We chose to create a slideshow of pictures and few words on reflection of 2008 instead of writing the traditional Christmas letter. We hope that you enjoy seeing what happened in our life this year.

1. 2008 in review

2. We began 2008 with the marriage of Mark’s younger brother Daniel to Jessica in a lavender farm in Daylesford on a scorching summer day.

3. February saw us jet off to Fiji for another Nicholson wedding, this time Mark’s older brother Paul and Melina who were married on the beach just before sunset.

4. Mark worked in Sydney during the last part of February and the beginning of March. Caroline took the opportunity to visit Mark and also go to Taronga Zoo. We were also able to go on Easter Mission to Halls Gap to teach the meaning of Easter to children in caravan parks. What an awesome experience.

5. April brought the first of the Foster celebrations with Emily turning 21. We flew to Queensland to celebrate it with her and Mum and Dad.

6. May was not a good month for us, with Mark breaking both of his ankles in a parachute jump. After emergency surgery at the nearby hospital he was eventually flown to Melbourne 6 days after the accident and was home a week after that. Recovery has been slow and painful but we’re getting there….

7. Adjusting to life without working feet was tough at first but we made the most of each day and were able to slow down and catch up with friends from near and afar.

8. In July, Caroline experienced life as a soldier… well almost. We played paintball with friends from church and had an awesome time. Mark was resident photographer as he was still on crutches. We also welcomed our new furry friend Jasmine, into our family.

9. Another Foster birthday milestone saw us jet off to Queensland again, this time for Mum’s 60 th . This was celebrated by a surprise party thrown by her office and also a family dinner at Palazzo Versace.

10. Have we been married for one year already? Time certainly flies while you’re having fun. Mark took us back to Chatea u Yering, the place already full of so many memories. We enjoyed a beautiful dinner in fron t of a raging fire, sumptuous breakfast in our room and our first game of golf at a private course. Not had at all!

11. October was a month we spent with many friends from across Australia. Caroline went to the Tulip Festival in Melbourne with a friend from South Australia. Mark was able to secure musicians (and friends) from a large church in NSW who ran a workshop with the music team at our church.

12. Vivian Redford came to visit in November. Who is Vivian? He is Caroline’s Godfather who lives in Bermuda! After a slight hold up in LA (that’s a whole other story), he finally made it to Australia, 18 years since seeing Mum and Dad! As Mark was working in Sydney, Caroline few up for a weekend and had a great time catching up!

13. Mark performed his first Wedding Ceremony in December, marrying a couple he has known for many years. After a few nerves he flew through the service and we joined the Bride and Groom at their reception that evening