For Junna and GoY friends . . .

what a lovely family photo.

Thank you Val . . . not exactly gardening though. It makes a change to see Chiara without a little cotton hat, as they've been suffering 40 degree temperatures :(

Beautiful family photo Sheila.

I have seen the fires on the news in Victoria, where are you going to in OZ

Ohh!! Thanks a lot for sharing me this wonderful picture Sheila, Love the kids so much and very special to me Look at her Little cute one Chiara she's so beautiful, Give my hugs to her and I really hope she'll go, grow and glow healthy and happy, Love you Chiara:-)))))

nice - what date in April ?

Are you planning to attend the b'day party Paul?

They really are a very beautiful family aren't they? Gabrielle is like a film star!

no but reads like that now I look - just my bday in April too

Oh I see , Hope Chiara and you have the same dates:-)))

Lovely to hear from you all . . . thank you! We'll be going to Melbourne first, Yorks (where they live), then to Adelaide where Gabbi's parents have a farm - that's for the party. Chiara's birthday is the 15th Paul, but they're bringing the party forward to Easter weekend as our younger son has to get back for college (even tho' he's 40!).

So the family are safe, thanks - and yes Karen, she looks glam in this photo, but most of the time (I say with relief) she's a natural girl-next-door type :))

mine's the 14th - so close :D

Bet you were a cute baby Paul !!!!

not really :D

Oh Sheila, I can't believe Chiara is almost two! I agree with Karen ... Gabriella looks very glamorous .. :o)

Thanks Shirley . . . Gabbi scrubs up well! (doesn't time fly . . .)

Such a happy photo...
and wonderful that you will be at the birthday party ! :o)))

Thanks Terra - yes, just wish we could see them more often! Still, looking forward to getting to know the little one soon.

How lovely a beautiful family Sheila , It will be fabulous for you to be out there for Chiara 's birthday soon to be 2 already ,gosh hasn't that time flown by :o)

Lovely family Sheila, you must miss the very much. Enjoy you visit:-)

Super family photo,Sheila..and it doesn't seem so long ago you were telling us when Chiara was born !..what a pretty little girl,and you are going to have such a great time with them all..lot's more pics I hope :o)

Aaawww thanks Amy, Ba and Bloomer. I know - it's incredible how time flies. Maybe after we meet her again she will recognise us on Skype?!

Beautiful photo, you must be so looking forward to your trip! A good time of year to go, too.

Have a wonderful holiday Sheila, we wont envy you too much in all that heat , think of us over here in the cold Lol. Beautiful pic. of the family there and little Chiara, my how she has grown. Looking forward to a lovely blog of your trip. Safe journey.

Thanks - that's very kind Susanne and Gill! We're not going till late March, so it will be Autumn there and hopefully a lot cooler than it has been :)

Ah, thats Ok then, maybe you will envy us in the heat of a good British spring, Lol. ;)

:)) I had really wanted to go in November, so that I would get two Springs!

Well - two Autumns will have to suffice!

lovely looking family sheila, bet you cant wait to go see them :o))

Thank you San - yes, not too long now :)

What a beautiful family Sheila! I can't believe little Chiara will be two soon, you must be so excited about your Aussi trip!

Thank you so much Janey. Yes, it hasn't quite sunk in yet (p'raps because I've been busy with other things), but it will be lovely to be spending time with them again, and our other son (who lives in Cornwall) is coming too!

What a celebration it'll be!

All your family together, how wonderful! Our daughter and granddaughters are having a holiday in Sydney in April with our son Jim.......ooh, I wish I was going!

Have you been to Sydney Janey? I agree it would be a treat to go with your family, but - on the bright side - you won't have to sit on a plane for 23 hours! (I'm taking a very long book . . . :))