Liz and Frank: We're Home - after the Brig's big Birthday

Well, we are home after a super 3 month holiday - just so very good in many ways. The trip home was fine - we actually stayed at the Raddisson at Manchester Airport on Sunday night, and flew out early on Monday morning on Air Singapore, touched down in Munich, then a couple of hours in Singapore, then on to Brisbane - where we were picked up - arriving
home about 10pm Tuesday evening our time. We had left the house very clean, so that was nice to come home to, but even better was our garden, looked after by our neighbour Howard, and another super neighbour, Barry watered all our pots - everything looks great. Since then we have sort've moved around getting things done - but jetlag really grabbed us yesterday, however today seems less harsh - AND THAT SUN HAS SHONE EVER SINCE WE ARRIVED HOME!

I am about a month behind with this Blog - and I intend to finish it - as it is the only way we will remember all the things we have done - but I am going to start backwards - that being last Friday and Saturday - and the great celebration of the Brig's birthday in Sheffield with his family and I will combine both Kevin and my photos).

Above is the boy's Cake for Saturday,

and below is his Cake for Friday,

with the musical candle being lit by Frank's grand nephew - Jack.

(son of Margaret and Kevin's eldest son, Dan)

Jack and his sister Emily, had helped Uncle Peter construct a plane for the top of the cake.

Above (l to r) Jack and Emm's Mum, Sally, Margaret (sister in law) Emm's and Frank, Margaret (sister) Jack and Pete (brother).

The following day, David (Frank's eldest son) arrived at the Barn with Dotti - a charming person - we had spent the prior 2 days with them in gorgeous York (photos to follow)..

David and his son Jack (eldest grandson) had flown across from Minnesota to join us, along with Dotti and her two, Andrew on the left and Amy on the right. Below David and I.

Dotti, David, kids and the Brig and I walked up through Graves Park

with a stop for a "swing" aided by Dotti and an ice cream.

with a stop at the great little zoo in Graves Park.

Now back to the party/family reunion at the Barn.

Frank's brother, Pete with his son Phillip - he had come down from Preston.

Clare and Nick (parents of young Oliver,) and Nick is Margaret and Kevin's middle son.

Above (l to r) Abi - the hot ticket partner of Matt (Margaret and Kevin's youngest son), he was joining us later, Nick's Clare, and her friend Clare. The 2 Clares and little Erin joined us in Australia March 2011.

Above Jordan (Clare's brother) and his wife Amanda. We spent New Year 2009 with them, their parents and Nick and Clare in the Botanic Gardens in Sydney watching the fire works - called a Lawn with a View - fabulous night.

Young Oliver is not quite sure right now, Dotti - takes charge

Amy knows how to please him and she did for a long time - Oliver's new best friend.

Then the Olympic Torch arrived. Sophie, who also has an apartment at the Barn, was a top ice skater, and was asked to carry the Torch through Sheffield a couple of days before

Young Emm's and Jack and the whole clan went into watch as Sophie carried this Olympic Torch.

and she now has one of her own (part of the opportunity offered to the invited runners).

Great excitement for Jack and David - something to show back in the USA.

Amy plays plenty of sport, so she loved this opportunity - and Andrew, the Rugby player, just liked the "whole" look

Clare, Clare and young Erin looking down into the torch.

Oliver didn't miss his opportunity

And the one above is for Derrick's Bowling mates.

Sophie then changed into her Official running outfit, and came back out again, this time Derrick's daughter Sue greeted her, with Jack moving in as well.

Love this one of nephew Phil - the torch seems to light his face up.

And finally the Brig moves in. I will get the photos from Kevin which he took when Sophie was running in Sheffield.

Back to the party - and Cake

Jack was enjoying it - Oliver had the full attention of Amy and Andrew

Now above is some serious Kindle talk. Frank's youngest son, Ian and his family had sent the Brig a Kindle for his birthday, so now his eldest son, David (works in IT) gives his Dad some necessary guidance.

Then it was time to talk to Ian and his crew in Auckland, NZ via the computer. David, Jack and Frank at the screen - Ian on the screen, and Matt has arrived - chatting to uncle Pete in the kitchen..