Emmy's Big Adventure

Emily with her train ticket at the Union Club Hotel, Wagga Wagga.

So today was the day that Em finally went down to stay with Grandma and Poppy in Albury.  I am surprised that she was keen to go, she's a homebody and loves her own bed and room.  We had to go to Wagga so we decided to put her on the train there.  We drove up there and did a bit of shopping, got Em a new handbag and some sneakers, and had lunch at the lovely Union Club Hotel.  Then it was time to go to the station and put her on the train.  She has never travelled on the train by herself so it was quite a big deal, and she was really nervous poor thing.  Phill got on with her and stashed her little suitcase and we were relieved to see she was sat next to an elderly lady, Phill was on watch and if she had been next to some suspect man he was ready to have a word to the train staff to move her and look after her.  She looked so grown up as the train pulled away.  Yesterday I would have been glad to be rid of her but today I felt sad to see her go.  Like her dad, life is just more "interesting" with Emily around.  Josh was very sad, he kept asking her not to go.  She said that Grandma was so excited that she was coming that she couldn't let her down.  I was impressed with her kindness and maturity.  I wonder how long she'll last down there, she will be sleeping on the fold out lounge and I know they won't be letting her stay up all night and sleep most of the day like she does here.  But it's good she will be spending time with them, they won't be around forever and they love having her there. 
So off she went and we went back into town for more shopping.  I lay byed Em a surprise for her birthday, she knows what she is getting for her main present but I always like the kids to have a surprise as well on their birthdays and Christmas.  We got Josh a little glass desk for his room, and Daddy spoiled him and got him a musical keyboard.  He is doing music at school and they have formed a band and he's playing the keyboard.  I so miss having music in the house.  Both Katy and Emily had musical talent and were in the town band here when we lived here before.  And of course Katy had a stellar career in the town band in Gunnedah where the bandmaster declared her one his most talented students ever. 
We got some steaks and the doings for a Greek salad and made the long drive home, feeling that something (or someone) was missing.  I commented to Phill that I don't know what we will do when the kids finally leave home.  We've never been without at least one child, Kate was three when we met.  He agreed.
Josh is on a strong (adult dose) of antibiotics ahead of his surgery to remove part of the toenail.  Hope they work this time. 
We're going to get in and organise Em's room while she's away (again) and hope that by the time she gets home the school thing will be sorted and she can start her school year.  Finally.
And Therese if you're reading this, the new blog is an additional one, a food blog, I'll keep this one as well, I'm not sure of the other question you had re deleting blogs (don't delete mine!!!!)  You'll find my food blog on the sidebar here with my lists of my websites or go here .