Daniel's Graduation

Last week I was down in Brisbane for some professional development.  I love professional development, 1. because I like learning new things, and the area of Learning Support is extremely interesting, and 2.  because I get to see my family.

This trip was especially well timed because it was Dad's birthday (and soon mine).  One of the biggest things for me living so far away from my family is that I miss out on special occasions.  I missed my nephews 4th birthday and my brother's birthday as well.  We are a close family, and birthdays have always been the time when we get together for a family dinner.

I was so happy to be able to spend Dad's birthday with him.  Even better, David was still visiting his family, so I got to see my husband after a week without him.

It was such a nice evening, mum even had my birthday dinner then too because it will just be David and I for mine this week.  The only low point was that my nephew was sick so my brother and sister-in-law couldn't come.

The next night (I was lucky enough to not have to fly back straight after my PD) was my brothers graduation from studying his PhD.  He's Dr Dan now and I am very proud of him, even if he did look funny in his Harry Potter robes and floppy hat.

Unfortunately my sister-in-law and nephew couldn't be there (Will was still sick), Daniel was disappointed they couldn't be there, but Will was so sick it was impossible.  Poor little thing had to be taken to hospital when Dan got home that night.

Congratulations Dr. Dan! Very proud of you big brother!

Happy Birthday

This is my Nephew William

And I shamelessly stole this picture from my sister-in-law's blog!  

He just turned 4.

And I missed it.  

I can deal with a lot of things being so far away from my family, but this has been hard.  I have never missed his birthday before.  William is such a special little man, he is so smart and kind and has such a beautiful nature.  I have enjoyed watching him grow up, and I don't want to miss a thing.  I feel sad that I have missed his birthday.  Come to mention I am sad I missed my brother's birthday too.

Daniel's birthday is a couple of days after Will's.  I don't think I have ever missed his birthday either.

Family is so important to me and I don't like missing out on the special occasions in their lives.  

I guess I took for granted living so close to my family, and now I don't have that anymore.  It isn't forever, I know that.  At the right time we will move home.  But for now this is where I am and I guess I will have to get used to missing out on the special things.

My greatest fear is that William will forget who his Aunty Kristin and Uncle Dave are.  i know he wont because he is way too smart for that, but I fear it all the same.

One blessing is that mum and dad were up that weekend so I was still able to send a present home for William and Daniel.  

Happy birthday to both of you.  Love you both.