17^th December 2005

Canberra 

Merry Christmas to All...

Samuel has just popped into bed and calm has descended upon the house. We have been fixing up the Christmas decorations after dinner so there has been tinsle, flashing lights and dangly things everywhere.  The result is not necessarily a precise work of art but the kids certainly released some creativity!

Lea is busily readying the house for the range of house guests we will have over the next couple of weeks.  Part of the ceiling collapsing after a recent hail storm has caused a few minor challenges but we are all very excited and reasonably confident that everyone will probably have a bed (or something resembling a bed) as they pass through Canberra.  It should be an absolute blast to have both my brothers (and families), uncle and grandmother all here at various stages of the holidays.

Lea has had another terrifically busy year with the various goings-on at school, in sport and the various other activities the kiddies get involved in.  She completed her third year as the school fete coordinator and the day went off without a hitch.  Lea has also starting playing a little social sport.   The desire to run long distances has ebbed a little this year and tennis and hockey have filled the void.  Her tennis has a little more to do with good red wine than sporting prowess but they almost made the final. They assure me the alcohol does not get served until after the game has finished!  I also convinced her that social hockey is the missing element that would really complete our relationship.  Fortunately for me Lea scored in the first game and has enjoyed the experience so the assumption is holding true – for now.

... Lea at Samuel's Soccer

Samuel has been a busy little fella too.  He is right into soccer now and has a great coach who not only understands the game really well but can also communicate  with 9-year olds.  The team has become quite a tight little unit.  He has also been very involved in Cub Scouts and has started playing the piano.  He tends to pick things up fairly quickly and has shot through the first few stages of piano.  He is learning through the Suzuki Method which focuses on listening to music rather than reading it in the early stages.  The process has certainly suited Samuel. 

                                                ... Samuel at the School Disco

Danielle has also managed to fill up her year with Tap Dancing in the first six months and Hockey / Athletics in the back half of the year.  She is growing up WAY too fast for a protective father's liking but nothing seems to be slowing her down.  Danielle followed in 'big brothers' footsteps and has enjoyed Joey Scouts this year.  She has also started the piano and is very diligent in her learning.  Danielle will be the one to focus on getting it right – Samuel will be the one getting it done ... fast.  She has just acquired a new bed which has now completed her revamped room.  Full of pinky, purply colours with the various assortment of toys and dolls to finish the look off!

... Danielle at her Tap Dancing Concert

Simon is our energy bubble.  He is everywhere doing everything.  Simon loves to keep up with his older siblings and doesn't do a bad job at it.  He started hockey this year and athletics which he has picked up really well.  He has caught a few folk off guard when he has thrown or kicked them a ball  ... he gets onto it and if you aren't ready it could hit you just where you would prefer it didn't (speaking from experience).  Simon starts full time school next year and is very excited by the prospect.  He has spent a significant amount of time at the school this year with Lea so there won't be any initial shock, and, he has got Samuel's kindergarten teacher so all looks great for a successful start to his academic career! 

                                                                                                             ... Andrew and Simon hangin' loose

I too have had a full year.  I started as the Sales Manager for IBM's Public Sector services business in January and have enjoyed my first year of 'management' in  a large corporate.  My group looks after all Government Departments, Hospitals and Schools / Universities... so we keep ourselves busy.  IBM has proven to be a great move and we seem to be agreeing with each other.  I have also spent far too much time with hockey again ... but have had a ball doing it.  I coached a few teams and spent a bit of time on a committee, and, even managed to play a few games too.  If only hockey paid a little better – I would be set! 

2006 looms ever closer and it looks like another full and satisfying year ahead.  We wish all of you well over the festive season and trust your New Year starts with a bang!!   

Andrew, Lea, Samuel , Danielle and Simon.