Here we are again, another year has passed and much has happened.

Just after Christmas 2003 our washing machine packed it in and we found that it would cost too much to fix and they could not say that it would work properly after, so we decided to buy a new one. It’s great we bought a Fischer and Paykel 8kg upright washer and it handles really well, my only problem now is that our washing line is too small.

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In January of this year Connor had his first passport photo taken and now has is own Australian passport, I still have to apply for his German one but that will happen soon, but he’s ready and rearing to travel. On the 27th of January, Talia started at kindy and she has never looked back, she really enjoys her days playing and learning with other children her own age. According to the teachers Talia is great friend to all and a great helper. Talia also plays tennis every Monday at Kindy and is doing well, she enjoys it very much.

Talia returned to her swimming lessons and Connor began. Talia is coming along really well and just recently has advanced to the next level. Connor on the other hand is a natural in the water. He looks as if he’s been swimming for years. He uses both his arms and legs when doing freestyle and loves to float on his back. He can be a little temperamental when it comes to doing the lesson, as he would rather play than do what the teacher says.

In February we finally replaced the bonnet on the lancer, which had been squashed when Paul accidentally reversed into it on our way to hospital last year as I went into labor with Connor and it was 2.30 in the morning.

In March Paul and I started at the gym and seemed to be doing really well, but as usual life seemed to get in the way and we stopped, but I’m hopeful that I will go back soon and work out during the day, when the kids are either at preschool or child care. At the moment I swim 3 times a week when I take the kids for their lessons. Talia was really sad for about 3 weeks in March as she had a middle ear infection and was on antibiotics and ear drops, which meant no swimming. Then Connor got middle ear infection, but wasn’t affected quite as bad. Talia then had swimmers ear but that only lasted one week and she only needed drops.

In April Paul and I took the kids to Alma Park zoo and they loved it, even when it started to rain. Talia came home wanting lots of different pets.

On the 7th April Talia had an Easter Extravaganza at the kindy, the children all wore their Easter bonnets and paraded for the parents, then they sang songs and then they had an Easter hunt. They then had a picnic lunch and shared all the eggs they had found. It was a great morning.

Paul and I attended a wedding on the 24th of April for some friends of ours at the Greek Orthodox Church in West End it was really lovely and no where near as long as I thought it would be. The bride glowed and the groom was radiant, we had a good time.

On the 2nd of May Mum had a nasty accident at work. When she arrived home I took her to a surgery as she needed 10 stitches just above her right eye. Apparently Mum tripped up and fell on her face, as her hands were full with the vacuum cleaner and a bucket. Her glasses are what did the damage. She had a really big black eye for weeks. Martin was really proud of it. Mum was off work for about a week. Since then she has fully recovered with only a small scar. You can see all the photos this web site

On the 15th of May Talia attended her first birthday party, for Emma who turned 3; she had a great time and loved playing with all the children.

Mum started a new job at the Gold Coast International Hotel on the 23rd of June. And it has turned out to be the best move ever, she gets lots of hours, the staff are friendly, they have their uniforms laundered and ironed. You get very cheap lunches, its $1.50 for cold or $2.50 for hot, you also get unlimited cake with either meal. She also gets really good tips. She’s often very tired when she gets home but she’s happy.

We took the kids to Movie world on the 25th June as they had a special offer. Talia and Connor really enjoyed themselves. Talia ran from ride to ride and really didn’t want to come home.

Martin started house hunting at the end of June, what an experience.

In early July we had a scary moment, Connor had been feverish for about a week and when we took him to the doctor he advised us to take him to hospital for a second opinion, just to be sure. We took him to Pindara and the doctor was really patronizing. He felt we had wasted his time, he said there was nothing wrong and that Connor had to ride the fever out. The last thing was to keep him cool, so here we were in the middle of winter and Connor was running around in a singlet and nappy, but it worked and finally his fever broke and all was well. And now he hates being too hot, he’s much happier in as little as possible.

Paul and I attended a 60th birthday party for a dear friend of ours and had a great time. I was a little on the worried side as Connor was still recovering, but all went well.

On the 31st July we celebrated Connor’s 1st birthday and had his Naming Ceremony. Unfortunately my Dad was unable to attend, but we had around 15 of our closest friends and family around and had a great time. Again we ordered balloons from Balloon Artistry and it made the day really special. Mum and I made 2 cakes, one was a snake for his birthday and one was 2 candles for his Naming ceremony. They were both lovely. The photo’s for this are on the web site.

On the 17th of August I had a car accident; no one was hurt just a little shaken but it put the RAV off the road for a week. It was a real hassle, as I had to ferry everyone to work and back or to kindy or swimming. But finally we got the car back and all is well.

Paul, his Mum and I went to see a Queen concert on the 29th of August, it was fantastic. We had a great night.

In September we took the kids to O’Reilly’s and they both enjoyed the day. Connor loves animals and being out. Talia was a little apprehensive about the birds, but she soon relaxed and had fun watching others feeding and holding the birds.

On the 13th of October Martin finally found and bought his first house. We helped him move in and then helped him clean his old place. We haven’t figured it out yet, but ever since Martin moved into his own place he’s been really relaxed and happy. It’s a lovely brick home with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, big open plan kitchen, dinning, and living area. He has just installed air conditioning and is saving up for a patio cover.

Sadly on the 19th of October a dear friend of mine lost her daughter. Mum and I attended the funeral; it was a really lovely and moving service.

Talia had another birthday party to attend on the 28th November for a friend of her’s from swimming, it was held at Hungry Jacks, and she had a great time.

Dad is healthy and working hard, he hopes to be home for Christmas, we all hope he makes it.

Mum is doing well, Martin is moving on and enjoying his new home, Paul still enjoys his job at St James College in the Valley, Talia is growing into a very happy, independent young girl, she will start preschool next year. Connor is also growing up fast, he still isn’t walking yet (hopefully for Christmas), but he can swim, drive Talia’s electric car, say a few words and get his point across, he’s very happy and easy going. He loves to figure out how things work. Me I’m still trying to loose weight and keep smiling. Life is a little tough but my family is very important to me and the kids keep me young and smiling, so all is well.

Merry Christmas

Love from all in the Pofandt Family