Catching up with Barry

While in Sydney, we caught up with Barb's Uncle Barry. We had a very helpful few hours talking over lots of topics getting to know him again. This is something that can't be done simply over the phone. We got to sitting in a cafe, enjoying quality time.

Timothy Keller

The main reason we visited Sydney was to hear theologian and apologist Timothy Keller... live. If he was able to visit from New York (from Redeemer Presbyterian Church), then we could visit from Melbourne... no trouble. What Tim had to say was very solid Christian faith stuff and he spoke from a very logical perspective, without arrogance, on the reason for God.

Harbour Bridge

To visit Sydney Harbour is to also engage with the amazing strength and beauty of the iconic bridge. It is awesome to stand near by and to look up at it. Maybe it is the lacework of steel so carefully engineered and riveted together that makes it so special against the concrete jungle backdrop. This post is a short photographic essay in grainy black and white reflecting the time it was completed, around 1931.

Opera House

Whenever we get to visit Sydney, Peter is drawn to see the iconic Opera House for the Nth time. Last weekend was no exception and posted today is his short photographic exploration using grainy black and white images. The Opera House shell roof suits this sort of rendition.

Mum 78

The main reason for visiting Brisbane this month was her Mum's birthday, and it was celebrated in grand style with three of her five kids able to be there: Peter from Brisbane, Barb from Melbourne and Madonna from Tasmania. Nice memories.

Visiting Dawn

While in Brisbane, Barb and her Mum visited Aunty Dawn and parts of her family. It was important to keep up this contact as the years slide quickly by and before we realise it has been years not seeing them. Dawn is settled in a comfortable unit with plenty of old photo collections to enjoy and reflect on. Spot the cucumber.

Sisters-in-law

Cousins together

Visiting Miro & Miriam

When we were first engaged we used to visit these wonderful people who would simply overfeed us on every visit with all manner of rich food. On her recent week in Brisbane, Barb took her Mum to visit Miro and Miriam to reacquaint after so many lost years. It was a very special visit to a very beautiful family.

Extra Pics

These pictures were found on Barb's phone, taken inbetween the others posted earlier. It seemed a shame not to post these as well.

Birthday boy

Birthday girl

Piper doing a handstand... yay

Uncle Simon enjoying the minigolf afternoon with the three

Chaplains Message III

The subheading meant to be "Between Help and Service"

Piper's Tenth

Our oldest grandchild has turned ten! We weren't able to be with her on the day so we made it special for her the day following Jet's. Piper had requested a locket and chain and Barb was able to find one for her. There now remains the task of making two very small pictures of Bec and Gord because she wants pictures of her mum and dad in the locket.

The opening, curious eyes watching

The happy surprise

Piper world

Lunch with Abigail

Jethro's Fifth

Our youngest grandson is now five! and very articulate in naming how he wished to celebrate his birthday when he stayed for two nights with his siblings. There had to certainly be a mini golf game so we made sure of that. The rest of the daylong party just happened as it came.

Gift giving

Keeping the ball in play

Bec had made Jet's t-shirt as her gift

Their uncle Simon joined in and gifted them with another game

In memory of a special day

the obligatory cake

night time sparklers

glow sticks (when the sparklers were done)

Jet at Children's Church the next day