WELCOME SUMMER

Happy first day of summer in the Southern Hemisphere! Too bad the day was brought in with rain storms and cool weather (68 degrees, not too bad for December). We are still trying to get our bodies and brains to realize that it is December and not June. The picture above is of the most beautiful trees - I wish they grew in Utah - they are called Jacarandas. They have these beautiful lavender blossoms which fall to the ground with the smallest of breezes, covering the ground with a lavender carpet. They are actually almost done blooming. When the blossoms are done, just like apricot and cherry trees, leaves grow in their place. They are so beautiful and are mixed with all the green bush trees around Sydney. When you come up over a hill there they are like little purple clouds in the middle of a green sky.

We celebrated the first day of summer with a ward Christmas BBQ.

Unfortunately due to the weather it was moved from the park to the church. Kev pulls double duty in our ward and not only is he in the elder's quorum, but he is on the activities committee as well. He taught the kids an American game of kick ball, and the kids all seemed to have a great time! The kids also were able to have their faces painted, do origami, play drop the hankie (duck, duck, goose), and Santa dropped by. Madi was not fooled and knew that it was really the bishop. She said, "Mom, I know that is really the bishop and not Santa. It's okay though, he was just filling in for Santa. Santa doesn't come to Australia until it gets really hot!" He brought little bags of lollies and a gift for each child! What a great way to kick off summer and Christmas!