Apologies folks but the FrenchamFamily Blog Meister has been missing in action since 2012 despite (or because of) having plenty to write about. It's been a busy time for all of us.
Of course we took the traditional trip Downunder for Christmas-New Year with family and friends. The weather was very kind this year, albeit once we left the seemingly annual bushfires afflicted much of south-eastern Australia and of course the post-cyclonic floods in Queensland were devastating.
As always our thanks to all the family and friends who make the long trip so enjoyable. Of course there was the occasional over-indulgence of food and beverage, and all those wonderful presents. We especially liked our cricket gnomes (pictured here) from Jenny, Stuart and the boys which now have pride of place on our backyard deck.
Tony got away to the MCG for Boxing Day with his mates whilst Sarah and Alexander headed down to the beach at Nan's (and Melissa got in some post-Christmas relaxation).
We were especially excited to catch up with Colleen and Bernie to share the excitement of their blessed pregnancy and to see them before their lives change forever! (almost entirely for the better).
As you can see from this happy summer photo, Alexander has shot up and has passed his sister and is closing in on his Mum, despite only being twelve. Certainly funny to watch as his pants and shoes have to be replaced because their quickly too small rather than because they have been worn thru boy style.
Well we are back to Dubai now and the next instalment will include lots of activities and some surprising news about Melissa -- stay tuned!
Of course we took the traditional trip Downunder for Christmas-New Year with family and friends. The weather was very kind this year, albeit once we left the seemingly annual bushfires afflicted much of south-eastern Australia and of course the post-cyclonic floods in Queensland were devastating.
Tony got away to the MCG for Boxing Day with his mates whilst Sarah and Alexander headed down to the beach at Nan's (and Melissa got in some post-Christmas relaxation).
We were especially excited to catch up with Colleen and Bernie to share the excitement of their blessed pregnancy and to see them before their lives change forever! (almost entirely for the better).
We also took in the hilarious "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" with a stellar Aussie cast including the incredible Geoffrey Rush (whom we didn't appreciate has been awarded the very rare "Acting Triple Crown" being an Academy, an Emmy, and a Tony). What a performer (is he really 61?) and what a great night for the FrenchamFamily.
As you can see from this happy summer photo, Alexander has shot up and has passed his sister and is closing in on his Mum, despite only being twelve. Certainly funny to watch as his pants and shoes have to be replaced because their quickly too small rather than because they have been worn thru boy style.
Well we are back to Dubai now and the next instalment will include lots of activities and some surprising news about Melissa -- stay tuned!
