carterfamilyinoz

So the end is almost here. We've had a great week in Melbourne, if a little strange at times. Great because we had a lovely day at the home of more of Shelley's relatives in Oz, Paul and Lorraine. We were again given such a warm welcome into a family home which was touching. Paul, Lorraine, Ivan and Kiara are lovely people and we felt at ease in their company, just as we did in Adelaide at Meera & Michael's. A special thanks to everyone in both families for making us feel so welcome, particularly as spending time with family has been non-existent over the last 5 months. Apologies to Meera and Michael for the name error on our previous blog. This has been corrected and we've fired the person responsible. Other highlights have included the ... read more

Well after what seemed like centuries (to Bella anyway) the big day finally arrived. To be fair she's only been talking about it since the first of November last year. It all started with balloons and presents and Bella's first thought was looking to find one for Noah to open (aaah!). She loved her presents, cards / promises of presents on our return. So thanks for taking the trouble to post them over. The DVD from grandma was 'the best' apparently. Not that it's a competition. That said, I was suggesting we go out and immediatly buy her a big surround sound super dooper player for it - but Shelley told me that was taking it too far and we'd just have to accept defeat. Seriously though, a great day. We were a little concerned Bella ... read more

Hi everyone, just a quick update to let you know that we are all fine. Steve is 3 weeks into his course and he has passed the first part of it. He has done very well and we are all very proud of him. As for me and the kids, we are just plodding on doing the same sort of thing most days, mainly the beach and park - both are lovely though, so its not too bad. Its a bit like being at home, having to go out everyday for bread/milk/magazines etc! (the woolworths is just like Somerfield!) I am feeling a bit lonely though so seem to be spending most nights internet shopping to ease the bordom - sorry Claire for sending all the parcels to your house. I thought I had better order ... read more

So we have been in Coogee for just over nearly 3 weeks now, so we have been chilling out for the best part and exploring Sydney on the other days. There is lots to see and do here and we are having a great time. The beach is lovely and the weather is pretty hot most days. We took a ferry trip around the Sydney harbour, it was only an hour in total, but we had to get off early because poor Bella so so sick again. Bless her she was really brave, but I have to agree with her - no more boat rides! The thing is where we got off the boat, we were miles away from where we wanted to be and the only way back was, boat, taxi or a very long ... read more

So we have arrived in Sydney, and the apartment is fantastic. I have gone from living in a shoebox to a 2 bed, 2 bathroom trendy place overlooking the sea! The town, Coogee is also great, loads of little shops, restaurants and foody places. The beach is at the end of the road and we are only 20 minutes on the bus to the city. Strangely there are loads of brits. I am also happy because I have managed to buy marmite and the latest copy of Heat magazine - who says I'm hard to please!? So we spent the first few days just finding our feet, finding a park and cooking, yes it is great to have an oven again. First thing on order....some roast potatoes, and then some baking with the kids and jacket ... read more