The Vanderduys last week in Rocky

The past week has been so hectic - so much to catch up on, so much to pack into such limited time. So many things we still needed to do with these dear friends who left today - unless we get to PNG in the next few years, it will be three years before we get to spend time with these guys again. We felt so flat this afternoon after they left. They are very much a part of our family - their children are like grandkids to us - we love them to bits. This past week, Sharon and I have managed to get out for coffee a couple of afternoons, we celebrated Sharon's 40th Birthday party last week and then this weekend, we have managed to squeeze in a boys morning with Uncle Steve and Aunty Karen - we sent to see this
The kids wanted Chloe to help them make these
Saturday afternoon, Joel wanted one last visit to the Botanical Gardens here - we saw these
We then went for a walk down to the lagoon ( love this photo of Joel showing Emma brotherly love)
Then we fed the Turtles
then a spot of bird watching
It is a pity I didn't have my camera with me Sunday afternoon - The boys wanted to Rip Stick with Uncle Steve ( and he got to use his Rip Stick for the first time) so they spent a couple of hours out on their Rip Sticks. Last night we played "Take Two" and "Settlers" - and Steve now holds the title of Grand champion for 2010. (Should have taken photos of that too,) Their final games night

This morning the girls were keen to bake with Aunty Karen for the last time so here are their attempts at making cupcakes.
Icing the cupcakes
Licking the bowl and spoon
Cupcakes ready to eat.
Then it was time to try and pack the car ready to leave

How on earth are they going to fit all of this in. Securing everything on the roof.


The expert checking it all out to make sure the knots are all right.
One last tighten before we finally tie it off.
My wonderful man

Classic shots of Craig.
And just to end this crazy full on weekend - we had an afternoon of feeling sad that the longed for visit home of Craig and Sharon has come and gone way too quick - and the thought of another three years before we see them again just seems too long to wait at the moment.

Just to cheer up, we decided to go to the movies this evening - Steve, Chloe and a couple of other friends went and saw "Ironman 2" whilst I went to see "When in Rome" with a couple of girlfriends. Great movie - nice to end the very hectic weekend with a feel good movie.