Last few days of the Hols...

We have now arrived back from Perth - the flight seemed far too long, but at least we had James to keep us company for the Perth - Dubai leg. Since the weekend of the Christening, Richard (and James) experienced their first AFL game. Richard and I also enjoyed a night out - first since Isobel was born so had to make a note of it here. The threat of rain never came and we took a day out to the Swan Valley and sampled a couple of the wineries, Houghton where we had our picnic lunch under the jacaranda trees and FishTail which we really enjoyed.



Although the weather was gorgeous - it wasn't quite warm enough for an outside swim so we took Isobel to Beatty Park which has a fantastic indoor pool for babies. I think Isobel found all the fountains and 'landscaping' in the water rather alot to take in - not quite what we are used to in Peckham!



We managed to fit in a visit to Kings Park and more walks along the beach. Due to the bad storms in the week before the 'iconic' pilon on cottesloe beach had toppled over so had to take this photo:



Catching up with friends and relatives carried on throughout the week. Isobel met Sally's dog, Luca and thought her jaws would be fun to grab........Don't think Luca was very impressed.

Christening

Despite the storms, we had a lovely day for Isobel's Christening last Saturday, 23rd May. Granny made it and it was lovely to see our friends and family all there. Isobel did inevitably cry as she was baptised, but apart from that she was alert for the whole day. She seemed to enjoy the social interaction with everyone and Granny's face lit up when Isobel sat next to her.


Yesterday we filled every hour - started with breakfast with Joelle's family and Isobel experiencing her first swing - thanks Jonathan! Joshua was very sweet with Isobel and offered to look after her whilst I ate my eggs florentine:














In the evening we went over to Rosemary's house and saw the new build which is fantastic - just loved the kitchen. Harriet and Oliver were lovely with Isobel and she seemed to think it was pretty exciting playing with them.




Today we had lunch in Fremantle at the infamous Little Creatures. The water looked gorgeous.

Swan River & Cottesloe Beach

Isobel has now felt sand between her toes! The sun has been shinning here - gorgeous mid 20s. Sunday we had a picnic by Freshwater Bay with Pompey, Rachel and the boys and Ben and Jane joined us too which was a lovely surprise. Isobel met her first black Swan, had her first taste of watermelon and enjoyed a cuddle with everyone.

Earlier we had taken her to her first beach - the infamous Cottesloe Beach which was as flat as a pancake so no surfers about. The water was a glistening clear colour and felt warm as we walked along. Richard let Isobel have a paddle, but I think she found the incoming waves a little bit daunting. We went back there for breakfast on Monday with Pompey, but by the time we were on our walk she found it all a bit tiring:



Monday afternoon we met up with Joelle and her youngest, Ari. It was fantastic to see them again and Joelle had to have a little cuddle.



Walking by the river today we saw a pod of 3 dolphins just by us. It was a fantastic sight to see as the sun sparkled on the water. Storms are forecast for the coming days:(

London to Perth

We are now in Perth and survived the flight! We left London Gatwick on Thursday after much faffing around leaving the house. Isobel thought the airport was mega interesting and the flight even more so especially the individual TV screens. She was really very good and hardly cried (or slept) on the long journey. We met James in Dubai - where people there kept wanting to touch Isobel - finding her fair skin tones and hair something to behold. After the first few times it was no longer amusing and Richard started saying 'OFF'! As we arrived into Perth there was a beautiful red sunset, but sadly was dark by the time we emerged from the airport. We took a walk by the river and watched the twinkling lights of the boats reflecting in the river. It was very quiet, calm and balmy!

Yesterday we went to my Dad's and had a belated birthday lunch for James. Isobel was surounded by uncles and Alexander seemed to enjoy holding her.



After lunch we went to visit Granny who has moved into a home. She and Isobel met for the first time which was lovely.



The weather here is glorious but set to change in the coming week.