Turtle Town

The highlight of the weekend was M's nephew's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle party. He was 4 and I was proud to see him developing outrageous obsessions at such a young age. We all had to dress up in headbands and there was a lot of talk about "fighting, fighting, fighting" - the confessed reason why he loves them so.

He's a great kid and we didn't have to try hard to celebrate his birth. Unfortunately Megan popped him out a day before her own birthday so the combined parties seem to be dominated by superheroes and not gorgeous tea parties.

When I kissed him goodnight in bed later this night I asked him what the best thing of the day had been. He replied, "Playing Uno with Michael". He is the sweetest, generous and loving lil' kid. We love him. 

It wouldn't be a birthday if we didn't jump on Daddy's head. 

Spiderman (aka Jack). Don't let that sweet smile fool you. He could tie you up with web in an instant. 

The 'Happy' part of Happy Birthday comes true for Mr 4 year old. 

Good work Megsy. 

Joshie: Rachel, help me! Help me!
Rachel: Joshie, look this way, I'm taking a photo. 

Joshie doing a Ninja Turtle hi-yah on Uncle Mike. 

Michael: If I was 4 I'd love this present.
Rachel: Michael, you are 4. 

Checking in

Hi friends. I've just come back from a weekend in Perth where I took wedding pic's for my friends. My days are going to be filled with finalising staff, ordering stock, preparing our marketing campaign and writing operational manuals. Woo hoo. We have an opening date of 6th April so there's time to do what we need to do.

Got Barr Hotel happening over the next few weeks. Karen, Moid and Rory Winton coming tonight til the weekend and then Ruth Walker and friend coming the day the others leave. The house is clean and I feel in control of my life.

The good thing about living in Sydney is that you can go supermarket shopping any time. Our local Woolies is open all the hours I'm awake. That's a nice thing. That's were I'm going right now.

Our friends Fliss and Sully (aka Felicity and Simon) who got themselves in a marriage situation this last weekend. Carmel took this shot and I think she's available to shoot other weddings too. 

This is ma sista getting tanked on OJ at the wedding. 

A good dose of perspective

Hello all. A rare entry from the husband here.

This weekend, whilst Rachel stayed in Sydney being a workaholic for the Gloria Jeans "family" (their words not mine) I had the pleasure of attending the annual camp for the Sunshine home. It was my third year and each year I leave quite humbled because I reckon I learn and receive way more than I give to the "campers" who all suffer from intellectual disabilities to varying degrees.

I am reminded that the message of Jesus is actually very simple and is open to all. I am also reminded that the issues which seemed so important on Friday afternoon are not really that big after all when compared to those that live with pain, isolation and inconvenience most of the time. Fortunately most of the campers have such free spirits that despite their circumstances they are able to transcend these and participate in everything that is on offer over the weekend.

It made me think about what is it about that this camp which is so special and what is it that corporate Australia is spending millions of dollars trying to replicate in the work culture? I 'll let you make up your own minds on that one but I think part of the answer lies in the motivation of the participants both leaders and campers.

The highlight of the weekend for me was the Saturday night concert, in particular three acts. 1. the spontaneous participation of the audience to a Gloria Estafan dance number on CD. 2. One particular performer losing his dentures whilst in a similarly frenetic dance routine 3. and a particularly well rehearsed belly dancing number. As that fella from Australian Idol says "Touchdown".

Rach should be back soon.

Stunt double for Rachel (Salli Craik) and all round good sort with Nicole. Both Sal and Nicole are both princesses and are getting singing lessons so they made a good match. Sal is probably one or two lessons ahead of Nicole. 

Here is me and my mate Georgia.