The pool got a work out yesterday

Ryan, Chelsea and Frank came over yesterday and we had a day in the pool. Everyone had a good time including myself. I am very sore from the workout, we were throwing balls back and forth in the pool. My shoulder hurts along with my elbow, wrist and hand. I think I used my legs aswell. By the end of the session, Ewan was doing somersaults into the pool, Chelsea was jumping in the deep end of the pool, only with floaties on, Alicia was also jumping in the deep end and Ryan did everything from diving, somersaults, and hand stands. Go figure, we have some waterbabies in the family.

The last of Christmas 2007

The Beach

The next time I suggest the beach for a family outing, remind me how crazy I am. I suppose it didn't help when Alicia was pushed over by a wave and then couldn't regain her balance. That was it for her, she wasn't going back in and because it was a little windy, it felt a little cold. Ewan on the other hand was having a lovely time with the boogie board and catching some waves. However the board is perished and broke in half after a couple of attempts. Mind you he was not too worried because he still could use half of it. We finished off with Brad making a boat in the sand and all was happy.

Christmas Day 2007

I thought Christmas Day was gonna be a little hectic but on the contrary it was great. It all started the night before as usual and Scotty and Brad only took about an hour to put the 10" trampoline up. Santa was busy putting rockets on the skateboard or should I say Mrs Claus.

Ewan woke us up at a reasonable hour, exclaiming that Santa had been and to come and look. We had to keep a little quiet because Miss Alicia hadn't woken as yet. Ewan opened all his presents from Santa and wanted to open ours and Alicia's too. In time they were opened and we had toys and stuff open all over the place. Brad made them check to see if Santa had actually been. We could tell because the biscuits had been eaten and the lemonade had almost been drunk. The reindeer also had a little water, they must have been thirsty. It was at this time that Alicia noticed the trampoline and started jumping up and down with excitement. It took Ewan a couple of seconds to notice what she was pointing at and then they were in full swing. The trampoline was a hit, especially with Alicia.

The kids got so many nice gifts and love playing with all of them especially the Baby Born, thanks Aunty Susy. Although this present does cause me to waste my time, putting nappies on and dressing it, Alicia loves it. The other thing that presents a challenge is finding a place to put everything.

Christmas with Phoenix, Scotty and Fona

We had a lovely visit from the Goodwins on Christmas Eve and we were also able to catch up with Phil and Barry. It was a nice night and it really helps that the kids get on so well. Its amazing really considering we get to Melbourne hardly ever. Phoenix had a good time and she and Alicia had the cuddle thing down pat. No they aren't wrestling though it does look that way.

Brad is at it again

We still haven't finished many many jobs on the house but Brad had/has decided to trash the laundry, so currently I am washing in the shed. I have given him 2 weeks to have it completed and I bet there is an excuse as to why it won't be. They did stumble on an issue and that would be where the pipes were located. So not only are they relaying the pipes for the laundry but also the bathroom. One positive note, Brad can sure demolish anything and everything quite quickly. Wish ME luck.

Christmas at Nonninas

We all converged onto Nonninas unit. There was, me, Brad, Ewan, Alicia, mum, dad, Frank, Susy, Ryan, Chelsea, Jennifer, Pat, Julianne, Jono and Jake. We all almost didn't fit but it was nice to catch up. I think Nonnina appreciated it. Families don't get smaller do they, they get bigger.

Christmas at Jans

Christmas at Jans nearly didn't happen again. We had rain and a lot of it. They live in the country and it floods quite easily. We still went because we wouldn't have been able to see them for a while. As it turns out the weather was fine and we had a great time.

Spiderman visited

Aunty Tash gave Ewan a spiderman web making arm for Christmas, Ewan tried it out on the fence, furniture, ground, air but thankfully outside.

Quote, "You are not gonna mess with me, coz, I've got the web"

Carols by Candlelight

This was our first carols by candlelight. The weather was luckily on our side and we had a lovely time. The kids were more interested on playing on the playground however their attention was not divided when Santa showed up on a fire engine!!! We did have tears, because Ewan didn't get a lolly from Santa and Alicia didn't want Santa to go. We can't be happy all the time.

Anyway, thanks for inviting us Aunty Tash, we had a good time.

Pretty Pepper

Pepper has had her hair cut and she looks 100% beautiful. I think she feels good too.

Rubber Face

Alicia and her rubber face. She finds it hard to smile naturally and if I remember rightly so did Ewan. Ewan can now smile but can't look at the camera. Hello....

Megan is down from Darwin

Its always cool to see Megan. We don't get to see her too often and usually she is the one that comes down. We were lucky enough to go and see her in her environment this year and she is down for Christmas. The first time in 4 years. I can't imagine working on Christmas day and or not seeing my family which is what happens with Megan. I have known Megan forever. We were little inspiring ballet dancers when we first met and we still have a connection that is unexplainable, basically everything that has happened to Megan, I know and visa versa. Its a great feeling to know someone that long and still have a great relationship.

Christmas lights are cool

Christmas lights are cool and so are decorations and they are even better all in one place. This particular house at Peterhead goes all out. He must have 1000's of decorations, statues, moving things, stationery things and lights. He has been collecting items for over 20 years and it looks it. There are too many things to see and there are a lot of people who view it. This is dedication.

We finally have it

It took effort and we pulled it off, just. Alicia, as you can tell wasn't completely happy about the whole event and I had to be in the photo which was slightly painful but we finally have it. The last time we had a semi complying Santa photo, Ewan was 3 months old, literally. We didn't get one last year, no point really and the year before that, Ewan screamed his little lungs out. Not pleasant. It would have been nice if Brad could also be in the photo, but he was working.

Babies all around us

Alicia has a tendency to position her babies and the pillows and rugs come in handy. So its baby accomodation in the lounge. No there will be no breakfast in bed, what do you think this is.

Question of the Day

Question of the day from Ewan:

"How does Pepper run so fast on those little stumpy legs?"

I couldn't respond, I was laughing so hard. Poor Peppie.

Spilt Milk

Who ever said, "Don't cry over spilt milk", obviously didn't have to clean it up off the floor. This was the sight of our devastation the other day. Ewan spilt the milk, I had just poured into his cup. When I asked how that happened (because I had only turned to put the milk back in the fridge) he said he was walking. Hence, can't do more than one thing at a time. Oh, its started already. Please help me.

I didn't rant or rave, I didn't get upset. What could I do, he looked remorseful enough. I only asked ever so politely to remove himself, so I could clean it up. Funnily enough, he doesn't move a muscle when he is drinking his milk now.

Wiggles for the last time

Wiggles concert here we come. It was our 4th Wiggles concert in a row and we are a little over it. Only Alicia went this year. Ewan grumbled so much last year, there was no way he was going this year. It was nice for Alicia to have two parents attention, even if only for a short time. Not that she got it, or cared but nevertheless we will remember. She had a great time and even sang a little. The surprise of the day was when Santa came down from stage and went around the centre, he ended up right in front of us. When he left she wasn't very happy, all she kept saying was, "Gone". I was scared she was gonna freak out and start screaming when he got near, but that wasn't the case at all.

Cameron was happy to be at the concert and kept pointing. I'm not sure what runs through their heads but they seem to have fun.

We arrived, watched the concert and left. No merchandise was purchased, I think we finally learnt. Alicia did scream about the toys when we went in but I managed to distract her. The Wiggles do put on a great show and its no wonder that parents want to take their kids there. Its jammed packed with entertainment and laughter. For the parents as well as kids.

Michael & Donnas Wedding

Wedding No 1 is down. Michael and Donna had their wedding last Saturday at Willunga. We weren't exactly sure if we would make it, considering we had Alicia's swimming at 9am and Ewan at a birthday party from 10-11.30 at Hungry Jacks. As it turns out we didn't leave Hungry Jacks until 12pm. I was peaking a little, its not like you can be late to a wedding, but luckily the southern Express way was in our favour, which meant we got there in approx 45 mins instead of an hour 20mins. A reasonable record of time.

Fun was had by all and Donna looked lovely. Andrew and Michael looked like the Blues bros and Uncle Billy looked like the master Blues Brother. It was nice to see them all dressed up. One highlight was Erin and her stomach. She is almost ready to have the baby and probably wishes it was already OUT.Frank looks a little under dressed because they couldn't attend the reception, they were previously booked up. Its that time of year I guess. But in all, we don't look too bad.

Clutz award

Get this kid into ballet quick. Alicia has this really bad habit of running without balance. Its almost like her little legs won't go as quick as her torso can go and hence she will trip over. Well the nice leisurely stroll to the playground and back with daddy turned into one of these events. I must say, she did a lovely job, mainly because she went for a gutser on the asphalt. Both knees coped the brunt. We were lucky not to have hands, elbows, chin and face involved though in saying that she does have good neck muscles. Probably strengthening from falling over so much. (according to the photo you could be mistaken for her head falling off)

Advent calendars

Advent calendars never occurred for me as a child, (did they have them in those days) and they haven't occurred in our house until this year.

I decided it was time I needed to teach my kids another thing, like countdown to Christmas. Why?????? I don't know. So I bought these advent calendars ages ago. Both of the kids picked their own and there the calendars sat awaiting December. Unfortunately December arrived and a few days in.....I remembered I had the calendars, so the kids had to make up for a couple of days. Yesterday I explained to Ewan and then Alicia what the whole concept was about and why and when etc. It didn't help that they had to eat 5 chocolates all on one day because I can just imagine what will happen tonight. Anyway....

The concept is explained and probably the care factor for the kids is really not there but its a fun thing to do and at least they are guaranteed one chocolate a day until Christmas. You have to be happy with that.

Ewan is going to school

Ewan had his last transition day on Wednesday. Which means the next time he goes to school will be the real deal. The hardest thing so far, is finding which lunch box would be best and what to put into it because he is a fussy little snacker. We did forget the hat the 2nd visit and had to go back home for it. Thankfully we weren't late. But on the whole, its been good. I have met a couple of other mums and some look familiar from child care. It shouldn't be too bad. I will let you know. He does look like a handsome devil in his uniform.

Child Care Xmas Party 2007

Its that time of year again, where you go to the CC Xmas party and listen to the kids sing Xmas songs, get their present (book) from Santa, watch the littlies cry as they are forced to get their book from Santa, eat the sausage sizzle and again not win anything in the raffle. Though one year we won the V-tech computer game (we where happy that year) I think the highlight of this evening is where we are going for tea afterwards. It has become a tradition, well we have done it 2 years in a row now. Something that I could definitely get used to. Carla really only has one more left, I unfortunately still have 2. Its not that we don't want to go, its just become a chore. I hope the kids like it. My two never sit in their respective classes (like good little children) and sing the songs word for word. But hey, I wouldn't expect that either. I'm just happy that the books we bought them have actually been read. Though in saying that, they have actually taken up the reading challenge of late. Better late than never.

Stephanie turned 21

I know I can't believe it either. Stephanie turned 21 at the end of November. For those of you who don't know Stephanie, she is Brads cousin. Currently in her last year of Uni, studying to become a nurse which she will be really good at. She likes all that blood and guts stuff. Sicko. But she is always genuinely interested in people as well.

Paul gave a lovely speech and showed visibly that he is very proud of who she has become. At some point you have to let your kids be who they are to become and hope that all your guidance has taught them right from wrong and to be confident in their decisions.

I look forward to seeing Stephanie grow further and become more confident in herself and take on the next challenge which is life.

Ryans Birthday lolly bags

Check out the latest from the wonderful world of b.e.a.t.creations

I thought Ryans bowling lolly bags turned out great. It didn't take that long to make and Susy supplied all the materials and voila. Another lolly bag to add to my repetoire.