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

Bath time

While in America, Elijah loved taking baths in the kitchen sink.

A collection of smiles.

Elijah's first documented smile, at 5 weeks of age.

Meeting Mr Happy Apple

Tyler's favourite toy as a baby was Mr Happy Apple. Here are some pictures of Elijah meeting him for the first time.

Tummy time is just too hard!

At Grandma and Grandpa's

Grandma and Grandpa love me so much!

Don't let go of me grandma!

Sitting on the kitchen bench helping grandma cook supper.

I love my Aunty Allison - and my dummy (known in America as the pacifier)

I was not happy during this photo. Well, they did put those silly santa boots on me!

Finally Uncle Levi is at the other end of the camera.

Didn't get to try any of these Christmas cookies.

Grandma and Grandpa wear me out!

I love playing on my mat!

Elijah just loves to keep himself company on the play mat. There's a mirror hanging down and he just can't keep his eyes off that boy staring back at him! He also kicks his legs with great force - like he's riding a bike.

Going home

Showing Elijah his room for the first time.

Obviously enthralled by the living room.

A family photo on the steps.

We loved having grandma come all the way from America to help us out and enjoy Elijah in his early days.

Sleeping on mum and dad's bed.

Sleeping with Dad on the couch.


We had a visit from Liana. Thanks for the yummy meal you left for us Liana!