A Concert, a cruise ship, an American ship, garden cinema, a fire pit and birthday number 2.

 

Josie's first classical concert with me and Richard. We chose a Candlelight concert in the Cathedral of St John. The concert was called the 'World of Joe Hisaishi who is a Japanese composer, music director and pianist, known for over 100 film scores and solo albums dating back to 1981. Josie loves the Japanese cartoon films for which he wrote much of the music so she was very familiar with some of the music played by a string quartet in the magical candlelit setting. The concert was about 75 minutes so not too long as her first experience of a live classical concert. She had been a bit apprehensive but actually really enjoyed it. We completed the evening with McDonalds burgers and chips!!   

   

Kerri's mum had read about an American ship docking in Brisbane so we drove down to where it seemed it was docked but were unable to see it. The news reported the 'following:

'BRISBANE, Australia – The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and embarked U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Brisbane, Australia, for a scheduled port visit July 9 while conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

This visit underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and Australia and provides an opportunity for the crew to experience Australian culture and hospitality.

America, flagship of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), is a highly capable platform designed to support a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster response to amphibious operations. This port visit is a routine part of the ship's deployment and allows for resupply, refuel, replenishment, and rest. America previously visited Sydney in June.'

We did travel to the other side of the harbour where we could see an American ship being moved out by 2 tug boats but it was not clear whether or not this was the ship we were expecting to see We did however, see an enormous cruise ship. Passengers were arriving and luggage was being taken on board

The afternoon was spent preparing for visitors coming for the evening. Richard set up an outdoor screen and the children (and some of the adults) watched the Minecraft movie while the 'ladies' remained indoors in the warm, chatting. The guys sat round a fire pit outside. It was a very successful evening which including 4 dogs of various breeds and sizes from the very small to the very large.

            





Sunday morning up bright and early for Kerri's birthday. A quick 6K run for Kerri to test her new running shoes, a haircut for Richard and a visit to the supermarket for me. Still struggling to work out the layout of the store even after 11 weekly visits.

After a few presents it was off to meet friends for a picnic in the park next to the Storey Bridge. We worked out that the last time we had been there was for Elliot's 3rd birthday in 2017! There is a small beach area, which Dusty loved, and also a Mangrove area where the children played with 3 friends building a den.

The weather was perfect for me although others were feeling cold.

Mid afternoon we returned to Moorooka to visit a  Winter Fayre. It was around 20C but still midwinter here. Lots of stalls, games and music.

Then it was back to the house for supper and more present opening! The children are back to school tomorrow so it was an early night all round.