Nevlin's "Wigglemania"

Nev's obsession over the Wiggles and Caterpillar have taken themselves to a new height. So much so, there need to be two posts. This will be the WIGGLES. If you are unaware of who they are, you can either google or trust me when I say they sing, dance, and entertain thousands of children for 2 decades.

Nevlin really smiled the whole time...couldn't believe the songs he had heard were coming to life. There is something about the power of performance. 

At one point, a Wiggle asked who wanted to have a flower from their friend Dorthy. Like many, Nevlin held out his hand.

Nevlin went with his Godmother, Michelle and me. We bought commemorative bags, and a whole outfit.

Here is the shirt! He looks pretty good in the whole outfit, including pants with stripes.

Melbourne & Livia confirming her Americanism

In Sept of 15 the four of us headed to Melbourne to present Livia to the consulate to confirm that she existed. We had applied for her citizenship and this was the last part to complete (including her raising her hand and swearing allegiance). Somewhere on the trip, Cam snapped this shot of Nev.

It reminded me of a photo of Cam from back in 2005, a decade earlier.

We got to visit family in Melbourne (on Tony's side) that included the couple who had been married about a year ago. It was a very relaxed meal, where the kids could roam about a bit.

Outside of the US Consulate, we snapped this shot. Livia was quite pleased and Nevlin found a stick.

At the art museum, there was a wall of water. Needless to say, Nevlin needed to change his shirt after this photo. Livia on the other hand was quite perplexed about it, but I believe she enjoyed it. It was cold water.

Cam's Wedding Fun

Cam had two family members marry in 2014 and in 2015: his cousin in Melbourne and his Aunt in Cannes. On both occasions, it was impossible for the whole family to travel, so he went solo. This first shot was from the balcony where he stayed.

Cam with his uncle, aunt, brother, and sister-in-law at the reception in Melbourne. People can really clean up!

Here are Cam with his parents and brother all black tie. 

 In contrast in Sept 2015 up north in Cairns, his Aunt had fire at her wedding. It was hot.

Here is Cam with two nieces and a nephew.

Livia's baptism

Livia was baptized at the same church that I was baptized in Dec of 2015. It meant a lot to me to have her baptized there and also to have an excuse to have a celebration with the extended family and friends back in Ohio.

Thanks to my parents for helping to make it happen, to Kaki who is Livia's Godmother, to Andre who stood in for my brother as Godfather, and Father Lucian. Father had the best line of the day "Why you not cry, baby?" because unlike most infants, Livia was quite fine with cold water being poured over her forehead.

Livia looked absolutely like an angel in her Christening outfit from her Aunt & Godmother Kaki.

Cousin Andre had the all-important job of candle holder / don't burn anyone / Godfather for the day. He did an absolutely fantastic job and even helped out by tucking Cameron's grandmother's handkerchief in his pocket. Because her married name was Cronk, she had several with an embroidered C on them. As the only grandchild with that initial, Cameron received them upon her passing. It was really special that his maternal grandmother could be represented too. 

After a nap at the reception, Livia was ready for more play with cousins. Tor really loved playing with the newest addition to the family.

 Four generations of ladies posed for a group shot. I think the only obvious difference is our hair!

Mom dug up my first pair of shoes for the occasion. We tried to fit them on Nev's feet for his baptism, but he was much too young at 1 month. Livia instead wore the same pants he wore under her dress to keep warm since it was winter. The shoes fit her feet perfectly, but neither of us ever walked in them.

Resurrecting this Blog - BIRTHDAY RECAP

Hello world. It's been a while, but I've finally caught up with things in life and decided that I needed to revisit the blog. Generally I have not posted much in the last year so I will have to update folks on what's been going on.

Since I mostly put up photos, those will continue to drive my posts. In the meantime, here are a couple recent ones from birthdays in 2016.

Tony had a bday in early June. Here is a snap near his birthday with a puppy we brought all the way from the US. It is very well loved around the world for over 40 years!

I got to celebrate my birthday twice: once with just folks at home, and then another time with a few more members of the family. Cam made me lamingtons (white cake dipped in chocolate and covered in coconut) for one of the parties. 

 I made a pineapple upside down cake for the other one. Nevlin helped by "blowing" out the candles on both occasions.

We then celebrated with MaryEd's birthday in late July. She opened presents including this package from Cleveland and my parents. It was a great and simple day.

For her cake, we had brownies that I made from scratch. They turned out pretty tastey.

From 2015 we will need to cover time in SA, our extended trip to the US with Livia's baptism, Nevlin's "Wigglemania" and Caterpillar craze, Cam's family weddings & solo trips to Melbourne and Cannes, Livia / Buckaroo for her first year, and Livia's first Thanksgiving (Not necessarily in that order).

THEN in 2016, you all have to look forward to the rest of our America travels, our trip back to Adelaide, visit with Ted & Song & Aiden & Sydney, small trips around Sydney including several hikes.

Lots to look forward to. I'll be posting late each week, so check back. MORE TO COME!