October 19 - Samuel's Birthday

Now we are getting out of order chronologically ... but that's what happens when you have a five month holiday from blogging. In October we celebrated Samuel's 21st with a wonderful bush-dance. It was a great evening of fun with a sweat raised by all who participated. I felt really proud of Samuel and the way he can handle himself before a crowd, a little nostalgic as I reminisced on how fast those 21 years had gone by but most of all thankful to God for the great young man he has grown into and all the fond memories we have of times together.

Wow! What a year. Samuel has moved fast this year in asking Livi McLeod to be his sweetheart and then to be his wife. We are all totally blessed by coming to know this young lady, especially young Grace who now figures she has a new big sister. The bonding was completed at Valla Beach this year where we had a 'girly' day out checking out bridal gowns as well as material shops. Livi did a splendid job of sewing up a pair of pj pants ... another initiation test for entering into the Paris family. All systems go now for a garden wedding at Saumerez Homestead, Easter Saturday (if there is such a day?)this year. James Day is doing the photography and here is a link to the engagement shoot - a beautiful job, James.

She's Done It!!

What an amazing girl - raising over $5000 for the Bulrushes Babies Home in Kampala, Uganda. Ellie was inspired at the Colour Women's Conferance in April and since then has been plodding away with selling chocolates at school and a few businesses around town. She also did a couple of movie fund-raising nights and a coffee and desert night. I think the biggest challenge were the radio interviews. While she said that she could feel her legs trembling, her voice certainly didn't and she carried it very well. Anyhow, it is all finished - though we still have about 20 boxes of chocolates in her bedroom. The hair is growing quickly and the sense of satisfaction profound. Wonder what the next challenge will be? Maybe Year 11 will be enough for this year.

Autumn Festival Parade

It's that time of year again with the leaves changing to some beautiful hues and the evenings cooling. The veges suffered last Saturday night with the first light frost for the season.

On a more photographic note though, the Autumn Festival Parade, the second longest parade in NSW happened on Saturday with three children supporting their causes. Grace marched with Drummond School but was expecting me on the other side of the road, so I couldn't snap her. Ellie and the Pipe band actually headed up the parade; and Jacob walked with the Stage One Creative (drama group) where he is learning rap dancing.

Maclean Highland Gathering

What a full weekend .... and a different. Terry, Ellie, Grace and myself arose at 4.30 am last Friday for the drive down to Maclean. Turns out we didn't need to leave quite so early as things didn't start until 4pm. Mum met us at the caravan park and we settled into our tents.

Friday evening we enjoyed a Ceilidh in the main street where dancers showed some of their pieces including a very interestingly choreographed African/Scottish piece. The other highlight was the Bellingen River Drum Corp which did an amazing routine of drumming combined with tricks with their sticks.

Saturday was the dancing competition with the girls performing very well. Grace was in an enormous group of 17 under 9 year olds and did well to gain two second place medals. This was Ellie's final competition and it was a lovely finish to gain a first, second and a third placing.

She then had to run over to join the band in their march competition. I think they got a fairly good review. The highlight of the whole weekend for us all had to be the 600 strong massed pipe bands in Ellie took her spot.

The evening was an Armidale Pipe band barbecue and then informal performance of piping and dancing.

Word of the Week: Ever heard of a Piobaireachd? (pronounced pee-brock) It is an ancient Gaelic style of music created before the music staff and any idea of timing came into existence. It is very hard to find a rhythm in but would sound beautiful on a mist filled Scottish highland!

Sunday and Monday were spent with Terry at the beach at Yamba (he got there every day!). At the Main Beach there is an ocean pool where at high tide the waves come crashing through a grill that was a bit of fun.

Mum and Ellie's weekend away

Last weekend was the Colour Conference put on by Hillsong Church. Ellie and I went down with our friends, the Rileys - Diana, Serena and Tara, as well as Rosie Pullar. The conference itself was totally awesome and the time away together without other siblings was rather special too. I know there is no picture of me... but I was there - maybe I was behind the camera. Will have to have time away like that again sometime.