Aunt Midge and Uncle Jules

During the first week of June, we pulled Zoe out of school for a quick 3-day trip to see Julian’s parents in Regina. Our brief jaunt was specifically timed to intersect with that of Athalie and Julian (different Julian, pay attention now) who were visiting from Queensland, Australia. Athalie is Julian’s (Zoe’s Dad’s) half-sister from his Dad’s (Zoe’s Grandpa’s) first marriage and the full sister to Geoffrey who we met at the end of last summer.

 

Fortunately Julian (Athalie’s husband) normally goes by the appellation “Jules”, while Athalie is universally recognized as “Midge” – so-named after Midge Farrelly a (male) 1960’s surfing champion. Apparently it has been constitutionally mandated that all Australians be in possession of an alternate first name in order to confuse non-antipodeans while providing an endless source of amusement for themselves. Zoe, of course, experienced no such confusion with nomenclature and simply delighted in the company of her newfound Aunt Midge and Uncle Jules, which we will now call them to avoid further confusion within this blog posting. 

Any of Zoe’s initial apprehensions upon encountering strange new relatives from the other side of the world evaporated immediately upon meeting them. As mentioned in numerous prior postings, Zoe loves her “play, play, play” sessions during visits with Grandma Elaine. In Aunt Midge (a doting grandparent in her own right) she found yet another very good-natured, willing playmate possessing a similar zeal to Grandma. The games, particularly doctor’s office and restaurant ordering, provided 3 days of non-stop merriment for Zoe and were absolutely relished by her. Can you say “play play play” heaven? Thank you Midge for being such an accommodating, great sport!

 

Jules participated fully in the play, even initiating games of horse and tag.  Once started, Zoe expected the fun to continue nonstop even long after the adults were worn out.  Also, in Jules, Zoe has finally found a relative who shares her love for unrestrained conversation J.  In summary, we now have a new favourite Aunt and Uncle in our family.  One of Zoe's charms is that she can add new favourites without displacing reigning favourites!

 

One isn't sure who had more fun, Zoe or Uncle Jules!

Needless to say, both generations were tired at the end of the day.

Zoe insisted Aunt Midge learn games on the Blackberry.

Dinner out at Golf's

Snuggling with Grandma Elaine

Grandma Elaine has big shoes to fill!
 

With Uncle Mark at the farm

(They do things differently Down Under)

 

 

A family friend happened to be at the barn at the time we were visiting.  Zoe happily pitched in with the grooming!

 

"Happy" is an understatement!

John with Mark, Athalie (Midge), and Julian

Back row:  Uncle Mark, Uncle Jules, Aunt Midge, Grandpa John, Julian.  Front row:  Grandma Elaine, Zoe, Sara

 

Zoe with Grandma and Grandpa

Zoe with Aunt Midge and Uncle Jules

 

Our short trip to Regina provided us with a delightful opportunity to finally become acquainted with both Midge and Jules. We definitely look forward to reuniting with them and their extended family in the very near-future – hopefully on their side of the world, this time.