Hurtling – that’s the only way I can describe this month for us! December has hurtled along, dragging us behind, and we are constantly trying to catch up :(. My goal was to be as organised as last year, and I have failed miserably! With no overseas trip on the horizon this year, I thought I had more time to get organised for Christmas, but with only a few days to go, no letter or cards written and no presents wrapped, I’m determined for a fresh start in 2017.
Ross decided he needed a break from the major renovations of 2015 at home, and instead spent many weeks down at Ulladulla renovating our cabins down there instead. Aided by his mum, they have done a wonderful job, and managed to lay down tools in time for the Christmas holiday customers. The downside is that Ross’ back is suffering from moving a lot of furniture and his to-do list at home has grown! In the new year he will return to renovating at home – it has been deemed the year of fixing up the jungle of the backyard!
Remember the decade Nik spent visiting a gynaecologist? Well now she has swapped that specialist for an urologist (thankfully no more kidney stones so far), neurologist (vertigo started to attack), and a cardiologist! There was a scary episode in March of a racing heartbeat which our GP (and Dr Google) diagnosed as SVT, due to a tiny leak in between chambers of the heart. She is, however, in great health! And has continued her usual endeavours.
Apart from all of that, we have continued to do the parent taxiing to baseball, soccer, netball, indoor netball, parties, and in March even had our 15 seconds of fame. Our sister-in- law filled out an application for Family Feud two years ago and they rang out of the blue to audition us. Our goal was to last one episode and not embarrass ourselves – we lasted for three episodes and used our winnings to fund a holiday for both our families together road-tripping Victoria in July…and managed to impress our children and not embarrass ourselves! 🙂
Belle tells us she needs a little sibling because all of the big kids are always studying. And if not, then a puppy, please. She has had a great year at school, and started musical theatre classes. Belle is lovely and caring, but oh so messy! Poor Abi, who has shared a room with her for eight years, is about to move into her own room (it’s on Ross’ list). Abi has been elected as a Year 9 leader for next year and is very excited to be dropping subjects like Art and D&T (she’s her mother’s girl although she tries to deny it!) and choosing electives like Music, Commerce and History.
Zac and Sam are certainly not the siblings who are studying haha! Although we did nearly fall off our chairs when Sam was presented with an Academic Award as well as the Junior Chess award at Presentation Day. Sam started acting classes this year, determined to pursue his dream of being a “famous actor”. He was selected for the acting cast of the Create South production (a collaborative effort of several local public schools) and the school Public Speaking final. Zac coasted through year 5, potentially spends more time doing his hair than his homework, and was selected to be a Parliamentarian in the school parliament for next year.
Tim enjoyed the school’s Global Education excursion to Broken Hill in November, where a group from his school did some mission work with a local church there. He also loved work experience in August – three days in banking and investments at CBA, and two in Accounting. He was taken out for lunch every day, giving him insight into Nik’s life but perhaps not a normal accountant’s week… The subjects he has chosen for his HSC are heavily weighted towards HSIE subjects like Geography and Economics, and he is looking forward to starting year 11.
Jarrod has thoroughly enjoyed his final year of school. While the trial exams were a stressful time, the rest of the year has been enjoyable and quite calm! Jarrod managed his time very well, and was able to work hard but strategically at school and continue attending social events and playing in the band at church. He obtained his drivers’ licence in the middle of the year, and later awarded with Dux of year 12, and excellent HSC results and ATAR. He was successful in his audition for a Bachelor of Music (Composition) at the Conservatorium of Music, but is more likely to do Economics/Commerce (his choice) or Law (Mum’s choice). He is now thinking about part-time work and has a couple of interviews lined up. We are looking forward to him getting a job and funding his own outings with his girlfriend, and maybe even paying for his own petrol?
We had a lovely holiday in Europe last December/January, followed by Hamilton Island in April, our Victorian road trip in July, many trips to the South Coast, no holidays during the formidable HSC, and a post-HSC trip to the Test cricket in Adelaide for Ross and Jarrod. These holidays everyone has asked if we can just stay at home – which, when I reflect on the year, I totally understand! As we laze around here and reflect on this season, we wish you a very merry Christmas.
