Claude and his buddies play trains

From dawn to dusk, Claude would happily play trains and cars with anyone in close proximity but these 2 are some of his favourite playmates!

Auntie Elle

Asha smiles when meeting her aunt Elle for the first time!

Dr Claude

Claude was given a doctor's set by his doctor aunt and uncle. Asha makes a great patient.

Claude turns 2

Much fun, running around and playing of trains was had at the Squires' place as we celebrated Claude's second birthday. The boys made him a special birthday hat, and of course I attempted a variation on the classic train cake.

 
Claude's cousin won the prize for best dressed!

AFL grandfinal

Its never too early to start your football education

Go Swannies!

Asha meets the family

We are so pleased to have Asha in our family. She has been out and about meeting many of her relatives.

My baby sister

Claude is now a big brother, much to his delight, as we welcomed baby Asha into our family.

She came a couple of weeks early so mum and dad weren't quite prepared. Hence the makeshift bed for a few days!

My new cousin

Claude is very excited about babies at the moment and really loved meeting his newest cousin Zoe back in Sydney.

Toes

Finally, after living in Vietnam for 3.5 years, I have had my toenails painted. Sadly, now that we are back in Sydney, its too cold to show them off so a photo will have to do.

Ninh Binh

Greg had a staff retreat with his employees, who generously asked if Claude and I might come too. We had a lovely time getting out of Hanoi to the neighbouring province. Claude's highlight was the monkeys at the Primate Reserve - a fantastic centre that aims to preserve and breed endangered species of monkeys and other apes almost lost from the wild. There was also a turtle reserve, which breeds and releases endangered turtles, many of which are caught and eaten as a delicacy in this part of the world.




We also enjoyed a walk in the Cuc Phuong forest, and climbed up a steep hill into a cave known to be used by prehistoric people.

Swimming

Claude is definitely a water baby - he loves splashing around, learning to propel himself and most of all jumping with dad.

More village friends

We really love our neighbours in the village.

Best friends

We are so thankful that our friends are back in Hanoi - Claude is especially glad to see his friend again!

Lunch with Greg's staff

There has been a turn over in Greg's local employees recently, having hired several new people. So we had everyone over for a welcome lunch.

Playdough fun in Hanoi

We have discovered playdough - homemade thanks to one of our good friends here. Claude loves to make all sorts of things.

A chicken update

Chickens grow really quickly! We were back at Holgate for a quick visit but no visit is complete without a full inspection of the chickens.

Wiggly concert

Claude, Omi and I went to a Wiggles concert on the Central Coast. Claude has no idea who the Wiggles are but does love to say the word "wiggle" and enjoyed the music and dancing, and especially the large green dinosaur.

Beach fun

Earlier in our visit (the photos are a little behind and out of sequence) we made a few trips down the hill to Balmoral beach. Claude loved splashing and swimming in the sea. And I think Greg did too!

Holgate and the chicken adventure

Greg's parents live out of Sydney and have a fabulous place for young kids to explore. Highest on the list was the new batch of chickens that arrived just as we did. Claude loved to see them every day and managed not to hug a single one too tightly!
This is his new pose for contemplating things.

Canberra cousins

Conference time in Canberra entailed a visit to see Claude's second cousin for the first time. He loved the baby and wanted to help with everything - hoping this bodes well for our second one too!

Family time in Australia

We have been in Australia for a couple of months while Greg gets some lab work done. Of course that means time to catch up with family and friends, enjoy the beach and the sunshine and as the weather gets colder keep cool for a little longer before the sweltering heat of Hanoi returns. Here are a few photos of the family gatherings.

Kuang Si Falls

About 25km out of town is a magnificent waterfall, with several tiers and a walk through the jungle. There is also a shelter for rescued sun bears on site.