Time flies…

… when we chase after Christian. It’s been ages since we added to this blog.

A few things have happened since our last blog – none of them really major… except that we got a new car!

It’s a Subaru Outback, ex-demo (probably the closest I’ll ever get to owning a new car). We used it to escape from Christian for a day, driving up the Yarra Valley for wine and cheese tasting.

I’ve always wanted to take Claudie to Yarra Valley Cheeses. Little did we know that it would be one of the last times that the Yarra Valley would be a pristine green for a while. There were major bushfires just 4 days after we were in the area. It is eerie to think that the beautiful and lush backroads we took are now totally charred.

And Christian can now read. (Only kidding!) Although he does love books.

Christmas day

It’s been a while since I’ve added to this blog. ‘Tis the busy season! (but that’s no real excuse, is it?) And we’ve had problems with our internet connection and our computer… time for a reinstall. The joys of Windows!

 Uncle Rafik helps with looking after Christian…

 … and also shows Christian some new tricks on the piano.

 Granddad Mourad shows Christian another kind of treat – Christmas beer!

 Entree is served!

 Family is important, especially at Christmas time.

There were some excellent presents this year, including the Potty Putter!

After Christmas celebrations, it was time to relax.

 

Cheesecake shot!

Easter egg painting.

Yesterday was Easter Saturday – the annual egg painting day!

Christian is too young, even to eat easter eggs! But he has begun to eat other things besides milk – we tried sweet potato which he appears to like.

Touching the Hand of God… Father (Rafik) 

This is the Mediterranean version of hot cross buns – Clicha. Yum… Tasty…

The Gouels were joined by the Kalini family this Easter. This is the family:

Martine. The eldest child and the leader of fun and games.

Chantel. The budding artist (she won $20 in the Coles Easter bunny colouring-in contest!)

Philip. Just happy to be playing with paints.

Ashraf. His egg shows that he doesn’t have an artistic bone in his body

Nadine. The kids obviously get their artistic ability from their mother

Claudie also got into it… and forgot to feed Christian.

Even Stella got some of the Easter food.

And then there was pizza after a long day of painting