G'day from Down Under!

Well, I'm finally here in Australia after all sorts of delays. In all, the journey took 30 hours and I didn't feel great by the end of it...but seeing Esther & my youngest Aussie nephew at the Sunshine Coast Airport made up for it all! The children didn't know that I was coming...so picking the older two up from school on Friday afternoon was a joyful- if loud - experience! It's amazing how quickly all the family routines become familiar. Bedtimes, shower times, breakfasts...all fall quickly into place and it's as if I've never been away- which is just how I love to feel. Esther & I just seem to pick up the conversation as though we only s each other yesterday instead of 6 months ago, and nothing about it feels strange...except for the fact that Paul & Alice aren't here and it's hot & sunny in February!
The jet lag took a couple of days, but I'm writing this on a bright and sun-filled Monday...the air outside is full of strange insect sounds and unfamiliar birdsong. Technicolor parrots swoop overhead and bright, opalescent butterflies are commonplace. The sunshine is unrelenting and a fierce hard yellow rather than the soft gold tones I'm used to at home...
Everything is extraordinary...and yet familiar too. I'm so lucky to be here & I'm trying to make the most of every minute!
Esther & I are going to the movies together this afternoon...if you know me, or read this blog regularly, you'll know that I'll be in heaven!
I'm taking lots of pictures to post on my return...my phone doesn't have roaming, and it's all too complicated on an unfamiliar computer. But I'm having a fabulous time, and sending love to you for the week ahead!xo