The eye of the storm

As I write this I am surrounded by piles of our kit - more or less organised into carry, air, and ship. Today we lose our internet connection so we wanted to post a short blog about before we depart.

We have spent the most amazing 8 days in France by way of saying "goodbye" to Europe. We will of course blog in detail when we are settled back in Melbourne. Most of our time was spent in a gorgeous country house in the Loire Valley. We were surrounded by sunflowers and wheat fields - made all the more poignant as the harvest was in full swing. James was thrilled by all the combine harvesters and we just had to stop and watch them. We visited some stunning Chateaux such as Chenonceau and d'Ussé. We even spent a day in Paris that included the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Sainte-Chapelle. Our house had a pool that we all enjoyed as the weather was wonderfully warm and clear. In between we stayed at a few hotels right on the beach at Brittany. Here are some photos here.

Since returning we have been focused on packing. Both Merrilyn and I now feel that our attention is on Melbourne. As we pack we progressively transform our home more into a house. Last night we drove to the Great Park to enjoy a picnic in amongst the oaks as the sun set. James rode his bike and we talked of our first impressions of this wonderful place when we first arrived. I have to return the car tomorrow so we hope to visit the copper horse tonight given the chance.

We're about to head into Windsor for lunch. We depart on Saturday with a day stop-over in Singapore. James is looking forward to the hotel pool! It may be a few weeks before we're back "on the air". It will certainly be strange for a while. But one thing is certain - we will face the future together as a family.