Giving Thanks

There has been a lot of activity in the Baker/McDonald household in the last couple of months! In July, I took the Australian citizenship test, and passed with flying colours (the Australian spelling). Skye also started Kindermusik classes, further enhancing her appreciation of song and dance. She requests to hear the Kindermusik CD at least once a day - that and The Wiggles DVDs.

In August, I learned and performed Puccini's TURANDOT in just 4 rehearsals. We lost a beloved family member, Kenneth Neal "Pop" McDonald, Lachlan's grandfather. He will be dearly missed. On August 17th, I celebrated 4 years of being in Australia, and applied for Australian citizenship. In a matter of a few weeks, I should be a dual American/Australian citizen. I also recommenced violin teaching and I currently have 3 private students. Lachlan finished creating my violin duo website: www.operatica.com.au. We are hoping to get booked solid with gigs...

In September, we celebrated Father's Day by going to the Pancake Parlour for lunch and getting Lachlan an iPhone as his present. Chelsea had her school production, and did a brilliant job portraying a mouse in the song/skit "If We Could Talk to the Animals." I am currently in rehearsals for Puccini's TOSCA, which we will perform starting at the end of September. Skye just turned 1.5, and we had a little celebration by having an early Thanksgiving dinner. I invited a few friends and family, had some roast turkey, bacon-wrapped baked potatoes, couscous salad, rolls, and blueberry pavlova for dessert. I'm happy to report that everything was a hit, and we all enjoyed each other's company. It was my best Australian Thanksgiving dinner yet! And without further adieu, here are some highlights captured in digital memory...

Lachlan designed this billboard - outside Chadstone Shopping Centre

Blueberry Pavlova