December Update

Merry Christmas friends and family!
Our container of household goods arrived at our doorstep the last Saturday in November. It is was like Christmas had come early! I missed our sofa and bed the most. I think for Rachel it was her piano and bedroom furniture and for the kids it was their toys.
Well, the kids have just finished up school for this year. They are now on summer vacation (again) for 6 weeks and then they will begin a new school year and a new grade at the end of January. Rachel has been accepted to the University of Queensland to study Marine Biology. It is a three year course so she will be able to get work in her field before we return to the states in 2012. She begins school in February. Duane will get two weeks off during the Christmas break. We are planning some snorkeling on Morton Island, visiting Underwater World, two nights in a hotel at Noosa beach and rain forest, visiting the Mt. Coot-tha Botanical gardens and lookout point, and hiking some trails. The kids are very excited.
On Sunday, Dec. 21, the kids will be participating in the Children's Christmas program at church. Duane also wants us to schedule an open house during his time off. We also need to get our Christmas shopping completed before this next week. Duane will be ready to get back to work and rest by the time his break is over.
We miss not having Michael with us. I know he misses us also. If any of you get a chance, please send him an e-mail just to say hello. I know he would greatly appreciate it. mhengst3@gmail.com
I do not have a mailing address for him. He is stationed for the next three years in San Diego California on the USS Nimitz . It is grounded for renovations and repairs and is due to go out to sea in June. In October, Michael and Lauren became engaged! They both want to wait to set a date sometime after Lauren finishes college which will be a couple of years.
I am on the veranda typing this blog. The birds are incredibly chattery this morning. The Currongs, Ravens, Kookaburras, Noisy Miner birds and Lorikeets are all competing for airspace. It's wonderful to listen to them. Many of the baby birds are leaving the nests for the first time. I enjoy watching them as they visit our veranda looking for bread or fruit. For awhile the ravens would come and peck on the windows for food; talk about spoiled! A few nights ago we were visited by a Powerful Owl. That was neat!
Our family wishes you all a very merry CHRISTmas as we celebrate our savior's birth!