Final Farewells

"Guess what? We're moving to Broome!" Nick announced. During our stay in Broome we got our car serviced. Nick was chatting to the mechanic about how nice Broome was, our background and the possibility of working along the way to extend the trip. With a smile on his face the mechanic said "the general managers position is up for grabs, why not check it out?" So after checking it out, dropping off his CV, having an initial chat with a couple of the board members, we left Broome considering our options....... Now after a final phone call with the position being offered to him, we have a decision to make. The lifestyle and weather of Broome a big draw card as well as the thought of living through a wet season, just for the experience. It would mean I would need to work too as the salary is less than we would need, consequently the kids would have to attend school. As a family we discussed all the pros and cons, and although it would be a big change, it will also be an exciting adventure and we all decided "let's give it a go".

So, with the Backsons continuing on with their tour Downunder and the Leonards considering job options in Darwin, our final day together had sadly arrived.

After a mammoth pack up (the joys of setting up in one spot for a while) we headed to the waterpark, spending a fun afternoon splashing down the watersides. Before heading home to prepare and enjoy a final feast together, followed by a concert.

The rules of the concert were that each family had to perform one act, and each of the kids practiced skits, poems, songs and dance. The stage was set, lighting and sound tested, and we took our seats ready for MC Oli to get the show started.

What an amazing evening. The memories, thought, emotion, stories and even trivia everyone contributed made this an unforgettable evening. Sara started the evening with the statistics of how long we had known each other, where we all met and some stories along the way. Oli sang us a rap, while Pete and Matt held a trivia contest. Nick & I made a dismal attempt at charades, Zach and Oli performed a croc catching act, the girls danced, Nick read a piece about the geese, Josh wrote a poem, the literacy talent of Jo and Hamish wrote
a poem and Ned finished the evening with a personal reflection of our time together. Below is Hamish and Jo's poem:

"On our final night we thought that we'd write A little verse to say bye
What we've learnt, what we've seen, but not where we've been How you've made us all laugh, scream and cry
.........................

Ciara is the littlest, the one who says the least But she'll run, dance and smile all the day Give up the dummy, do right by your mummy You'll be right, you're gorgeous, go play.

Next is Abby, abby oooo
With her mouth in perpetual motion
She talks and laughs then talks some more But sometimes might need a truth potion

Summer by name and summer by nature
She sings out aloud to her songs
So pretty and sweet, in a sundress all neat Then she stops and catches toads in her thongs

Sweet little Ivy with two brothers in tow
She's bold, she's rambunctious, giving anything a go She'll tell you "I'm so cute" as she dives off the rocks Taking all by surprise with her brown stinky socks

Now Ned, there's a boy who stands out from the crowd
He's sensitive, he's shy, or so you thought
A maniac on his scooter, "watch out" he'll go straight through ya! But a dear gentleman with a daredevil walk.

Zach the croc buster is the rowdy one
If there's trouble to be found he's there With his cheeky grin, he dives right in And emerges from the mess with no care

Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, he reads like the flash
Law reviews, mysteries and historical trash
A true blonde genius - an ironic description
Travelling the world studying birds will be his conviction.

Matt, he's a twitcher, he loves birds with wings He wants to live at the BBO out of town
He has style, he has flair and perfect Bieber hair As he tackles his opponents to the ground.

Joshua, Joshua, our man of the sea
Can talk about fish but also reads Matt Reilly
He's great with a footy until Pete takes him down Stick to AFL mate, cause you're from Melbourne town.

Rosie, brilliant cook, friend and teacher, please believe in your worth
You're capable, funny and tough, a true salt of the earth
You can round up the troops, and google your way round
In Broome with red phone, new friends will always be found.

Now there's Nick, mate, it's not all about you.....

The lioness of the Leonard's, don't mess with Jo Don't get in between her and her cubs
It's best to play nice, say yes, don't ask twice Or you'll end up headless in the scrub.


Sara, the Op Shop Queen, her wardrobe's so cheap She hikes in dark clobber, so stylish, so neat Scrabble's her game, she gets triples with ease You can use a thesaurus but only if you say please!

Hamish, the hand whisperer with the 23 foot van Who couldn't park it to save life, limb or tendon He's a cynical blogger, swinging left, oh why bother? The rough mining roads will leave your van bend'en.

Then there's big Pete, a true alpha male
If something's broke, well then he'll fix it
Backing vans down steep slopes, wrestling kids, tying ropes Just don't let him near the sweet biscuits.

So then here's to us, our big wandering mob,
We're so glad we all came together,
The laughs and the jokes that we've had with you folks All different but still birds of a feather.
For its time to split up and go our own ways Lintons west, Leonard's north, Backsons east,
The memories that we share we'll take every where Thank you all for our travelling treats. .......................................

The following morning after hugs, hand shakes, wrestles and tears we set off on a new part of our Australian Adventure.....With a few stops along the way.