More photos from Susannah's party...

Pass the parcel (or the teddy bear in this case)...



We don't think she stopped smiling for the whole party...

Susannah - 3 Years Old!

On 22nd of October, Susannah turned 3. Where did those years go since we first held her in our arms at Frederiksberg hospital!

On the weekend, we held a teddy bear party for her in our garden. 20 kids, lots of food, lollies, cake, fun, and chaos!


Mum and daughter, enjoying the party.


Pinata time. 20 kids bashing a giant teddy bear with a long stick. Fortunately no injuries except for perhaps the teeth judging by the number of lollies that fell out in the end!


Birthday cake time...


Family snap, someone looks very happy.

Surprise for Dad

David had a work trip recently and was surprised to find that someone had packed themself in his suitcase. Fortunately he discoverd the stowaway before zipping up the bag and heading to the airport!

Quick trip to Australia for David - Catching up and seeing Perth!

The visit proved to be a good chance to check out Perth properly for the first time, the other times I had been there I was just passing through.



Thanks to the Clennetts for giving me a place to stay. You were great hosts as always and very tolerant of my delicate condition on Saturday following the wedding! Also good to see your dream house as a work in progress. Looks great, keep up the hard work as you are almost there.

Also managed to catch up with the Sullivans and the Ion family - so many old friends living in Perth now. Hmmm, where should the Brink family go next?!


Also thanks to the Dodds for hosting the BBQ on the Sunday afternoon before I left. I had my best economy class sleep ever after downing several beers and red wines before heading to the airport!

It was great to catch up with so many people in such a short time, a journey that was well worth it!

Quick trip to Australia for David - The Reception

Matt and Jho's wedding reception proved to be not only a celebration of the wedding but a great reunion for the old Santos crowd.

Quick trip to Australia for David - Matt and Jho's Wedding

David made a quick four day trip to Perth for Matt and Jho's wedding.

A sunny afternoon in the Japanese Garden at Perth Zoo for the ceremony.


The newlyweds showing off their new dancing skills.


The (very) happy couple.

London Trip - Day 6

On our last full day in London, we went out to Richmond to see Matt and Jhodi again. They took us to Richmond park which is a fantastic place. We saw some of the deer in the park. Shortly afterwards, disaster struck when Johnathan took on a steep hill on his scooter. With skinned elbows and grazes on his hands and hip, he was not a happy camper. Fortunately Matt had his running gear on and ran to the nearest chemist for some bandaids. Once the sores were covered, they weren't so sore anymore and we continued with our day!



The kids loved exploring the park and playing with Mac, Jhodi and Matt's dog.

After the park, we walked along the Thames to a pub for lunch. Then for a bit of a tour around Richmond area where Matt and Jhodi showed us their new house. Finally we had afternoon tea in Kew Gardens before getting on the train back to central London for our last night. The next day, it was on the plane for a flight home to Qatar after a really fantastic week in London. Thanks to Matt and Jhodi for all the time you spent with us during what was a busy time for you guys!

London Trip - Day 5

In the morning, we went to the Natural History Museum. Johnathan got to borrow a Junior Explorer kit which included a hat, and a backpack with puzzles to be solved. He enjoyed encountering the dinosaurs.

After the museum, it was off to Harrods where we had lunch in the food hall. David then took off with the kids (back to the Princess Diana memorial park) while Monica enjoyed some retail therapy on her own.

London Trip - Day 4

In the morning, we completed our London double decker bus tour - finishing at Buckingham palace where we were a little bit late for the changing of the guard so we did not get too close. The kids had a good time running around on the lawn.

It was then off to Covent Garden where the kids had fun giving donations to the musicians playing there. We enjoyed lunch in the sunshine.


Johnathan took the opportunity to engage in more scootering.


Later, we went on a Thames cruise from Westminster to Tower of London and that night, Monica and David went to see "We Will Rock You", the musical by Ben Elton and Queen. A fantastic show with great seats in the fourth row - half price!

London Trip - Day 3, Part 2

In the afternoon, there was more scootering for Johnathan in Trafalgar Square, followed by lunch in Leicester Square (where Johnathan got nicked for illegal scootering) and then the first part of our double decker bus tour of London (continued the next day).