NZ Population Increase

Dad and I went to the international airport in Brisbane early yesterday morning, Saturday, 23rd January, (having travelled to 25 Copenhagen Street the day before) to farewell James and Melissa, Phoebe, Caleb, Joshua and Lachlan. When we communicated with them on our way home, yesterday after lunch, they were safely in their new country and all out for a walk in 12 degree temperature of Christchurch city, New Zealand.

James asked me to say goodbye from himself and the family. We will certainly miss having them living so close. Mel's sister Claire had brought her Mum and her girls to the airport to say goodbye, and Mel's sister, Shona and friend Robyn were there also, along with friends of the family, so there was quite a gathering.

Please say some prayers that their house in Toowoomba will sell very soon - along with the two vehicles and the motor bike. The house looks great after the hard work of the past 4/6 weeks. Yes, they did get all completed by Friday around luch time! We spoke to the real estate agent who was in the front yard when we drove past on our way home, and he had already had a couple of parties go through.

Dad's Accident

I had a call from Dad this morning soon after they arrived down in Toowoomba to continue to work with James. Leslie has also been with him for the past three days.

This morning when they were travelling in a line of traffic on the Warrego Highway, near Charlton, approximately 14 klms from Toowoomba, the traffic slowed to a stop and a gentleman in a van behind Dad failed to notice what was happening and despite a loud squeal of brakes was unable to stop and ploughed into the back of our Falcon Station Wagon. Thank God, no one was hurt. Whilst Dad noticed the van and realized that it was unlikely the fellow would be able to stop, Les was somewhat relaxed and did not realize was was going on - Dad said he got a bit of a fright.

The other vehicle was barely damaged, but the Falcon is pretty bad. Rear Tailgate and passenger back panel were both damaged and both windows were smashed; tail and turning lamp assembly was smashed; Rear bumper bar was pushed forward and cracked. Petol filler cap was smashed - Dad's comment, 'just as well I filled up yesterday, as I would not be able to get fuel in today; rear floor panel on LHS was rippled but not broken; Rego sticker and Protection panel from top of tailgate were both missing; In all, quite a mess, but they were still able to drive and have spent the day a 3 Vacy Street working with Jim.

It is 8.10pm and they are not home yet. Dad was hoping to finish down there today so as he can give Les a hand with his trailer tomorrow. Most of you would know by now that Les and Deb moved out of their house last Thursday and are staying here for a week or so. They hope to set off on a trip around Australia in the next couple of weeks. Please keep Deb's Mum in your prayers as she had a bit of a set back on the weekend and was back in hospital for a couple of days.

Horsing Around

Lindsay Sloss and his girls brought 4 horses around to the farm this morning and gave all the kids a ride.  The girls were very patient and helpful to the kids, leading them around in the rather hot sun.
The kids had a fun time doing something they don't get to do every day.  Harry didn't want to go on the horse initially, but then he was crying later because he didn't want to get off.

Toowoomba Bryants Farewell

Pete blogging on behalf of slack parents.  :)

We went out to the farm this weekend for a farewell do for Jim, Mel and kids.  They have embraced the spirit of adventure and are heading off to New Zealand to seek their fortune.  Christchurch to be exact.  I was interested to note that Christchurch is known as 'The Garden City' - the same as Toowoomba.  Anyway, they are selling everything and off to a new life in a new country.
Jim & Mel decided to do some quite extensive renovations to help with selling the house, so Dad has been spending quite a lot of time in Toowoomba helping out with renos.  Les has also put in a fair bit of time on the job.
Anyway, we managed to pull them away for renovations for one afternoon and night.  Ed, Squirt and family were there, Mary, Pete, Alli and co, Jim, Mel and kids, plus of course Mum and Dad.
Les and Deb were there for a short while but unfortunately had to leave unexpectedly as Deb's Mum had a serious illness in Brisbane.

We had a lovely lunch and a delicious dinner on a fairly hot day and sat out in the shade at the front of the house, eating, drinking and watching the kids play in the pool.  Steve, Judy & little Will were also there.

After the kids were finally in bed, the big kids had a good chin wag, but were pretty much all in bed by 10:30.
We knew the kids would be up at the crack of dawn.  :)

Mary had to get a sleeping Charlie and take her to the campervan with her, since she promised Charlie she would get her - even if she was sleeping.  :)

Slip n Slide

You can see a little of the crazy slip n slide action on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFpDrc7-TMc

File size is about 6 MB (equivalent to a large email).