Friday, September 16th

The Greenwell's arrived Thursday afternoon, and Michellie was able to finally get a hug from her Grammy and Grampy.  It is great to have them here and we are enjoying sharing some relaxing and quiet time.  I am not sure if they would call it that, but we worked hard to finish projects before their arrival, and it has been delightful to sit and chat and relax at the dinner table.  David's birthday was Thursday, and we celebrated with a steak dinner and lemon pie.  It was very nice.

While on her trip to the oncologist, Michellie and her Dad had a run in while trying to stand and David ripped her flip flop from her foot.  There was a lot of giggling over the incident.  Some nursing tape was applied to the shoe to get Michellie to the car, and the Dr. couldn't stop laughing.  She was teaching Michellie how to use this to her advantage to get some really nice new and expensive shoes.  We chuckled about this for a long time.  So, today we needed to travel to Sydney to get some new shoes before the flip flops are replaced with winter boots.  Or, so Michellie thought.

We left for Sydney right after school and we raced through the mall.  It was the fastest shoe shop ever, but we did have some success (however ugly they may be, they are flip flops).  Then, I took a wrong turn and ended up at the airport.  Michellie was appalled.  Didn't I know she had a rinker to go to?! (Dance at the Arena for the high school students).  Yes, I did know.  But this was the start of the birthday surprises.  We were at the airport to meet Chelsie-Anne.  I told Michellie before the plane touched down.  Initially she was in shock.  Didn't I remember that she didn't like surprises?  Yes!  But, Kenzie had a few shockers for his 16th Birthday, fair turn!  Always wanting to be prepared and organized she couldn't fathom how this would fit into any of her plans.  But, when Chelsie-Anne came through the door and they got the first hug - well, enough said...grab your kleenex.  The girsl talked non stop all the way home and we arrived just in time for their ride for the Rinker!  Chelsie-Anne was initiated into what she calls a "science experiment" - drunk kids and no water.  She was resourceful and helpful as the two non drinkers dealt with everyone else.  They giggled and laughed when they returned home, these events are always an experience.