Annabelle celebrated her birthday last week, and Ethan recorded a Happy Birthday song.  Enjoy!

"Happy Birthday to my mummy".... as they say round these parts:  Hay que me lo como!!!!!!

OMG - 13 years old?  How the heck did that happen?

There are some moments just simply worth living for.  Nothing better than packing your boys into the car and heading to a sunny spot for some quality time with Dad.  The Alameda botanic garden it was then.  We came, we saw, we went away.  Snapped a few pics on my phone in the process too - Enjoy.

Today I officiated at the funeral of my wife’s uncle.  Francis Victor was my friend.  He was the sort of person who would always cheer you up - he was the sort of person you wanted to bump into when you were having a bad day.  He was a man of faith.  Francis passed away suddenly last night after suffering a stroke.  He was 73.

As I tried to comfort the family I was very aware that this family was saying goodbye to a husband, a father, a grandfather - but because of the circumstances of his passing, none of them had been able to say goodbye properly.  One minute he was fine, the next he was in critical condition in ICU only to pass-into the arms of Jesus shortly thereafter. Maybe only Jesus can make himself real to this family in such a way that they can be comforted and strengthened right now.  Surely there is a peace that passes understanding, and Jesus promised us this peace.  Funerals are tough.  Officiating at family funerals is really tough.

During the funeral, I was taken back to when my own father passed away.  One minute he was having lunch with me, then an hour later I was receiving “that call” telling me to rush to the hospital.  I arrived there only to be told that he had suffered a massive heart attack and had passed away.  No chance to say goodbye properly - just a funeral to say goodbye, without having said goodbye.

Today I was reminded that we do not always get to say goodbye properly.  We leave many things unsaid, many kisses unkissed, many hugs unhugged, many smiles unsmiled.  My father passed away 15 years ago, and it still hurts.  Dad I miss you.  I think I always will.

My baby's got style.  This is Ethan at his best, acting as if he were four!  I call up the house from work and he launches into a conversation about the truck that he is playing with.  Enjoy.

There is a little guy living in our home right now..... and yes he is the ruler 'round here!!!!!

We had an awesome time in our cruise to Hawaii  !!!!!!!  No, scrap that.  No cruise unfortunately.  BUT we DID have an incredible time in our Rowing Club's Hawaiian BBQ night.  We took a few pictures......