Emma's First Day at Prep!

Today, Emma had her first day at Prep. Yes, we had a "first day" last year in Adelaide, but now that we are back in Queensland, and keeping in line with the Qld education system, Emma has started in Prep. Her school is Sacred Heart School at Booval, and is only a few minutes from home. Emma was pretty excited to be starting and was not too upset. Although, when it came time for me to leave, she got a bit clingy and didn't want me to leave. I did eventually get out the door with no tears! Emma already knows a couple of the kids in her class from kindy and Playgroup, so at least she will have a few familiear faces. I am looking forward to this afternoon to hear how her day went!! I will keep you all posted!

Big Prep girl!

"I think my bag's a bitbig for me Mum!"

Emma's class - Prep G

Map of the school - just in case I get lost!

Merry Christmas 2011!

As we just arrived back in Queensland a few days before Christmas, we had a pretty quiet day spent with family. Boxing Night was rest day at home and then the traditional Boxing Night get together at the Bradford's with extended family and friends. A lovely Christmas!!

Our Christmas angels!

Aaaaggghhhh!!! It's Christmas! I'm so excited!

Nanny and her beloved little girls

Three generations of Schneider girls

Road Trip!



First stop: Waikerie, SA

On Monday 19 December we loaded up the car and headed for Queesland - a three day road trip! It was a great trip, which saw us pass through four states.We saw heaps of interesting things and a lot of our beautiful countryside. Australia really is a vast country, with an ever changing landscape. Passing through South Australia through the Barossa, we saw vineyard after vineyard. Then it was into the Murray River region and into NSW and across to Mildura in Victoria. The land became flat and open - not a thing for miles. And I mean NOTHING!! No power lines, no fences, no animals - nothing! On day 1 we stopped at Broken Hill for lunch. It would have been great to stop and explore; it certainly seems like an historic town. Finally, after a huge day of driving we got to Cobar NSW. Day 2 saw us heading for Goondiwindi. The countryside became more lush and as we got to Queensland and the Darling Downs, rolling hills appeared. We spent the night in Goondiwindi, and then next day, headed for Ipswich. We had breakfast in Toowomba and finally felt we were home! Familiar territory!By lunch we were in Ipswich and picked up the keys to our home. After inspecting the house and off loading some of our gear we headed for the Bradford's at Greenslopes and a long-awaited home cooked meal, bath and rest. After a week or more of takeout, even Wayne was looking for something home cooked!

Happy, so far!

Just checking that we haven't left anything...or anyone...behind!

Rudolph the Red Nosed Escape

Leaving South Australia

We all took turns driving! Kidding!!