Paul's elder brother Damien and mum Chris arrive today. Both seem really lovely - Damien is very nice, somewhat unlike Hugh, so I was quite surprised when Paul told me privately later on that Damien had gone a bit off the rails when their Dad had died (I think he died when they were quite young) and had lost contact with them all for a while, refusing to take part in any family functions). We then drove out to Victor Harbour (and I fell asleep in the back with Annie and Michael, which was a bit embarrassing, but thankfullly I can still blame jetlag!) to see the Beatties, who are Cherie's younger sister Marisa, her husband Hamish, and their daughter (who I originally thought was called 'Alesha', but turns out is 'Alicia', just with Ozzy pronunciation), who is nearly 2. They were really nice - although it's always a bit awkward being in someone else's house and trying to look after Annie and Michael (esp. with extended family members all around - it's difficult to know where authority lies). Marisa's house was beautiful - smaller than Paul and Cherie's, but very minimalist, with lots of great photo prints on the walls, and a fantastic view to the coast from the second floor (this is about the first house I've been in too that has a normal upstairs! - i.e. one that covers the entire ground floor). I thought at first that one of them might be an interior designer (esp. as Alicia's room is all ladybird themed) but it turned out Hamish is actually a chef, and Marisa is mostly a Mum (as in, she's not really had a professional career), AND that Cherie had actually had a big hand in helping design Alicia's room, including making her ladybird quilt (v. impressive).
After a brief stop for lunch at the Beattie's, we went on to 'Urimbirra Wildlife Experience Park', where I got my fill of Kangaroos, Koalas and Kookaburras, but sadly just missed out on getting to hold a snake as there was a raft of boy scouts clamouring to do the same.
Phew...a busy day.
Night night!
A xx
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