A Memorable Pool Party in Oz .. Day 3

Before the Invasion!

The 3rd day in Brisbane dawned fine and clear and the prospect of meeting my Grandchildren for the very 1st time added an air of excitement to the day and although I had prepared myself for this event, I began to feel slightly nervous about how the event would pan out. My Son Nick, his partner Shiree and her children arrived shortly after morning tea and we sat around chatting for a while before making our way down to the patio and pool area. Our hosts, Sheree and Richard, began to set up the tables for lunch and we all relaxed in the warm sun and the beautiful surroundings added to our pleasure and Lyn and I enjoyed watching the children splashing in the two pools.

Brian & Nick

It was a wonderful feeling to be able to enjoy my son Nick's company after a 23 year break and I only wish that we had had more time to chat about his future plans. He and Shiree were preparing to move to McKay for a new job and hopefully a new beginning. Australia is apparently heading for a mining boom and Nick is planning to add to his metal working skills as a qualified boilermaker and how they can be utilised with some of the huge machinery that is needing repair.

Laura (our little Mermaid)

The security gate was flung open around 11 am and three more excited children roared into view and immediately headed for the changing room. Nervously they appeared again and their Mother brought them over to us and introduced them. Flynn aged 10, Deklan 9 and Laura 8 turned out to be just three wonderful and lively Grandchildren who spent the whole day cavorting in the pools. I had spoken to them on the phone a few times, but it was nice that we had finally met them in the flesh and it was a thrill to see how all the children interacted with one another. The two boys were real characters, but Laura Monique, stole my heart and I felt quite sad that we lived so far away from one another. She surely is a water baby in the true sense of the word as she spent almost the entire day in the pool! I called her our "Little Mermaid" I have heard since that she is "delighted to have a Granddad" as sadly her other Granddad has passed away.

Grandad & Flynn in a serious discussion

Our BBQ lunch was excellent and the children came out of the pool briefly to join us and then back into the pool until it was time to return to Ipswich where they live. Flynn and Deklan were pretty active for most of the day but I was able to have a chat to both of them during lunch and I was just happy to sit back and enjoy watching the blended families having fun. Nick of course was very involved and took the part of "Senior Kid" very well!


As the following Monday was a State Holiday we decided that we would go to Ipswich and spend some more time with the family and both our hosts offered to drive us there.

The Family farewell

 Some tears were shed at the afternoon farewell and as we waved goodbye I felt a little happier in the knowledge that I would see them all again before we left Australia. It sure was a lot quieter in the complex after their departure!

Our resident Kookaburra

During the day Lyn had spied a number of brightly coloured birds, but had not been able to get close enough to film them. I needed to go to the apartment to reload the dvd camera and when I alighted from the lift, I got one hellava fright when I turned the corner as there was a large Kookaburra sitting on a ledge close by. He got a fright as well and took off as fast as possible, but without making a sound. They are a most unusual bird and I was amazed at how big they are and of course their "laughter" is absolutely so distinctive.

It had been a lovely day and the four of us retired to the apartment where Sheree cooked us a meal of yummy toasted sandwiches. I have a reputation of being a great meat eater (typical NZ Male I gather) however her offering of Avocado, Cheese and Chilli sauce was absolutely delicious! Another highlight of the meal was the Nobilos wine, an excellent choice by our host Richard "The Fireman" who assured me he had been a Nobilo fan for some time. A lovely finish to a memorable day!