Mr and Mrs Simpson

Tom, Ali, Dan, Jess, Glenn

School started on Monday, the kids had 2 days to settle in and then it was off to Perth for my cousin Jess' wedding.  It was lovely to be able to attend a family wedding with lots of my family a mere 5 hour flight from Sydney.  It was also a family first as we finally had Tom, Jess, Tom and Tess all in the same room (and yes, we constantly got all their names wrong!).  

We arrived Wednesday lunchtime and after a brief settling in at the house Marita (one of Ali's friends) lent us it was off to Fremantle for the obligatory visit.  As we were running a little short of time we avoided Cappuccino Strip and headed straight for the Little Creatures Brewery where we scoffed "frites" and tried various different types of ale.  I don't often go out with the children and I've been impressed whilst in Perth at how all bars/pubs etc allow children in - I can still remember the days when unless it was possible to sit outside the pub children were not allowed in.  What made Little Creatures all the more impressive was the sizeable sand pit, complete with toys, on the beer patio which allowed us to enjoy our drinks and have a proper catch up with Ali.  Back at Marita's house that evening Tom and Kirstyn prepared a feast complete with 2 different desserts.  Early on in the evening we were sitting outside having a few drinks and a chat when there was the sound of broken glass from within the house.  We all held our breath and waited for either swearing or a cry of pain but there was nothing.  On investigation we found a shaken Tom who had crashed into a pane of glass and broken it but was otherwise unhurt.  We were just thankful he hadn't cut himself and ended up in hospital - there have been enough dramas in the lead up to this wedding with Jess and her pancreatitis and gall bladder removal!  

Little Tom playing tip with Kirstyn

Tess and Tom at Cottesloe Beach

Patrick arrived overnight and we headed off to Rottnest Island for the day (minus Jess, Dan and Ali who had a wedding rehearsal).  The kids were delighted to find a quokka within 10 mins of arriving (Jules hated them - too much like rats for his taste!) and as it was a hot but windy day we headed to a sheltered beach for a paddle, some sandcastle building and a game of tag.  In the evening we decided we needed to eat fish and chips on the beach at Cottesloe where once again the kids were allowed in the pub for pre-dinner drinks before getting our dinner and watching the sun go down.  The beach has excellent nighttime lighting and Tom was beside himself when all the big boys played tip and hide & seek finishing with some running races so that they could see for themselves how fast Tess is.  There has been some debate over which grandfather Tess' running skills come from as both of them have claimed credit and the debate was temporarily put to bed by a fierce race between Patrick and Jules with Patrick just pipping Jules to the post!!  

 Hannah was bawling which is why Tom looks so uncomfortable!

 Dan with Hannah watching Jess walk down the aisle - what a proud and happy smile!

 Robert and Ali

Lenka and Patrick

Friday was the Big Day and it was absolutely fabulous.  Jess and Dan got married in a small vineyard called Sittella's which is in the Swan Valley.  The sun was shining and due to a wettish winter the countryside was green and lush and covered in flowers.  The ceremony was very moving and I cried most of the way through it as my little cousin Jess became Mrs Jessica Simpson (many a joke has been made about her new name and the irony is that we used to call Big Tom Bart Simpson when he was younger!).  I really can't write too much without gushing but it was a perfect day and I am so glad that we were part of it.  

There was a big family brunch on Saturday and then it was back to Perth where the rain set in putting an end to our plans for some beach action.  Another family dinner in the evening, a slightly quieter affair after the late night before, and then back to Sydney on Sunday morning.  

Tom and Tess both agree that it was one of the best holidays they've had.  Tom was in heaven having all the big boys (Big Tom, Robert, Patrick and Jules) play endless games of tip with him.  Tess adored Kirstyn and followed her around everywhere.  Both of the kids loved cooing over their newest cousin Hannah.  And one of the real clinchers was the candy bar at the wedding!