Sunday, December 30, 2018

Looking back through 2018

I’m sure everyone says the same thing; that the year seemed to pass in a flash.
DH and I were blessed with 3 more grandchildren this year...all girls! 😍
Carrie was born in January, 



Abby in February...



and Meredith in October. 



One of these little darlings has special needs but she is thriving now after some dark moments which entailed emergency flights using the Care Flight helicopter and the Royal Flying Doctor and hospital stays here in the capital. But throughout family and friends have pulled together and provided amazing support to the little family with their first baby. Obviously there are still many hurdles to deal with but each will be dealt with as it is encountered. Hopefully the NDIS will be a help.

DH and I have stepped up our help with babysitting of the 4 here in Brisbane, quite willingly putting other things on hold to help our children out. 
Anthea helping DH clean his golf clubs...


Helping dig up Grandma’s sweet potato crop...


Helping cook...pikelets for morning tea! 


Sometimes the little ones were sick and unable to go to Daycare...😕


But then there were the trips to the library...


And Holly even came to a K4BN Knit and Natter with me! 


We still had time for some travel including a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and trips to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide and a short trip to the Sunshine Coast so DH could play in a golf competition. All the trips within Australia included catch ups with family and friends; always a bonus!





Sadly in September (20th) my beloved cat, Eduardo died 6 weeks after being diagnosed with a cancer under his tongue. 
He knew the end was near and stayed close to me in those last weeks...



He had turned 17 on September 16; a very sad time but I had been really touched when, on Father’s’ Day ( first Sunday in September) all the family came to say their farewells to Eddie...even the ones who don’t really like cats!


He hasn’t been replaced at this stage although I think I might be ready now to perhaps get an older ‘rescue cat’ so we’ll see what the future brings. 
For DH and my birthdays this year, the family clubbed together to pay for a 2 hour session with the lovely photographer who took DsD1’s wedding photos last year. They ( our girls) coordinated everything so all of the family were in Brisbane at the same time and that everyone was wearing similar colours)
And for Christmas they again clubbed together to buy a large print of the whole family... well the whole family in May, Meredith wasn’t born until October 😍. Taken on Shorncliffe Pier


There were a few special birthdays this year too of course; Holly’s first birthday and a few 70th celebrations that we went to in 2018. Next year DH has a special birthday ending in a zero!! 
Happy New Year everyone! Remember Life is what you make it!! 🎉😘

11 comments:

  1. It has been a big year!

    All the best for the year ahead, to you and all your family.

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  2. Wow what a year for you....wonderful times as well as a little sad but best of all family times together.
    Best wishes for the New Year to you and your family.

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  3. lovely post Maria, your year has been full of wonderful memories...

    Hugz

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  4. What a great year you had, Maria. I hope next year is kind to you too. All those lovely grandchildren...how wonderful for you both.

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  5. Beautiful post Maria. It's been a full year for you with lots of beautiful memories .
    Wishing you and your family all the best for 2019. XXX

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  6. Happy new year to you! You have really had a year filled with blessings!

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  7. Happy New Year to you, Maria. I felt that 2018 flew by too! I think the years pass by more quickly the older I get😉. How lovely to have welcomed three new grandchildren into your loving family all in one year. I am sure you miss Eddie quite a lot but having room in your heart now for a rescued animal is so very wonderful. Our Sir Steve is a rescued dog and I always think what a gentle soul he is and how much love he gives. He had a grand time last night among the friends we saw this new year in with. So many treats! It was lovely to have met you and thank you again for the lovely linens. May 2019 be full of happy moments for you! MegXx

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  8. What a busy year you’ve had Maria and such wonderful memories to cherish. Very sad about Eduardo. I hope 2019 brings you much joy.

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  9. Three baby girls, I’m so jealous! I only have grandsons. It sounds like 2018 was a great year for you and your family. I hope 2019 is even better!

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  10. A very full year Maria, with arrivals and departures....I'm so sorry about Eduardo, you always wrote of him so fondly. Your family portrait on the pier is wonderful, what a great idea. All the best for 2019.

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  11. What a wrap up.....you certainly had an enenful year.....love the group shot....a lovely idea.

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