Christmas and New Year family visit.

We're back in business. I'm going to stop apologising about the gaps between blogs now. It's starting to get repetetive.

What an absolute stormer of a Christmas and New Year we had. V's brother Matt, wife Sarah and the neices Bella and Saskia made the trek round the world to spend their holidays with us. It was so special to have family here over Christmas. The four girlies got on extremely well (most of the time!) and the adults had a blast too.

It's hard to pick out the highlights as it felt like there were so many of them. Ok then, you've twisted my arm. Here's a few:

The trip we did along the Great Ocean Rd - incredible views. Stayed at the dream beach house at Skene's Creek: massive seaviews from windows and balconies. Two minute walk to beach where the kids played in the creek and Bella, Vics, Matt & Will spent many a happy hour boogie boarding. Once we got Sarah in a wetsuit she enjoyed the sea too. Walks along the beach at sunset - and one early morning jog where V came face to face with a seal on a rock.

Further along the road, a helicopter trip (taken by everyone except V & D) to get amazing views of the 12 Apostles.

The scenery at Hall's Gap, in the Grampian ranges, where kangaroos came to check out the football pitch near the youth hostel at sunset.

A steaming hot day at Sovereign Hill, a living museum set in the goldrush times, where we all went underground to find out about the lives of miners in the 1800s (not good lives , as you'd imagine.)

A trip through the Otway forest on the Otway 'fly' - a vertiginous suspended walkway which was apparently supposed to sway in the breeze, giving stunning views of the prehistoric ferns below.

A couple of child-free trips into Melbourne at night, checking out some fine restaurants and getting into the warm city night vibe.

Matt and Will enjoyed a day at the Boxing Day test at the MCG in the members area, courtesy of our friend Raeche who took them as her guests. This was before the test got controversial and was apparently a top day. Sarah & Vics got their own child free day at the end of the holiday when they did their best in the new year sales.

And I could go on. Except that we're a bit busy getting ready for W's parents who arrive at the weekend.

We're all well. W's work quite hectic at the start of the year, kids missing the cousins a bit. But doing good.