Santa's workshop

A few pallet based items seem to have been created this year, including a Pirate Chest, beach cricket set and a Balista. Guess which was the most popular

Downsizing

After the biggest Christmas tree ever last year we now have the smallest.

It will not be hard to have a bigger one than this next year.

With only a small contingent at home this year it didn't seem worth going overboard. . . .

Things that go BUMP in the night

Some local yahoos stole this car and let it run down our (very steep) street. Luckily no one was injured and no damage done (apart from the car)

Return of the master

Sarah is back from Perth WA with excellent results in her Master of Audiology degree..

Very well done indeed Sarah.

She will be starting a job as an audiologist in Hobart in the new year which is much closer to home. :-)

Fireman Max

Max loves fire engines so we put his to the test!

Jack takes the lead

Dust to Dust

Scattering Guy

The scattering went well on Great Aunt Esther's grave. Bell ringers were giving us a soundtrack and some Talisker was enjoyed in his memory. Penny, Catherine and myself were there together with Ryan and Pat. The village of Bratton is delightful, a bit like stepping back in time and the pub fed us well for lunch. Afterwards we went up the Westbury white horse where we found fresh roses matching Catherine's coat.

Love Tony

HollyBank

Holly bank has always been a favourite for the Hill family, kids and dogs.

The tradition continues. Enhanced by the excellent mountain bike trails that have been established recently.

It's still a good place to light a fire a cook a sausage and play in the river . . . . .

Gangway

Dave has been painting the hallways although the ladders and planks seem to make a great climbing frame for the boys .

With high coloured ceilings and exposed beams there seems to be an inordinate amount of cutting-in; plus four windows in each door to paint around inside and out - sheeesh.

Still; its done now, ready for some new carpet next; trying to get the infractructure jobs done before retirement and much reduced funding sets in.

4 Max

Happy Birthday to MAX

With a starry night themed party we had to go outside to see to eat the cake!

A great time was had by all ; especially the birthday boy

All that JAZZ

Granma's new green machine

Jack Fish

Jack spent a few days with us and we took him to a local dam (Mountain Stream)

He had a great time catching his first trout. One rainbow and two brook trout.

Awesome Jack;

 and they tasted great too :-)

Full House

Full House this weekend!

Liz and Rob were up with Jack and Max and we were joined by Martin and Best and their three boys.

Plus

Two friends of Best and their three kids.

Meals were strictly 2 sittings; 8 kids first, followed later by the 8 adults.

All went very smoothly and a good time was had by all.

Birthday Bob

A large contingent of family and friends helped Bob celebrate his 70th journey around the sun.

Now retired, Bob and Sue are off to the UK to take part in the WORLD croquet championships.

Now we are 6

After 3 snow themed birthday parties, this year Jack went with LEGO.  Much fun for all involved

Max the Digger Man

Max came up to stay for a few days, which included a visit to Agfest and more than one ice-cream. The salesman was impressed with his skills and gave him a BobCat beanie. A great time was had by all.

Swanning about

Easter holidays

Swanning about at Richmond

Jack's Bream Creek Show Triumph

A very proud Jack 2nd prize in the under 12 leggo competition at the Bream Creek Show!

And finally - the wedding

Well worth waiting for. . . . a great day after much preparation by Alice and her helpers All the hill family were there which helped make it a special ocassion. It was wonderful to meet so many old and new friends there. Many thanks to all those who helped make it such a great event. Pictures here

Farewell to Guy 25 December 1920 - 21 January 2015

Our grandad was so great to us In many different ways. He was 94 years old And born on Christmas day. When he came to visit We thought him a lovely man He toured around Tasmania In a trusty campervan. We all loved him so much We wished we saw him more Married to wife Barbara Who he did so adore He loved doing crosswords He thought they were a treat And Wednesdays were for whiskey Down in Abbey street We will all miss you now you are gone But if youre watching from above We thank you now for all you've done And send you all our love (Catherine)

Sydney Chooks

The girls (Denise,Liz,Cath and Rosemary) joined Alice and friends for her Hens bash in Sydney.

By all accounts a good time was had by everybody.

Meanwhile preparations continue for the big day. . . .

Tree Time

In the tradition of having a bigger tree each year, we had to move it to the where the ceiling is higher. . . .

All the family were home for Christmas which was a great family day.

More pictures may be found here!

Smiles with styles

Its wonderful to have the girls back home fro Christmas. Cath has come for a wedding in early December and is staying until Chris and Alice's in early February.

There's a bar in there

There is now a bar as well as a fridge in the garage. Santa has no time for presents this year, but has built a bar and up-cycled croquet set for the forthcoming wedding celebrations. Construction work continues . . .

Winners are grinners

Sue Beattie has been bringing home the silver at recent croquet competitions and Matt Bowen did very well in the Australian Special Olympic's golf. Very well done both.

Oktober Fest with Styles

To celebrate Ryan's 30th birthday. Cath and Ryan met up with Trevor in Germany for Oktober Fest.

Snakes Alive

On a recent walk around Tamar Island, Dave found a couple of wriggly critters. All snakes in Taasie are poisonous, but they are more often seen around March.

Coming of age

Faversham rocked to the party put on by Ann to celebrate her coming of age! Continuing in the kitchen after the noise-police closed down the band in the tent on the lawn. A fantastic time was had by all - many thanks Ann And special thanks to Ryan who managed to BBQ for over 100 guests!

London Calling

Dave made a quick visit to London and caught up with Cath and Ryan for a few beers and a bit of sight seeing. They have a nice flat in Shepherd's bush and are both actively employed and enjoying life :-). Their next stop is Oktoberfest for Ryan's bithday. . . . . . (click on pics to enlarge)

Feller Buncher Birthday

Max wanted a Feller Buncher cake and party for his third birthday party and , thanks to a very resourceful mother he got one. A great time was had by all!