather and rain - says it's the best he has felt since he got here. He has been out dancing in the rain, and walked to the school to get the kids just for the pleasure of becoming completely soaked. I'm just hoping we get a bit of warmth and sunshine in time for our visitors and for the farm to dry out for the first harvest run.

For all those who were concerned about my comment about hospitals, turns out it was not James I should have been worried about, but Josh, my godson, who claims to have caught the nasty cold from James, but has been much worse with it. He not only ended up in Lismore Base Hospital, but even got to enjoy (?!) a helicopter ride to Brisbane hospital to go into intensive care for respiratory distress! This all happened while we were in Melbourne, and was very concerning, but we were pleased to see that he is looking almost as good as new, and enjoyed the company of our kids over the weekend.

We had a very enjoyable, but hectic trip to Melbourne. Dealing with traffic and the long distances from one side of the city to the other meant we were both exhausted when we got back. It was great to see the family, and especially our nieces and nephews who have grown a lot in the intervening 3 months.

James got to go to Wonthaggi to join his schoolmates at the Human Powered Vehicle race over the weekend and then stayed on with friends to attend Caulfield Grammar School, even managing to be there for an excursion to Yarra Junction campus. Chris caught up with one of his friends over the weekend and then enjoyed catching up with the others at school.
Breanna and Liam were thrilled to be back at school - Liam received his school captain's badge, made a speech and handed out certificates at assembly. They also got to catch up with their respective friends after school.

Rob managed to fit in some work with an audit at one of the diver training establishments and got to catch up with his work colleagues by going to a birthday party which was very nicely timed. I played taxi for the most part, and fitted in cups of tea with friends in between picking up and dropping off other members of the family. I did manage to set up the online learning system for one of the classrooms at Highvale Primary, and also saw our tenants who are keeping the house in beautiful condition. Was amused that they had not had to cut the lawn once in the three months, as opposed to our lawn up here which provides work for some of the local lads every couple of weeks by growing at an amazing rate (like everything here).

The christening for Charlotte was a lovely event, followed by a very pleasant lunch back at Steve and Lisa's. We managed to make it last all afternoon and evening, and the time we spent there gave Abigail and Charlotte time to really get used to their cousins and Auntie and Uncle again. Charlotte is the most delightfully friendly and happy little baby.

Abigail has developed into a real personality and is even starting to talk. Initially a little hesitant with us, Abby was giving cuddles and kisses aplenty by the time we left. Her little magic show, complete with a bow to the audience at the end, was incredibly cute.