Fitzroy Falls, 27 Dec 2008

Fitzroy Falls, north end of Morton National Park, New South Wales


Looking at the falls through the brush


At the lookout point, Fitzroy Falls


with our friends, Lois and Wendy


Kangaroo Valley, near Fitzroy Falls

The Hampden Bridge; Kiama Blow Hole

The Hampden Bridge--description


The Hampden Bridge is the only surviving suspension bridge from the colonial period of New South Wales, Australia.


The bridge was opened in 1898.


The Blow Hole at Kiama is a hole in the rock on the shore of the Tasman Sea. When the tide is high, the water blows up through the dark hole, almost like a geyser. Otherwise, you just see the water, from the Sea, through the dark hole.

Boxing Day 2008

We visited with Malcolm and Helen Arvidson in Toukley, 60 miles north of Carlingford.


The Arvidsons took us for a walk along the lake near their home, then gave us beautiful dinner, served with their best china and cutlery.


On the way home, we drove between miles of rock and beautiful green trees.


Broughs and the Larsens, who have a large dairy farm in Cache Valley. They are employment missionaries.


The Wrights (legal missionaries)invited us over for pumpkin and mince pie! He is a former mission president for the Colorado Denver Mission.

Our Christmas 2008

Our gifts under our Christmas tree


We visited with Pablo Rojas (speaks Spanish) and showed him 3 DVDs.


We showed him "Small One," "The Nativity," and "The Resoration."

Evening Barbecue 25 December 2008

The day was complete with a barbecue with the senior missionaries. The McRaes hosted the barbecue; Janet and Tracey; the Larsens (on the right)


Marshall, Janet, Wendy, Lois


Dr. (Elder) and Sister Oldroyd. They have done so much for us.


The Christmas barbecue was at "The Stables," or so it was sometime in the past.

Tracey's exciting Christmas

Christmas Eve


WoW! This is exciting!


Look what my siblings gave me!

Christmastime at the Sydney Temple

New statues next to the temple--at night






Timed picture of lights in front of Buckland House.


Scene next to Buckland House...leading to scenes of the story of the birth of Christ

Christmas displays on grounds near the temple

"The angel came in unto [Mary]." Luke 1:28; 3 Nephi 11:20-21


"Joseph, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife." Matt. 1:20-21; 1 Nephi 11:18


A decree from Caeser Agustus... Luke 2:1


Joseph went to Judaea with Mary. Luke 2:4-5; 1 Nephi 11:13-15


Mary brought forth her firstborn son. Luke 2:7; Alma 7:10

December events

Parramatta Family History Centre Christmas party--Couple in the distance, across from each other, are the directors. Garry and Diane Andrews are assisted in the centre by many non-member "librarians" who have served for 10-20 years each!


One "librarian" took the opportunity to visit with Tracey.


Christmas zone conference. Decorations, food preparation and serving were all done by a local ward. Notice tables decorated with red and white cloths, chairs covered, place settings with Christmas plates and goblets. Wonderful meal served, complete with traditional firecrackers at each place with a prize, a paper hat, and a riddle inside.

Aussie Views

Post office, post box, and truck


On back of many cars we see a big "P," -- "Provisional Driver!"


The speed limit signs (both sides of road) indicate 110!!! (That's km/hr, which is 66 mi/hr.)


"Elder Blue Tooth (an iguana?)" lives outside, next to Buckland House!


School children in uniform wait for light. Notice RED tree in distance!

Royal National Park, south of Sydney

Wendy McKnight and The Three Broughs








Thick with beautiful trees, as far as the eye can see

Beach on Tasman Sea

Dad and others arrive at the view spot


The beach as seen from the Sea Cliff Bridge


New Sea Cliff Bridge, completed in 2005, cost $49 million to build. You can walk or drive along the 1.2 kilometers of bridge around the sea cliff.


Picnic on the beach with fellow missionaries


Games on the beach; playing in the waves