Christmas with the Stuart Roffs

Individually the Stuart Roffs aren't that interesting so we are blogging as a collective.

We are all at the Manor for Christmas this year and for the first time in a long time we have a Christmas tree. The Jerry Garcia Christmas bauble will make a special appearance on the day. RIP Jerry. 

The fridge is getting a work out since we're all back, hence the note left by Marianne, which reads, "Don't stand there with the fridge door open!" 

Just under five months ago, our family grew by one. Josh is such a delight and seriously cute. We've included a video of Josh in his Jolly Jumper. You've never seen a happier kid. We are all amazed that Harry has turned out be such a good father. Really surprised. Although he did learn a very valuable lesson today: drinking beers for 12 hours and staying up late with Daniel is a bad idea with a five month old. He's not looking too good. Fortunately Vicky is more responsible. Together, they are natural parents and they've produced the most beautiful little person. 

Vicki and Josh will be heading to NZ for two months at the end of January. This will give Vicki an opportunity to spend time with her brother and sister in-law, Issac and Angela, who are expecting their first baby very soon. Barry and Alice will also be in NZ with the kids. Haz will visit for two weeks but will otherwise take the opportunity to do some renovations to their house in Brisbane. 

Marianne and Stuart have had a great year. They are thrilled to be grandparents and you have to beg Marianne to hand over Josh for a cuddle. They are thriving at the Manor and the grounds are looking spectacular. Their much loved rescue chickens had to be adopted out because they were digging up the neighbour's gardens. Apparently five acres wasn't enough for them. The neighbour offered to build a run but Marianne and Stuart couldn't bring themselves to contain their little free-spirited chickens. Coming home to the Manor is not the same as it used to be without Chloe Roff to greet you. Chloe is irreplaceable and very much missed. RIP little Chloe.  

 

In the middle of the year, Marianne and Stuart embarked on a three month odyssey through Europe. Bravely, they hired a car to travel around. Surprisingly, they are still married. When not in the car, they had an amazing time. Highlights included Bled Castle in Slovenia and 2-euro wine. They are planning their next three month trip to the US in late 2014. 

Daniel resigned from his job as a solicitor this year to sit his bar exams, which he surprisingly passed, so he will be a fully fledged Barrister as of May. It is disturbing, though, to know he models himself on Cleaver Greene. Aside from that, after a brief period of panic, he managed to get Tinder back on his phone and is now taking the dating world by storm. Although jobless and penniless, he is taking a different girl out each night. Sometimes the girl will even see him twice. Stuart is super proud and thrilled that his advice "Don't you ever let a chance go by" has been embraced so enthusiastically. 

With Marianne and Stuart away for three months this year, Alaine took the opportunity to have some time out from Sydney and look after Chloe and the Manor. She attempted to resign from her job to do this but her employers insisted she work and that she work from home if necessary. She was paid to sleep in and work in her pyjamas. Heaven. In their parent's absence, Alaine, Daniel and Milly hosted a Great Gatsby themed party at the Manor. Forty or so of their friends donned flappa dresses, feathers, suits and even a yellow car to make the night a huge success. No complaints from the neighbours! Wait, what neighbours? Alaine has now officially resigned from the job that let her work from home, which was her fourth resignation from that same job in six years, and will be starting with a new company in January. Although it is a great opportunity to advance her career, she will miss having a car and an office cat. 

Milly was accepted into Newcastle University at the start of the year to do a Bachelor of Arts. She's managed to fit in full time uni, part time work and a hectic social life this past year. Her results have been excellent and she has loved being back at Uni. Although life is good in Newcastle, Mil will potentially move to Melbourne early next year. The idea is that she would take over Annika's room while Annika is still in the Philippines. If you haven't been to this share house, you should visit. There are endless tea cups, tea pots, cushions, blankets and X-files DVDs. There is also a sweet veggie garden out the back. Not sure what Mil will do for work down there but she's had it, well, up to her teeth with teeth.

Half way through typing this, Jake, Kel, Lauchie and Maisie stopped in for a visit. Much fun!

Life is good. We wish you all a very merry Christmas, wherever and with whomever you may be celebrating.