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Showing posts from 2013

Just Married

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And so it was, on a hot New Year's Eve at a picnic ground in the Adelaide Hills - more than 10 years after we first met in Spain - that we finally tied the knot. In a very simple but beautiful ceremony, just witnessed by some close family members, we made formal what was already there all those years: our love and commitment to each other.    Happy New Year everyone !

Bijlsma sisters

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What a wonderful way to start the holidays. Daddy’s sisters Aukje and Janneke came over all the way from Holland to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Australia. After a late night welcome by Mum, Dad and Morfar (who already arrived the week before) the Aunties had their first encounter with their nieces the next morning. Completely jet-lagged they woke up to Ella shouting ‘Koala, Koala’. And sure enough, on their very first morning in Australia we had a Koala in the garden!  The girls warmed up very quickly to their Aunties. They showed them around at Nora’s Kindy, Ella’s childcare and of course the Kangaroo’s across the road. Next day the senior Bijlsma sisters went for a walk at Morialta (more koala’s), after which the junior Bijlsma sisters joined them for a stroll in Hahndorf, to visit Mum’s candle shop. And then of course it was Christmas! Lots of presents from Santa, even more Swedish guests and lots of traditional Swedish food. Good thing we could swim some of it off

Transition Day

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What an excitement. Nora had her first transition day at her new school, Aldgate primary. She came well prepared with a complete school uniform, a hat and a new bag.  It was just one morning to meet all the other kids in her reception class, most of whom she knows quite well through Kindy.  Now she can’t wait to start for real ….. ‘ I’m not a Kindy girl anymore! ’ You’ll have to wait until after Christmas Nora! And here's the moment of Nora's official graduation from Kindy ...

Christmas Pageant

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Christmas season has started for our family with the annual Stirling Christmas pageant. Nora has been counting down to this event for weeks, as it was the first time she would join. Aldgate Kindy chose the theme ‘Toy World’ for their float, so lots of Toy Story figures. Nora however had decided long ago that she would be a dressed up as a Ballerina, no matter what the theme was. From the word go she was marching ahead of the banner with three of her Kindy friends, right behind the marching band. Thousands of people watched over 40 floats come by before the last one with Santa himself. But of course our Nora was the star of the show. Well, at least of her own show ;-)

Koala season

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Whats that in the backyard, up in the gums? Not one, not two, but THREE koala's ! Two males fighting over a female .... yes, that time of year ;-)

Ella's casts

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Poor little Ella: 6 weeks of casts on both her feet. Why? Because she is still tip-toe walking like a little ballerina. A habit hard to break, so we had to take some more drastic measures… The good news is that she can walk on the casts. With a pair of big croc-shoes (toes and heel cut off) she is even running and climbing like it’s perfectly normal. Miss Groovy shoes they call her at Childcare, and apart from a few grumpy moments she is happy as ever! Only 5 weeks to go!

Happy Birthday Mum

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Hip hip Hurray: 35 today. Happy birthday Mum !!!

Happy Birthday Ella

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Our little girl had a wonderful birthday yesterday: cakes, candles, party with friends and lots of presents. And although it was way too cold and rainy for the time of year, it couldn't stop the fun. Happy second birthday Ella !!!

Royal Adelaide Show

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We had a wonderful time at the Adelaide Show yesterday. Just as impressed as last year with the enormity of the event: over 50,000 visitors pass the gate every day for a massive day of fun and entertainment. What started as a traditional farmers show has now blown out to an all-in-one fun park, carnival, theatre festival, animal-park, horse equestrian, commercial expo and eating bonanza. While Ella was a bit overwhelmed by the noise and the crowds, big sister Nora did all the rides on her behalf. Ella eased up when we reached to the farm animals, and amazed us by telling us what they were! And most important: both girls walked out with the ultimate show-bag … the Peppa Pig one!

Fathersday

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The first day of spring in Australia coincided with Fathers Day. Absolutely awesome weather so we had a great day at the beach. See how the girls were chased by the waves!

Bla bla bla Ella & Mum

Brilliant little video of Ella and Mum chattering and singing

3 Wishes

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Be careful what you wish for. Mikaela wanted to get back to work for a while now, preferably close by in the Hills in a nice and friendly atmosphere. And sure enough, her wish came true ... at the “ 3 Wishes Candle Barn ” in Hahndorf !  So yes, Mummy is into original eco-friendly hand-made candles now, and she loves it. Have a look at their website www.3wishes.com.au .  

Storm damage

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To everyone who thinks that it’s always nice and sunny in Australia ….