FInally!

Finally some time to sit down and update my blog!! What a crazy month and a half it's been!

Christmas was absolutely wonderful! Of course, a fresh engagement always makes the celebrations that much more exciting! Dan worked Christmas eve, so I had the day to myself. Didn't do too much other then prepare for Christmas day and of course talk to all of my wonderful family!! We spent Christmas Day at Dan's brother Paul's place with the rest of the family. Had Christmas lunch there, opened gifts, went for a walk around the little lake (more like a protected swamp), Junior took a lovely head first accidental dive into the water too. hehe. Poor thing, he sure like's to surprise himself around the water. He was leaning over the side to get a drink and slipped right in. Of course Dan and I had a minor heart attach because he didn't surface too quickly and we know he's still very new to swimming without us there with him. But he managed to splash up and Dan yanked him out. Funny thing is, most dogs would be scared after that?! But oh no, not our Junior, he loves the water, splashing around the shore in it. Too cute! After the walk he was in need of a shower, a bit muddy, didn't look too happy to be having one, but didn't smell after so that was good. He also got to open his own Christmas present, very funny, he loves paper so it was easy once we got him started. The kids had a soak in the spa, a bit of a water fight and lots of chill time and catch up for us all. All in all was a nice day together! :) And love watching the faces on the kids when they open their gifts! :)

New Years was spent in Inverloch on the beach and what beautiful weather we had for it!! High 30's the entire time, 40 on the day I had off. New Years eve we all go dressed up in ridiculous outfits, had a bbq, a few drinks, walked into town and watched the fire works and saw the new year in. Was good fun. I had to work the next day, so it wasn't a late one for me. A bit of a commute to work and back but I had the following day off and man was I glad I got to spend it on the beach! Nice to spend more time with Dan's family too! Get to know them a bit more :) Starting to feel like a part of the family now :)

Work in between as been absolutely crazy busy!! It's school holiday's over here, plus all of the boxing day/end of year sales has the entire city going crazy. I don't understand it, but oh well, if it makes us money I suppose. So it's been a wee bit stressful for me being so fresh in my new role and dealing with all of the chaos of these busy periods. But I'm getting there slowly, step by step. I was finding myself a bit over stressed around holiday time because of Christmas, New Years, new role, busy and of course now a wedding to plan. But now that the holiday period is starting to die down, we can dive right into wedding planning which I'm super excited for!!

It's a bit stressful, but it's a good stress and I'm trying not to stress over it if you know what I mean. We've ordered our engagement invites and set the menu for the party. Now just to send the invites and confirm the menu the rest should fall right into place. March 31st at ours will be the party, wish I could have one with all of my family too! We'll just have to celebrate that much more when we have the wedding!! :) Still planning the wedding for 2013, just not sure on a date yet and the plan is to have it here in Australia. That way Dan and I get the pleasure of taking full control of all of the fine planning details and enjoy it together. Would have loved to have it in Canada, but it just wouldn't work out unfortunately :( But that gives all of my friends and family around the globe an official excuse to come to Australia, visit, travel, relax, holiday and see where I/we live! :D

Dan's off to Adelaide this coming Sunday to go see the Tour Down Under with some mates. Will be good fun for him and a nice bit of time off, he's been working just as hard if not harder then me. So well deserved. I'm going to be a bit lonely without him around for just over a week, but at the same time I think it will be nice for the both of us to have a bit of time to ourselves, especially with such a crazy year it's been!! A bit of a breather and blow of some steam for Dan. He's still doing the usual and enjoying it :)

Our home is still being added too (I'm sure it always will be:), still waiting for that dining table! Should be here mid-end Feb. Got the chairs though :) We're hoping to get one last piece before we host our engagement party, but it's really feeling like our home now! :) Junior's managed to destroy a few things. I think he's starting to get bored and/or lonely now. I/we really have to curve our training with him and his exercise I think since my schedule has drastically changed and now holiday craziness is over. He's still a good boy, when he's been for a walk or hasn't been home by himself all day. But he is still only a puppy, he's 8,5 months old now. So he's still got a lot of learning to do. Love him to bits and would be lost without him, but also driving me a bit mad at the moment. I suppose it's like having a child?!

I've also booked my tickets to Canada!!! :D :D YAY! May 13-June 8. So LOTS planned! Keep your schedule's open if you're over there at the same time as I want to catch up!! Can't wait to see the gorgeous views again too! Planning for a dress shop with my mum, Nana and Grandma. A trip to see my Dad. A Bridal Shower. And who knows what else?! I have 3.5 weeks to fit it all in and not a hole lot of money. But we'll/I'll make it work! :) Just SO excited to see all of my family and friends!! I can't believe it will be a year and half by then since I've seen you all!! Crazy.

Well, I should upload some piccies for you and then start getting dinner underway. Having a three day weekend is lovely, but it's still not enough time to get everything done that you want to, especially the extras ie wedding planning. But we'll figure it out! :) Have to!!! Such a big day to plan!! SO exciting! I can't believe it still. Enjoy the photos :) xxx

Stunning!

Oh my don't we look silly. Got quite a few honks and whistles when we walked to the fire works! :P

even Junior got dressed up :P

Bundaberg Bear! :)

someone was enjoying the beach ;)

still feels weird being in my swimsuit in Dec/Jan!

Playing Swedish game called coupe. Good fun! :)

Nice and windy there so Dan got to fly his stunt kite.

My two favorite boys exhausted after Christmas day :P

I think the face says it all.

Yummm!!

Jayden, Olvia & Jackson

Loved his gift! Could smell the treats! :P

Wouldn't let you near him, haha, he was so excited :)

And of course cutie Clarissa. Love this picture!