Jess holding Nathan when only a few hours old. Another nephew to spoil. That's what Aunties are for.

Ric,Janelle, Dave, Jared,Daniel and Tei

A lovely family that Cara is joining

Cara and her friend Claire who did a practice run for the wedding on Cara's makeup. Good job done

Such a lovely couple

Don't they look great together. It was a lovely night catching up with alot of friends and family.

Let the racing begin

We were all a little nervous. Some went to the loo as they had been told that the lighter you are the faster you went.

What a Weekend

Well it all started on Saturday morning when Cara and Dave flew in for the engagement party. They were soon followed by Dave's family, Ric, Janelle, Jared, Daniel and Tei. Jan and Janice had been preparing food for the last few days so we were not going to run out of sustenance. After having a lovely lunch all the men went Gokarting. My nephew Stephen joined us, 9 in total. The 1st round included an outdoor section. The rain started to fall and we were all slipping and sliding and having fun. Dave won that round(we all let him win? Yeah right) Anyway that's what we told him. A few of us needed a chiropractor after being slammed from behind( typical Victorian HAha). No names mentioned in case of defamation proceedings but he was the 2nd oldest person there?? The 2nd round was all indoors so it was very bunched up racing with alot more bumping and smashups. Dave won again! He's not coming next time. A great, funtime together. Boys will be boys.
Then it was back to the house to get ready for the party. About 60 people came and it was a great night with lots of eating and fun. It made me appreciate my family very much as well as the new family that Cara will be marrying into, come December 6.
Abbey was due last Thursday and we were not sure if she would make the party, but she did and then went into labour Sunday morning. After a few hours of labour we welcomed Nathan Blake Barrett in to the world. He was a little blue and took some time to get a good colour and become responsive. Jan and Janice were there at the end of the labour to witness the birth along with Jeff. We are thrilled to have our 5th grandchild. Jacob, Alyssa and Maddie are staying over while Abbey is in hospital, so life here is busy, busy, busy, but enjoyable.
To top it all off, the crows won and finished 5th so they will have home final this weekend. Against Collingwood which just happens to be the team that Dave and his family follow. So it's SA vs Victoria. Smiths' vs Mcleans. Cara vs Dave? Not sure about that one. Carn the Crows

The Engagement Banner arrived today. Cara's workplace kindly designed and shipped it to us for free. It will look great hanging up on Saturday night as well as in Melbourne on 18/10/09

Hard at work at Largs North Fire Station........writing my blog!

Abbey's due but nothing happening.........as of 3pm!

Today, the day started early than usual with Jan taking Mum and Barb to the airport at 4.30am. Unfortunately she came back with a migraine and needed to come back to bed to try and sleep it off after taking some medication.
It was off to the Fire Service for me at 6.45. We did our physical training in the morning which left me a bit tight in the legs and then we did a familiarisation visit to BP terminals. They are upgrading their fire-fighting systems so an inspection by us was welcome.
Tonight I expect to move 1 cub mtr of mulch, hopefully with Mike's help. The garden will look ticketyboo after that. All is coming together for the engagement party on Saturday.
Still no news on Abbey. She is due today so it's getting very close now.
Last night I visited with Sister's Zollinger and Anderson as they taught Darren the final Missionary lesson. It went very well with the spirit being very strong testifying to us all that what was being taught was true. He is getting baptized on Sunday which is exciting. Altho I was tired and would've liked to have stayed home, I felt blessed afterwards having gone to his home for the lesson.

Maddie auditioning for' So you think you can dance" She's made it to the next round of competition!! Go Maddie

Maddie's 'after the fall' photo

This is later that night after her fall and 3 stitches in the lip. We love her even more!!

Maddie's fall and Abbey is still hanging around

Well young Maddie had to go to hospital with her lip cut open due to a fall. 3 stitches and 5 hours later she came home. Jan and I looked after her on Sat night while the parents went out. It was cute seeing her cuddling into Grandma seeking some comfort. Poor thing.
Any way she'll bounce back as all kids do.
Abbey is due on Thursday. Go early hopefully and be there for Cara's engagement party!!! AS if she can control it??