HOLIDAY SNAPS
We flew out to Australia in mid December with Malaysian Airlines. We went Business Class to get extra room to make it easier to cope with Fiona. I hasten to add that she was a perfect little doll almost the whole time. She cried only twice on the trip out and not at all on the way back. I can also heartily recommend MAS to anyone - a great airline to travel with.

ARRIVAL

Mum and Dad were waiting at the airport for the first glimpse of their grandaughter. We were able to sneak up behind them and dump Fiona into their laps. The trip was worth it just for the look on their faces alone.

My brother Iain and his wife Jenny had been the first of my relatives to see Fiona when they visited the UK in 1999. They were pleased to see her again in Oz.

My other brother, Ross was also with us in Glasgow last year. After the success of his movie 'Fight Club' he was able to join us all in Sydney as well. It is the first time we have all been together for Xmas in over 10 years! He brought her some clothes from the new Fox film studio in Sydney. At least she seems to think they look nice. That left only sister Susan to meet Fiona. I think they they make a lovely couple.

Christmas day was a real family occassion. We had 13 people for Christmas lunch. Fiona got lots of lovely presents but was just as happy playing with the wrapping paper.

On Boxing Day (December 26th) we had another 'christening' for Fiona. Since she had already been christened in Scotland the minister couldn't actually baptise Fiona again. But we had a small service that 'celebrated' the event. It was a chance for Ross, Iain, Jenny and Susan to become Fiona's overseas Godparents.

On New Year's Eve we went down to the harbourside to get a ringside seat for the famous fireworks. Iain and his friends had done a great job literally 'staking out' a patch of the foreshore the day before. We even took it in turns throughout the day to guard our position against 'claim jumpers'. All the effort was worth it as they were spectacular. They fired from Sydney's skyscrapers, shot from barges moored on the water and cascaded from the Bridge. Between fireworks displays we turned the music up loud and danced like loons. Don't ask me to explain the silly wigs. I don't remember the reasons.

Fiona had quiet a few 'firsts' during her visit to Australia. She met a kangaroo and had her first swim. Despite the relatively cool weather in Sydney she went for a paddle in the Pacific (briefly) just before New Year. Then by the last week of our trip week my parent's pool had warmed up (only just) enough for the brave to go in. This included Fiona, who loved it. I was less keen but couldn't help but to dive in and share Fiona's enjoyment.

All to soon it was time to go and we took the now traditional departure photos in my parent's garden. We certainly enjoyed our stay and look forward to having them all with us in Glasgow soon.