December 2005 - Christmas in Australia

I had a month in Australia over Christmas visiting all my relatives there, especially by Grandparental units. The most recent are at the top. Clicking on a photo displays a larger version.

Go to: Photo index | January 2006 - Christmas in Australia

Click the image for a larger version [31 December 2005, age ] It's New Year's Eve and there are fireworks on the Brisbane River. In the background is the City. The city organised fireworks at 9pm and then again at midnight. I stayed up for the 9pm ones, but I was in bed before midnight - too much fun!

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] The Waites in the pool: Alan, Connor and Jo. Nice!

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] Alexander and I are comparing our splashing methods. He's good at it!

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] Jo and little Connor are playing with the settings for the bubbles in the pool.

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] We're all in the pool. Alexander and I are sitting on the steps splashing his Daddy, Calvin. What fun!

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] Alexander and I are playing with the new presents.

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] This is Oliver Bradshaw. He's about 9 months old.

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] This is Connor Waite. He's one year old.

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] I got this totally excellent PDA as a present. It opens up to screen that you can write on and there are lots of buttons and lights. Very fancy!

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] Here's Oliver Bradshaw and his Mummy Mae. Oliver's got a great wooden toy where you can whack things with a little hammer - looks like fun!

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] Here are the Waites: Jo, Connor, and Alan. It's Alan's birthday today too.

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] The Waite and Bradshaw families are over for a swim and a BBQ. But before all of that, there's more presents to open. This is Alexander Bradshaw - he's only a few months younger than me.

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] I'm catching up on a bit of Dora while I have a snack.

Click the image for a larger version [29 December 2005, age ] I'm all dressed in my cute outfit ready for The Waites (Alan, Jo, with Connor) and The McNeil-Bradshaws (Calvin, Mae, Alexander and Oliver). Did you know that I can walk up the stairs all by myself? I need a haircut though. And some shoes.

Click the image for a larger version [28 December 2005, age ] After lunch, Grandad, Uncle Nick and Bob all jumped in the water for a swim around the boat. The rip was quite strong though so they had to either hold on or keep swimming!

Click the image for a larger version [28 December 2005, age ] They've arrived at Horseshoe Bay and Grandad is lowering the anchor while Bob and Kate look on.

Click the image for a larger version [28 December 2005, age ] This is Kate Heyworth-Smith. Cate's a barrister at the Queensland Bar.

Click the image for a larger version [28 December 2005, age ] Bob Milns is at the helm today, steering us towards one of the peaks of South Stradbroke Island and then onto Horseshoe Bay of Peel Island.

Click the image for a larger version [28 December 2005, age ] This is Adrian Heyworth-Smith and Achates is his Yacht. He knows Grandma and Grandad through the Friends of Antiquity at the University of Queensland.

Click the image for a larger version [28 December 2005, age ] Grandpa Shiv and Aunty Jen.

Click the image for a larger version [28 December 2005, age ] That's Uncle Nick before he lost his Akubra to the wind and the ocean.

Click the image for a larger version [28 December 2005, age ] This is Lyn Milns looking very ready for a day yachting.

Click the image for a larger version [28 December 2005, age ] There were a lot of jellyfish in the water!

Click the image for a larger version [28 December 2005, age ] Achates is motoring out of the Queensland Royal Yacht Squadron where it was berthed (satellite photo). We're off to Peel Island and Horseshoe Bay. See a map of the trip.

Click the image for a larger version [28 December 2005, age ] This is Grandad's friend Adian Heyworth-Smith's boat, Achates, a 60' steel-hull yacht. Adrian went out on Moreton Bay with his daughter Kate along with Daddy, Aunty Jen & Uncle Nick, Bob & Lynn, Grandpa Shiv and Grandad Keith. That's Aunty Jen waving.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] Brisbane City Council runs ferries up and down the river for tourists as well as locals. These high-speed cats are a great way to get into the city. We're going to catch one early in the new year to go to the Riverside Markets with Aunty Jen.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] It got too hot at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, so we went Indooroopilly Shoppingtown for lunch and airconditioning. Now, we're back at Grandma and Grandpa's apartment in a complex called Inn on the Park. As you can see, they have a spectacular view of the city.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] The Emus are up against the fence because some other visitors are feeding them. Those beaks sure look like they'd bite if you got too close.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] This Kangaroo doesn't want anything to eat, even if I put right next to his mouth and nose.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] Grandpa and I are looking for more Kangaroos to feed. I've got some food pellets in my hand all ready. It's getting really hot out here too. Mummy wishes I'd wear my hat.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] Do any other Kangaroos need anything to eat?

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] The baby Wallaby I was feeding a minute ago has hopped over to its Mummy so I'm feeding both of them now. I like feeding them.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] Ah! I've found a baby Wallaby that's just my size. I'm feeding him some food pellets and he likes them too. Mummy and Grandma are looking on.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] OK, I'm on the move looking for more Kangaroos to play with. I think I need some Kangaroo food.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] As you can see, this Kangaroo's pretty big - a lot taller than me! I'll stay clear.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] This medium-sized Kangaroo isn't scared of me, but I've decided not to get too much closer.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] I'm in hot pursuit of this wallaby. He's not very interested in talking to me, but I'm perservering. Grandma Gabriele is helping me corner him. (Alas he still got away)

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] The Emus are in their own enclosure because they tend to bite!

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] If you want to, you can hold a Koala at the Sanctuary and have your picture taken. Here's one of the guides explaining to a visitor how to hold the Koala. I was too little to hold one unfortunately.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] Daddy and I are on the lookout for more Koalas.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] We found this Scrub Turkey in amonst the bushes. They are wild here and Grandma Dorothy says they are a pest - they like to make huge mounds as nests and they're all over Brisbane, even in their back yard.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] There are also a couple of Wombats living at the Sanctuary. These two are fast asleep in logs that are not as hot as the outside air. It's a very hot day today.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] This Koala is awake and resting comfortably in a fork made from branches.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] There are lots of Koalas in Lone Pine, and some of them are quite close. Did you know that they aren't actually bears? They are marsupials. I know that now! Koalas sleep a lot because the Eucalypt leaves they eat don't have very much substance to them.

Click the image for a larger version [27 December 2005, age ] We've just arrived at the Lone Pine Koala Sancuary and this big lizard was out on the path to greet us.

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] After dinner, Peter, Sarah and I have gone into the pool room to watch Dora the Explorer on Daddy's laptop. We all like to watch it.

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] Grandad Keith is hard at work cooking steak and sausages for dinner.

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] Grandpa Shiv is playing keeper in the water polo match. He's pretty good at it too, even when 3 or 4 balls are thrown at him in quick concession.

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] Look Aunty Jen, I can pull myself up!

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] I'm swimming with Uncle Nick and Aunty Jen in the deep end! That's Bob in the background.

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] I really like being in the pool. With my floaties on, I'm not scared of the water at all. In fact, I'll happily step off the unwater ledge between the shallow and deep parts of the pool and drift or paddle towards someone. I also like to jump in, both with someone's help (I hold their hands), or all by myself. I'm starting to learn the arm and leg movements too.

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] Uncle Nick is catapulting Sarah into the air. He's pretty good at it too!

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] Grandpa Shiv is enjoying the pool and a beer.

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] I'm showing Bob how I can hold the noodle and wack people with it. He is suitably impressed. Aunty Jen is looking on as is Grandad.

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] Daddy's playing ball in the pool. He's about to throw it down the other end.

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] The Boxing Day dinner table. Grandma's put another fabulous spread together. Today, Bob & Lynn are over as well as the Crispies and Grandpa Shiv and Grandma Gabriele.

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] I like throwing these into the pool, but I've also discovered that they're good on your head too.

Click the image for a larger version [26 December 2005, age ] Peter and Sarah got a new swim ring for Christmas and Daddy is blowing it up in the pool. That's Sarah in the orange and blue in front and Peter looking on from another pool ring.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] After lunch, there were even more presents! Aunty Jude and Mike couldn't make it in time for our presents in the morning, but after lunch, we gave them some and they gave us some - isn't that nice! The temperature had fortunately gotten a lot more tolerable so we're outside on the deck. That's Peter there handing out presents with Mummy and Grandma in the background chitchatting.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Everyone's seated for lunch. Clockwise, there's me (with my pink drink already to say "cheers"), Mummy, Grandpa Shiv, Grandma Dorothy, Grandad Keith, Grandma Gabriele (obscured), Mike and Aunty Jude, Uncle Nick, Peter and Sarah.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Here our Christmas lunch feast! So much yummy seafood. There was Queensland Mud Crab (6 o'clock, and middle), fresh ham on-the-bone (8 o'clock), prawns (9 o'clock and 4 o'clock), Moreton Bay Bugs (10 o'clock), salad (12 o'clock), a chicken roll (1 o'clock) and some salmon (2 o'clock). A really yummy lunch!

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Grandma's set a lovely table for Christmas. All the Christmas bonbons were carefully selected by her - she arranged to have a special something in them, just for the intended person.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Merry Christmas everyone!

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] I'm helping Grandpa open one of my (many) presents

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] I got this great bucket and shovel for Christmas. I can wait to play with it in the sand to dig stuff.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Aunty Jen has been learning to play the flute for about 6 months now and she's really good now. She got the music stand for Christmas.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Sarah's wearing a University of North Carolina shirt she got for Christmas from us (Peter got an NC State one), and Peter's wearing a cricketing shirt from Grandma for Christmas.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Just about all the presents are open now, and some of us (notably Uncle Nick) are exhausted. It's pretty hot too, even with the airconditioning on. Fortunately, there's a cool change predicted for this afternoon, in front of a thunderstorm.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] We're more than half-way through opening all the presents. As you can see I'm already very busy playing with many of the toys I got, including this very cool book from Peter and Sarah. It has buttons on every page that make all sorts of sounds, such as letters and numbers and animals sounds, plus many songs including ones that I already know! Everyone can sing along!

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Peter's Christmas hat has stars on it that flash. I like it!

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Me and Peter and Daddy. We're about to start opening presents. Yippee!

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Daddy is standing in for Santa Claus this year (like he often does), and Peter is his helper.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] "Some?" Can we open our presents now?!

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] That's Grandma, Aunty Jen, and Sarah, all ready for Christmas presents.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Grandma with her very pretty Christmas earings. Nice!

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Grandpa Shiv and Grandma Gabriele out in the lounge ready for opening presents.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] My cousins, Peter, Uncle Nick, and Aunty Jen. Sarah was off doing something at the time.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Wow! Look at all of these Christmas presents! There are presents here for Mummy, Daddy, all of my grandparents, Peter, Sarah, Uncle Nick, Aunty Jen, Aunty Jude, Mike and hopefully some for me too. The tree is a real tree outside on the deck, but it's too hot to have the door open.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] These crabs are live and still moving! Those claws look pretty sharp. Good thing they're tied up.

Click the image for a larger version [25 December 2005, age ] Grandad's showing me the crabs he's about to cook. I was interested in looking at them but not too close!

Click the image for a larger version [23 December 2005, age ] I have so much fun with my cousins!

Click the image for a larger version [23 December 2005, age ] My cousins Peter and Sarah are giving me a piggy back ride - what fun!

Click the image for a larger version [23 December 2005, age ] Mummy and me in the pool. This is really fun and I'm getting quite adventurous.

Click the image for a larger version [23 December 2005, age ] I'm really good at hitting all the balls in the water with my noodle.

Click the image for a larger version [23 December 2005, age ] I'm showing Grandma how to use the noodle to whack balls in the pool.

Click the image for a larger version [23 December 2005, age ] I like to have all the pool toys in the pool. Grandma calls it the "flotsam and jetsam".

Click the image for a larger version [23 December 2005, age ] Back in the pool. I go swimming twice a day. My favourite pool toy is this half-noodle.

Click the image for a larger version [23 December 2005, age ] My water wings on my arms are very important - I wear them whenever I go swimming.

Click the image for a larger version [23 December 2005, age ] It's pretty early in the morning (before 7am) and I'm already up and about. Daddy and I are playing with the Duplo blocks that Peter, Sarah and I were playing with last night.

Click the image for a larger version [22 December 2005, age ] Now it's Queensland's turn to bat. So WA is fielding. Also in the picture is one of the two umpires. In the end Queensland won only in the last over by scoring two sixes!

Click the image for a larger version [22 December 2005, age ] It's the dinner break between the two innings. Since everyone is Grandad's guest at the Queensland Cricketer's Club, we get to eat dinner in style. Clockwise from the left is Grandma, Daddy, Grandpa, Grandad, Aunty Jen, Lynn and Bob. Bob and Lynn are good friends of Grandma and Grandad.

Click the image for a larger version [22 December 2005, age ] A good hit by the WA batter against a Qld spin bowler.

Click the image for a larger version [22 December 2005, age ] A Queensland fielder was trying to stop the ball from crossing over the boundary, but alas to no avail.

Click the image for a larger version [22 December 2005, age ] Returning the ball back to the wicket.

Click the image for a larger version [22 December 2005, age ] Everyone other than me, Mummy and Grandma Gabriele went to the cricket where Queensland was playing Western Australia in a day-night match. Here's a WA player batting.

Click the image for a larger version [22 December 2005, age ] The pool has a great view of the city.

Click the image for a larger version [22 December 2005, age ] It's early morning and I'm sitting on the deck drinking my milk and admiring the nice view of the city.

Click the image for a larger version [21 December 2005, age ] I'm having dinner with Peter and Sarah at their little table. It's just the right height, and if you remove the lid, then there's a lego base underneath to play on!

Click the image for a larger version [21 December 2005, age ] As well as the shallow pool area, there's also this ledge that grownups can sit on or people like me can walk along. Grandma's showing me how it works.

Click the image for a larger version [21 December 2005, age ] I'm playing with the balls in the pool. That's Sarah with her back to the camera, and Peter with his goggles on, and Grandma. Such fun!

Click the image for a larger version [21 December 2005, age ] Me and Grandma in the pool. Nice. We're watching Peter go underwater.

Click the image for a larger version [21 December 2005, age ] My cousins Peter and Sarah have arrived now. Sarah and Grandma are in the pool with me telling me how it all works. These steps lead down to a really nice shallow part of the pool that's just the right height for me to stand up in.

Click the image for a larger version [21 December 2005, age ] I've now changed to go swimming in the pool for the first time. I've got one water wing already, and I'm watching Mummy blow up the second one.

Click the image for a larger version [21 December 2005, age ] Let me show you my new toy - Pluto the pup. I call him "pup". Actually he's not new - Daddy had him as a toy when he was young (a million years ago apparently). The pool looks really great. I just know I'm going to love it!

Click the image for a larger version [21 December 2005, age ] We've arrived in Brisbane and we're downstairs in the back at Grandma's and Grandad's new pool.

Click the image for a larger version [21 December 2005, age ] This is the view from the house to Royal Parade. It's a very pretty street.

Click the image for a larger version [21 December 2005, age ] We're starting to pack up the car to head for the airport. This is Grandma and Grandpa's house in Melbourne (the suburb of Parkville). I have my pretty dress that Aunty Jen bought me.

Click the image for a larger version [21 December 2005, age ] We're packing up for Brisbane today, leaving Grandma's house in Melbourne. Of course when I say "we", I mean the royal "we". My staff are packing and I'm sleeping in -- and on their bed!

Click the image for a larger version [20 December 2005, age ] Here's one of the tigers at the Melbourne Zoo. He's a little bit shy and is hanging around in the shadows.

Click the image for a larger version [20 December 2005, age ] Here's a heard of wooden elephants in the little hut where we were looking at the real elephants. They're just the right size to climb on!

Click the image for a larger version [20 December 2005, age ] This elephant is very impressive. He was grabbing vegetables from the edge of the water and putting them in his mouth.

Click the image for a larger version [20 December 2005, age ] This is a pretty amazing monkey, known as a Lion-Tailed Macaque.

Click the image for a larger version [20 December 2005, age ] There's lots to see at the Zoo. We saw most of the exhibits before it got too hot and we had to go home.

Click the image for a larger version [20 December 2005, age ] The are about five lions at the zoo. We're separated from them by some big fences so that no one gets eaten (like me!). They're pretty impressive, don't you think?

Click the image for a larger version [20 December 2005, age ] We've gone to Melbourne Zoo this morning. The giraffe and zebra are pretty amazing. I was told there was an ostrich there too, but I didn't see it.

Click the image for a larger version [19 December 2005, age ] "Cheers!" I'm doing cheers with Grandpa.

Click the image for a larger version [19 December 2005, age ] Helen Waddington has come over for dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We're having Wiener Schnitzel for dinner - one of Mummy's favourite home-cooked meals. I like it too!

Click the image for a larger version [19 December 2005, age ] After my lunch at Thresherman's, Grandpa and I went for a walk down Lygon Street. We're just coming back from our walk.

Click the image for a larger version [19 December 2005, age ] We had lunch here at Thresherman's Bakehouse. Mummy and I had sausage rolls and Daddy had a meat pie. Daddy and I had a lemon softdrink each. Thresherman's has all sorts of yummy food, from sandwiches to hot meals to milk shakes to cappucinno. Excellent!

Click the image for a larger version [19 December 2005, age ] A wider shot of where Arun and Anna are buried. Arun is my Mummy's brother and he died in a car accident in 1997.

Click the image for a larger version [19 December 2005, age ] This is where Anna and my Uncle Arun are buried at Faulkner. We brought nice flowers.

Click the image for a larger version [19 December 2005, age ] I found Uncle Paul's old guitar in Mummy & Daddy's room. It's fun playing notes on it. I haven't mastered chords yet, but I can do plucking!

Click the image for a larger version [18 December 2005, age ] Daddy's sunglasses look cool on my, don't they! I put them on myself.

Click the image for a larger version [18 December 2005, age ] I'm sitting in my chair that Grandma bought me watching a little bit of TV. Some people call me a "box watcher" - not sure I like that. Still, my chair is comfy and it's just the right height to sit in and drink one's milk.

Click the image for a larger version [18 December 2005, age ] It's early in the morning (actaully late for my standards - 8:30am) and I am playing in Mummy & Daddy's bedroom while everyone else is out in the lounge room. I've found this little container labelled "mascarra" with a cute little brush in it. I've seen Mummy use it - it can't be that hard. Do you like my self-artwork?

Click the image for a larger version [17 December 2005, age ] We've just come home after going to see The Lion King on stage. The show had very impressive costumes and puppets and the singing was great too. I wore this pretty new outfit just for the occasion. Grandma bought it for me at Pumpkin Patch when we were at the shops. That's my baa-baa at my feet with my blankie on him.

Click the image for a larger version [17 December 2005, age ] Grandpa has arrived from London - excellent! I'm explaining all about my Dora the Explorer book.

Click the image for a larger version [17 December 2005, age ] Do you like my new Dora the Explorer pyjamas? Daddy bought them for me yesterday and slept in them last night. They're really fun to wear.

Click the image for a larger version [16 December 2005, age ] This is a great horsie too. I can climb up onto it all by myself (and get off too)

Click the image for a larger version [16 December 2005, age ] This neighbourhood slide is really fun. I went on it about 20 times!

Click the image for a larger version [16 December 2005, age ] You have to concentrate when you're about to go down the slide

Click the image for a larger version [16 December 2005, age ] Daddy and I have gone to the local park to play on the slide. It's fun!

Click the image for a larger version [16 December 2005, age ] I'm exhausted from my big day today, plus the fact that it midnight in Raleigh and I'll still adjusting to the timezone.

Click the image for a larger version [15 December 2005, age ] Now it's my turn to catch.

Click the image for a larger version [15 December 2005, age ] I'm hiding the ball from Mummy. "Where'd it go?" "There it is!"

Click the image for a larger version [15 December 2005, age ] We're in Melbourne to visit Grandma and Grandpa. I'm outside the house playing catch with Mummy.

Click the image for a larger version [15 December 2005, age ] Catch, Mummy, catch!

Go to: Photo index | November 2005