Yes we are still here

Betsy & Pops

Notice it's a month since I have posted photos on the blog. Life just gets away on you at times. Time for a bit of a catch up.

Carl is back from PNG and half way through his month home before he heads off in mid September. We seem to have got into the routine reasonably well and his time away is manageable for us with good planning and a few stiff drinks.

Having Carl home means we can do a few things that are totally undoable with one parent and three kids - such as kayaking. Last week we spent Saturday morning kayaking around the port/waterfront area checking out the boats and yachts in town ( caught up with some people we had met in Vanuatu) and visiting the dolphins in captivity awaiting export.

We also went along to the Solomon Idol Semi Finals. We have been regular and keen attenders as Poppy's best friend Betsy and her sister Marian have both been competing and are through to the grand finals of the Junior section. It is a crazy event roughly following the format of all "Idol contests" but very hot, squashed, smelly and drawn out. The elimation process is very long and painful but the singing to great and they have lots of great entertainment. Last week we even won a prize for making the best balloon figure-decided by the Deputy Prime Minister no less. The prize-3 packets of twisties - a favourite food here. We're now planning our banners for the grand final - the Thurston's have no shame!!!!