Saturday, January 15, 2011

Brisbane Floods and Elmo is in the middle of it.

Hi Everyone

As many of you may be aware the south east of Queensland has recently had horrific flooding with many lives being lost and the destruction of property is of mammoth proportion. Words and the news can not show the damage that this huge amount of water has caused.  Whilst the water is now receding, the clean up and heartbreak begins for the people effected by the floods and in true Australian spirit people are out in force assisting those in their time of need.

I hear you all saying, what does this have to do with Elmo. Well, in Elmo's last post he said that he was going to visit Kimm to go for a ride in his Buick (not just any Buick but an Elmo red one!). Well I took Elmo out to Kimm's last Friday night (a week ago now) and never did I imagine what only 4 days later would bring.  Kimm lives in North Bovall in Ipswich, the second worst flood affected area in Ipswich. I said goodbye to Elmo with the promise that I would see him soon and to enjoy his time with Kimm. Tuesday night, the flood waters hit Kimm's house and Kimm had no choice but to evacuate. Unfortunately at this time, Elmo was left behind in his house. When I heard the news that Kimm's house had gone under, my heart broke for a man that just lost everything.

This is actually Kimm's street and his house is on the left at about the 6th street light. As you can see his house is clearly underwater along with everyone else in the street.

From this picture you can see that I really did fear that Elmo would be floating around in the house and possibly could not be saved. It was another 2 days before the water receded enough to allow anyone in to start the huge clean up mission.

From the end of the street .


Looking into Kimm's street after the water had gone down and people were allowed back into their house's to start the clean up. Kimm's house is on the right with green fence.



You can see the water line on the house. It was only at this stage that I felt that Elmo might be OK. I had left Elmo sitting on Kimm's couch and from the look of the water line I held hope that maybe Elmo hadn't gone all the way under.

I walked inside to find....

Elmo exactly where I had left him just 4 days prior. He was a little bit damp but safe and sound.


You can see the mass of destruction left by the water. It lifted everything up and dumped it where ever it wanted.


This kitchen after water has drained out.


All the rubbish was thrown out onto the street. Elmo took a seat on the couch that had saved him during the floods.


At the end of day 1, we all gathered for a group shot with Elmo. Whist Kimm has a long journey ahead of him to rebuild his home and life, he is surrounded by friends that will help him every step of the way.


I am please to report that Elmo is safe. Though I'm not sure about giving him back to Kimm for another chance at a ride in the Buick! (Eric you will have to wait for pictures of the car I'm sorry) Elmo can't handle that much excitement and well... neither can Lauren.

Elmo is going to take a rest for a while, dry out and just kick back.  More to come later

Love Lauren & Elmo

Elmo had a family day at the beach.

Hi Everyone

Elmo had a great time at the New Years Eve party and after resting for a day hit the beach at Hastings Point in New South Wales for a family fun day at the beach.

Elmo went with Lauren, her parents, and her 2 brothers and their families. It was a great day in the sun.


Setting up the shade tents.. Elmo didn't need to get any redder!

Elmo enjoyed a nectarine as part of his picnic lunch.


Elmo practiced his boogy boarding skills!


After all the running around on the beach Seth and Elmo head for a rest in the shade. Elmo doesn't have a dummy so Seth let Elmo suck his thumb!

Elmo climbed up the tree for a photo looking out to sea.

Elmo loves Emily, Sam and Seth being in the picture with Elmo.


Jack taught Elmo how to climb the tree!


Sam and Elmo enjoyed sitting in the tree telling each other stories.

Elmo went for a walk down onto the beach. Elmo had to be very careful because there was sharp oyster shells on the rocks.


Chloe, Sam, Emily, Elmo and Jack! All happy cousins!


Elmo was exhausted from all the fun on the beach that Elmo fell asleep in Emily's Dora chair.

Elmo had a great day with all of Lauren's family at the beach. Elmo is headed off to see Kimm next week and he is going to take Elmo for a drive in his Buick! Elmo is very excited about this and knows that Eric will be keen to read this post.

Love
Elmo
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Thursday, January 13, 2011

Elmo brings in the New Year at a fancy dress party!

Hi Everyone!

Well Elmo has been invited to a New Years Eve party at Rowan and Charmaine's. It is a fancy dress party so Elmo has decided to go as a Kentucky Wildcats player (courtesy of Eric).  Elmo had a great time meeting all sorts of wonderful people!

Elmo and Neal. Neal was a head  banger' (really just a reincarnation of him self from 10 years ago!)



Elmo and Princess Leia


Elmo got to snuggle up with a Spanish Senorita!!


Elmo met Dracula.. now he said he wouldn't sucks Elmo's blood.. but Elmo was still scared.


Oh No!! Dracula is going to suck Elmo's blood! HELP



The Fair Maiden and Pirate Wench saved Elmo from Dracula!


A Saloon Girl snuggled up with Elmo!


Amanda and John  help Elmo get into the party mood with these groovy glasses.



Elmo and Pharaoh Todd



Elmo thought it might be pretty cool to be a Jamaican for a bit!


Princess Leia Elmo!.

Elmo had a fantastic time seeing in the New Year with Lauren, Neal, Charmaine, Rowan and all their friends.

Elmo say Happy New Year and may 2011 bring you all much happiness and joy.

Love Elmo

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Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Elmo goes on holidays in a caravan!

Hi everyone

Elmo has been so busy doing different things that Elmo forgot to blog!

Well recently Elmo got to go away on  holidays with Delece and Victor to Yamba. They went in a caravan and took Elmo and their dog DJ along for the ride.



Elmo tested out the bed.. Yep Elmo thinks this will do!

Elmo and DJ relaxing in the bed after the long drive.

Elmo relaxed on the couch and read some magazines


Elmo played on this horse in the playground

And then Elmo tried out this donkey


And took a slide down the slippery slide



Elmo used all his muscles to climb up this net... boy Elmo thinks it was really hard.



Elmo is ready... Elmo isn't scared.. Elmo is ready to go woooossshhhh.


After all that playing in the playground Elmo needed to rest a bit by the pool.

And because it was a bit bright out, Elmo got to wear Delece's sunglasses.


Elmo ended the day back at the caravan reading his magazine in the afternoon sun.

Elmo had a great time at Yamba with Delece, Victor and DJ. Elmo says thank you so much for taking Elmo on holidays and letting Elmo spend time with you and your family. Elmo is going back to Lauren to spend Christmas and New Year before heading off travelling again.


Love
Elmo
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Sunday, December 5, 2010

Elmo goes go work with Kylie

Hi everyone!
Elmo said he would be back with more pics soon and look here Elmo is!
So Elmo go to go to work with Kylie a few times. Elmo doesn't know why Kylie wouldn't take him on the bus though!. Kylie works at a variety store in Sunnybank and Elmo got to meet lots and lots of people from all the other stores too.  First Elmo got to play with the flowers at the florist. Elmo can remember trying to be a florist when Elmo went to the Marriott with Rhonda.

Elmo is hiding. Can you see Elmo?

Elmo went to another store and Elmo got to serve the people. After all that hard work though Elmo decided to....


Go for a ride on a horse!


Look Chaundelle Elmo can ride just like you taught him!


Elmo found this big big tiger.. Elmo hopes it won't eat Elmo!


Kylie and her friend took Elmo for a walk after rescuing Elmo from the Tiger.


It was time to do some shopping!


Elmo wanted to go Trick or Treating for Halloween... so Elmo needed a costume. What do you think about this one??


Can you see Elmo??? Elmo is hiding.


Elmo goofing around at Kylie's work.


Kylie put Elmo in a cage! Elmo doesn't like being in a cage!!!


Elmo got to hide in all sorts of fun places at Kylie's work. Now Elmo is in the trash can!!



Elmo and Shrek got to play together.. Elmo thinks Shrek should find Fiona!



It's nearly Christmas so Elmo got into the spirit and dressed up with a wreath!


Elmo had fun looking at Kylie's work with Delece. Elmo thinks Kylie gets to have lots of fun each day.

Elmo enjoyed going to work but boy is Elmo tired from his big day. Elmo needs to go home and rest now because Elmo is off on holidays with Delece and Victor.

Elmo cant wait to tell you all about his holiday.


Love  Elmo
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