Swimming and bathing

Elijah tolerates his swim . . .

. . . and enjoys his post-swim bath.

Shopping

I got pretty worn out shopping in Geraldton yesterday. Thanks for carrying me Auntie Corinne!

Things Elijah finds relaxing . . .

The swing

Being held

A bath

A walk in the pram at sunset

Church

Church is at 8am here in Dongara, which is a bit of a stretch, but not too bad. Today was Matt's first day behind the pulpit and he did a fantastic job. The mums, Claire, Corinne and I, sit up the back with our boys and Kate, although she doesn't sit still for all that long. I think she's starting to feel comfortable in her new church, although the organ still freaks her out!

Elijah, Katie, Samuel and Paul

Matt with Bishop David Mulready at his ordination

Our new minister and his lovely wife, kids and parents-in-law

Friends and family who came up from Perth for the ordination

Elijah goes swimming

Yesterday while I went and tried out the local tennis club (I had a great time), Tyler took Elijah to Matt and Corinne's to swim in their pool. It was his first swim, and apparently he cried for the first 30 seconds (who wouldn't?) and then enjoyed it.

Sorry we only have before and after photos since all hands were busy keeping two babies and a toddler afloat in the pool.

Sammy and Elijah in their swimmers.

Swimming wore Elijah out. He fell asleep on the way back into the house.

Playing with my new friend Paul

Life in Dongara

It's taken a long time to get our internet up and running, but here I am finally with the first post since moving to our new town, Dongara. For those of you not local (particularly US friends and family), Dongara (see if you can find it on this map) is a little more than a quarter of the way up the West Australian coast, 4 hours drive from Perth, our previous home, and about 10 hours from Walpole where my parents live. It's in the Shire of Irwin and has a population of about 3500, many of whom are in the lobster industry. So far I have enjoyed going for walks with Elijah and Tyler to the beach (10 minutes) after dinner to watch the sunset. I've shopped at the local IGA on the main street which is lined with 100+ year old Moreton Bay Fig trees. Elijah and I have been to the local playgroup. We've also enjoyed the hospitality of our neighbour Claire, who has a baby boy just a couple of months older than Elijah. We've enjoyed our new church and also Australia Day at South Beach. With our family being so far away, what a blessing it has been to be living so close to our friends, the Malcolms, who really are family too. (Just a 1 minute drive or 10 minute walk to the rectory.) Matt has started as the minister in charge of St John the Baptist Anglican church after being ordained the other night. We are really excited to be able to serve with them in the local church here. Corinne, Kate and Samuel came over for a play yesterday and I'm sure they'll grow up to be great mates. Samuel and Elijah are learning to steel themselves against Kate's sometimes rough but genuine displays of love and affection. She is a great little big sister to them. Here's some photos.

Australia Day at South Beach with the Malcolms

Elijah enjoying the beach

This beach is great for non-4wd cars like ours!

Sunset over the Indian Ocean

Kate and her two boys

Bath time at the Malcolms

Getting a hug from Katie