Jack loses his first tooth!

One of the most exciting things that happened in Utah was that Jack lost his first tooth!  It was very wobbly before we left and he was getting really good at wobbling it himself (seeing as Lucy thought it was pretty cool and didn't mind giving it a go herself!).  Then one day it was hanging by a thread and Grandma Sue pulled it out (I just couldn't!) and bingo bango, we have our first tooth!  The tooth fairy was very fair and possibly keeping in mind the exchange rate, paid $1 in US and $1 in Australian dollars - then Grandma Sue threw in another $5. 

Our little boy is definitely growing up!

The Mullan Family trip to Utah USA

Back in May, my youngest host brother JR (from when I was an exchange student 19 years ago!!!) was getting married so Craig and I decided we would make the trek to Utah for the wedding and to see my host family again.  We thought long and hard about it and decided we should take these opportunities while Jack is still young and relatively easy to manage with us being able to lift him and transport him etc. 

 Jack absolutely loves any kind of transport and planes are no exception.  It took us 14 hours to get to LA with VAustralia (who were sensational) and the kids were awesome. 

It took us a bit to settle in to the change of time zone but we finally got there.  And one of the first exciting things that happened was that when Grandpa Len came up to meet us, he brought with him a surprise for Lucy and Jack - an esky full of snow from his house!  Lucy just loved it!!

And before we knew it, snow balls were flying and here's one headed straight for me!!

 Over the next week, Craig tried to hunt down a decent coffee - in the end he was trying to tell this coffee lady how to make a latte like we do!  It came complete with an umbrella - very funny!

 Grandma Sue and Lucy did some decorating of Lucy's new charm box

 And then it was time for the wedding!  JR & Tracy were kind enough to let Lucy be a flower girl, here she is below with her American cousins Sydney and Shelby!

 Lucy and Shelby hit it off and were almost inseparable - was lovely to see!

 Here's Jack and I with Shaun and Laura (my host sister) who are Sydney & Shelby's parents

 And Lucy trying out being a bride with JR!!

 My lovely host mum Sue - it is so wonderful having another mother as lovely as her!

 One of my best American 'mates'  and all around awesome chick from high school, Kiyo

Sue and her husband Len, a little more light hearted after the celebrations!

 We went swimming with Shelby and Sydney and Kiyo's daughter Aree

 Craig did a 3 mile fun run in Tremonton!

 Jay (my uncle, Sue's brother) took Lucy and Craig down to his pond to do some fishing.  He even had a skunk in a trap that he had caught - Lucy thought that was pretty cool!

 Uncle Clint (Sue's brother) took Lucy for a little ride in his tractor to feed the cows

 We had such a great time!

 We went to Salt Lake City and went to the Children's museum with Shannon (my host brother), his partner Kristy and their daughter Addie

This is the beautiful view from Sue's house - there was still some snow on the mountains and in the sunset, it just looks so amazing.  It feels so wonderful to me to have a second place to call home.  I'm so glad we went, we had the greatest time (although it went too quick) and hope we can see our American family again soon!  (All visitors welcome - so hurry and come visit us you guys!!)

Wonderful day for Jack (& our family!)

Back in March, our dear friends Katie Rae & her husband Jez along with Kate's parents and many other wonderful friends decided to organise a Lawn Bowls Day to fund raise some money for Jack.  Craig and I didn't really contribute to it at all other than to turn up on the day, only to be completely overwhelmed by not only the people they had managed to track down and invite but also the amount of effort and work they had put into it.  There was a silent auction, a game of lawn bowls and even a wine tasting competition along with a beautiful spread for lunch.  These amazing souls managed to raise just over $8,000 for Jack's needs and made us feel so incredibly loved!  It has meant that the last few pieces of equipment that Jack needed has been able to be purchased without having to beg and plead for funding and that his bank balance is looking quite healthy!!   Taking that financial pressure away is such a relief and knowing that friends that care so much for our little man took the time and effort to organise that for him is so heart warming.... I don't think I can truly put it in to words.  Thank you everyone who contributed - we will be forever grateful!!